Looking to simplify your wardrobe but not sure where to start? Trust me, you’re not alone. Decluttering can be so overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to pair down a clothing collection that’s been years in the making. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 20 clothing items to declutter for a minimalist wardrobe. These are the pieces that have probably been collecting dust in the back of your closet for years and will be the easiest to let go of. By decluttering these items first, you’ll gain significant traction in your journey towards minimalism.
Below are the 20 clothing items to declutter for a minimalist wardrobe! Trust me, you won’t miss them.
1. Multipacks or Bundles
Before embracing minimalism, I was a big fan of buying clothing multipacks. Socks, underwear, tanks—you name it, I had it in bulk. It seemed like a steal, snagging so many items in one fell swoop.
But here’s the thing, those pieces simply didn’t hold up well. The reason? It was a combination of low-quality materials and my own lack of care.
I didn’t value them because I had so many. I’d wear the socks outside, even without shoes, inevitably ripping holes in them within weeks of purchasing. And as for the tanks, I’d thoughtlessly throw them in the dryer on high heat, not caring if they shrank.
If you can relate, it’s time to let go of those low-quality pieces that came as part of a bundle. And in the future, steer clear of those tempting bundles altogether. Instead, invest in high-quality pieces and you’ll find that it’s much more natural to give them the care they deserve.
2. Mismatched Socks
When it comes to building a minimalist wardrobe, every item counts. That’s why it’s crucial to declutter those mismatched socks lurking in the depths of your sock drawer. Not only do they create visual clutter, but they also add unnecessary decision making to your daily routine. Just imagine all the time you’ll save getting ready if you never have to decide which mismatched socks look the most similar?!
3. Worn-Out Clothing
Let go of clothing pieces that are heavily pilled and make you feel sloppy when you wear them. Your clothing should make you feel confident!
4. Duplicates
Before I downsized my wardrobe I was guilty of falling in love with a top and impulsively buying it in every color. But, what I realized was that even if I had 5 of the same top, I would always gravitate towards one and never wear the other ones. If you can relate, let go of those duplicate items that you never reach for.
5. Old Workwear
When it comes to building a minimalist wardrobe, it’s essential to let go of old workwear that no longer serves a purpose in your life. If you haven’t worked an office job in 20 years, there’s no reason to hold onto those pantsuits “just in case” you’ll need them someday. They belong to a different chapter of your life!
6. Cheaply Made Basics
The goal of a clothing basic is to be able to wear it often. However, cheaply made basics pose a problem as they tend to wear out quickly, lose their shape, and lack the necessary durability and quality to withstand the test of time. By decluttering these items, you make room for higher-quality pieces that you can confidently wear every day, without the constant worry of them falling apart.
7. Uncomfortable Shoes
Let’s stop pretending that beauty is pain, it’s not. Let go of shoes that pinch or hurt and hold onto the ones you enjoy wearing!
8. Ill-Fitting Clothes
Let go of clothing that no longer fits you or you don’t feel confident in. Most likely, you weren’t getting that much use out of it anyway!
9. Clothes That Don’t Align With Your Lifestyle
When curating a minimalist wardrobe, you’ll want to hold onto items that support your lifestyle. If you own several fancy dresses but never find yourself attending events, they’re probably not the best use of your closet space. On the flip side, if you lead a super active lifestyle, you may want to hold onto an extra pair of leggings or workout shorts. So, think about what items you actually wear day to day and let go of the items that clash with your lifestyle.
10. Outdated Formalwear
If you’re anything like me, you keep your least worn pieces in the back of your closet. So, take a peak into the darkest corner of your wardrobe to see if you’ve held onto any outdated formalwear. This could be a bridesmaid dress you only wore once (and never plan to wear again) or a dress you bought in the 90s (and should have kept in the 90s).
11. Clothes You Can’t Leave the House In
A minimalist wardrobe is about versatility. It’s about owning clothing pieces that can transition from day to night or be dressed up or down. So, if you own any pieces that are strictly reserved for “at home only” consider letting them go. Replace them with items that are casual but that you still feel comfortable wearing out of the house. By doing so, you can make the most out of what you have.
12. Accessories That Don’t Serve a Function
The essence of minimalism is about owning less and being intentional with what you have. So, why hold onto accessories that don’t add any practical value to your life when you can keep ones that do? For example, if you have a collection of hats but only one that provides protection from the sun, it makes sense to hold onto that one and let go of the others.
13. Clothes You Wouldn’t Buy Again
When decluttering your wardrobe, ask yourself if you’re holding onto clothing items simply because you already own them. If you’re on the fence about letting go of one of your dresses, imagine coming across it at a store and ask yourself honestly if you would buy it again. If not, it’s a clear indication that the item no longer aligns with your style or serves a purpose in your wardrobe. So, let it go!
Click here for 10 essential questions to ask yourself when decluttering your wardrobe.
14. Stretched-Out or Uncomfortable Undergarments
Don’t neglect your underwear drawer! I know it’s easy to justify holding onto hundreds of undergarments simply because they take up little space, but they still add unnecessary clutter. So, let go of any undergarments that are stretched out or uncomfortable. Yes, that includes the day of the week underwear you’ve had since high school.
In a minimalist wardrobe, you should aim to love every piece in your wardrobe, from your nice dresses to your undergarments.
15. Clothing With Stains or Irreparable Damage
I’m a big advocate for fixing or repairing clothing that is damaged before rebuying it. But sometimes, the damage is irreparable.
If you’ve been holding onto pieces hoping that you will repair them (but you know you never will) go ahead and let them go.
16. High Maintenance Clothing
Let go of clothing pieces that are high maintenance or have complicated care instructions. If you own pieces that you never wear because they require constant ironing or dry cleaning, replace them with pieces that you can wear daily without any fuss.
17. Items Gifted to You That You Never Really Liked
We’ve all been gifted something we never would have picked out ourselves. If those gifts were in the form of clothing pieces and are still hanging in your closet, let them go. Remember, it’s okay to say goodbye to items that don’t add value to your life so you can make room for ones that do.
18. Clothing With Tags Still Attached
If you have items in your wardrobe that still have the tags attached, it may be a sign that they aren’t the most wearable. Perhaps the item is trendier then you feel comfortable wearing, or just isn’t practical to wear day to day. The way I see it, if you didn’t have the urge to wear the item the week you bought it, you probably never will.
19. Clothing Items From Past Hobbies
Let go of clothing items from past hobbies or activities that you no longer engage in. They’re just taking up valuable closet space!
20. Clothing Items That Evoke Negative Memories or Emotions
Clothing items can hold memories, both positive and negative. If you’ve been holding onto an article of clothing that evokes negative memories or emotions, let it go. Sometimes, shedding material items that you associate with painful events can help you heal from the experience.
In Conclusion
So there you have it, 20 clothing items to declutter for a minimalist wardrobe. By decluttering these items first, you’ll be well on your way to curating a collection of clothing pieces that truly add value to your life.
Looking for more minimalist wardrobe tips? Click here for 12 Reasons Your Wardrobe Declutter Failed (& How to Fix It!) and click here for 10 Ways to Sample a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe (Before You Commit).
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