Ever found yourself staring at an overflowing closet, thinking, “I have way too many clothes!” but then not knowing where to start? You’re not alone! As a former shopaholic, I completely understand the struggle. At one point, I owned over a hundred pairs of shoes and even converted my spare room into a makeshift closet. I had stacks of clothes I never wore—many still with the tags on!
But now, I’ve shifted to a minimalist wardrobe, and I can confidently say that sometimes less really is more. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your clothes and want to make a change, here are some tips to help you get started.
How Many Clothes Is Too Many?
As a minimalist, I know many people assume I’d say something like, “You should only own 30 pieces of clothing”—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “How many clothes are too many?” Everyone’s needs are different, based on lifestyle, environment, values, and priorities.
For instance, as a mom of young, messy kids, I need more clothes on hand for frequent changes and washes. Owning less right now would mean constantly stressing over laundry or running out of clean clothes.
Rewind a few years, though—when I was living solo in a studio apartment with no kids, I needed far fewer clothes. More items would’ve just taken up space, and I could wear things multiple times before washing (no sticky hands or spills in sight!).
The bottom line? What’s enough for you might be too much for someone else, or not enough for another. So don’t stress about finding a magic number. Just focus on what truly serves your lifestyle right now.
Signs You Have Too Many Clothes
A more helpful question to ask is: “Is the cost of keeping all these clothes greater than the value they bring to my life?”
Consider the impact your wardrobe has on you:
- Does an overflowing closet cause you stress?
- Do you have trouble finding what you need?
- Do you feel sad or guilty about items you never wear?
- Does getting dressed take longer than it should?
If you’re nodding along, these may be signs that it’s time to let go of some items and create a wardrobe that truly supports you.
How To Decide What Clothes to Keep?
So, once you’ve decided to pare down your clothes, how do you choose what to keep?
Start by clearing out the easy stuff: damaged or worn-out pieces. Many areas offer textile recycling options, so consider recycling rather than donating items a thrift store might not be able to use.
Next, focus on identifying your personal style. There’s no need to label it or hunt through Pinterest for ideas. Instead, get curious about what you already own. What do you love wearing? What rarely sees the light of day? Notice patterns in fit, fabric, colors, and shapes. These choices reflect your style—even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a category or trendy term.
Embrace these insights to guide your decisions. Instead of haphazardly tossing items, be intentional about curating a wardrobe that truly resonates with you.
“I Have Too Many Clothes But I Like Them All!”
This is a question I hear a lot—many people struggle with having too many clothes yet feel stuck because they like everything they own.
If that sounds familiar, start by asking yourself an honest question: Are you actually wearing all of your clothes?
If the answer is no, here’s a tough truth: you might not love them all—at least, not on you. It’s a lesson that took me a while to grasp. You can admire a style on others or pin it on Pinterest, but that doesn’t mean it suits you or feels right when you wear it.
Your clothes spending most of their time hidden in the back of your closet is telling. Maybe the fit isn’t flattering, the color doesn’t complement your complexion, or the hemline isn’t comfortable. Deep down, you might already know this, but it can feel easier to say “I love all my clothes” than to admit they don’t work for you or that tastes and needs have shifted. Facing these truths is the first step toward letting go.
But what if you do love and wear everything?
In that case, consider why you want to downsize. Are you short on closet space? Feeling overwhelmed by too many options? Pinpointing your motivation will help guide your decisions.
Then, compare the satisfaction of achieving these goals with the discomfort of parting with a few special pieces. While it’s not always easy, sometimes letting go of a few items can help you create the space, simplicity, and joy you’re truly after.
“I Keep Buying Too Many Clothes…”
Decluttering is a great first step, but the real solution is to manage what’s coming in. If shopping is part of the issue, then focusing on your buying habits can make a lasting difference.
If this resonates, here are some blog posts that might help:
- 4 Reasons Why You Can’t Stop Shopping + What To Do About It — Do you find yourself always buying new clothes or unable to resist a deal? This post dives into the reasons behind impulsive shopping and offers tips for changing your habits.
- How to Stop Online Shopping (Tips From a Former Shopaholic) — Is your closet overflowing because of online shopping? Check out this post before clicking “add to cart” again.
- How to Stop Buying Clothes You Never Wear — The average person wears only 20% of their closet. If you’ve got plenty of unworn items, this post offers strategies to break the cycle.
- 7 Signs You Have a Shopping Problem + What To Do About It — Frequent buyer’s remorse is just one sign of a shopping habit. Read about six more signs and actionable steps to take control.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Number of Clothes
Decluttering is a fantastic way to make space in your closet, but you can also ease into owning fewer clothes and simplifying your wardrobe with a few fun approaches:
- Project 333 — This minimalist fashion experiment involves dressing with 33 items for 3 months. It’s a great way to “test drive” a pared-down wardrobe without committing to a full overhaul.
- Try a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe — Instead of simply decluttering, create a capsule wardrobe, a streamlined collection of items that mix and match easily. This step-by-step guide helps you build a versatile wardrobe you’ll love.
- Experiment with a Personal Uniform — If you’re overwhelmed by choices, a personal uniform can simplify getting dressed. For anyone who feels pressured to constantly change outfits, this approach can bring ease and consistency.
Do you feel like you have too many clothes? What’s the hardest part about letting go?
conclusion
In the end, simplifying your wardrobe is about finding what works best for you. Decluttering, experimenting with capsule wardrobes, or trying a minimalist project can all help you build a collection of clothing that truly adds value to your life. Remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach—just a journey to creating a wardrobe that reflects your style, supports your lifestyle, and brings you joy without overwhelming you. Embrace the process, and you’ll find yourself with a closet that feels lighter, more intentional, and easier to manage.
