3 Ways a Capsule Wardrobe Saves: Time, Money, and the Environment
In recent years, capsule wardrobes (~30 to 60 pieces of clothing) have become popular as more people begin to embrace minimalism and anti-consumption. I decided to create a capsule wardrobe after my mother-in-law said she was going to be doing “Project 333,” which challenges participants to wear the same 33 articles of clothing for three months. My mother-in-law, her two long-time friends, and I thus embarked on a 90-day challenge to live with less clothing.
The motivations for undertaking Project 333 varied among our group of four, from decluttering to creating a cohesive style to overcoming decision fatigue. One of the things I most enjoyed about the challenge was our regular conversations about the spillover effects of having a smaller wardrobe. In addition to making getting dressed in the morning more straightforward (less choices!), we learned that capsule wardrobes help people save money, time, and the environment:
1. Save Money by Stopping Impulse Buys
It’s easy to buy something simply because we like it in that moment, rather than because we have a real need for an item. When creating our capsule wardrobes, each of us realized we have a natural proclivity towards collecting certain types of items (for me: cardigans). As a result of this realization, I knew that I needed to avoid buying more cardigans for the foreseeable future, despite my innate desire for novelty. Rather than buying something for the sake of having something new, we had to consider: 1) whether we really needed that item and 2) whether it worked with our existing clothing items.
Most of the time when I saw something I liked at an online store, I realized I was answering “no” to both of those propositions. While I’ve never been a huge shopper to begin with, having a capsule wardrobe decreased the impulse buys that would have sneaked into my life otherwise. As a result, I saved money in the moment by not purchasing an item that didn’t actually suit my long-term needs. In addition, for those items I did purchase, I made sure they were a fit with my lifestyle, as well as the rest of my wardrobe. In doing so, I saved myself money in the future because I won’t be “on the hunt” for a replacement anytime in the near term.
2. Save the Environment by Wearing What You Have and Buying Used
We are learning more and more every day about the negative impacts of the clothing industry, from water pollution to labor exploitation. The best thing you can do for fellow humans and the environment is use the items you already own for as long as possible; thrift if you need to replace items; and, as a last resort, purchase new items from environmentally-conscious companies that engage in fair labor practices.
When creating a capsule wardrobe for the first time, most people begin by identifying 30–60 items in their closet that they love and regularly wear. The most responsible way to approach a capsule wardrobe is not to go out and buy a completely new set of clothes, but rather to work with what you have and gradually fill in any gaps over time. You’ll likely wear each item in your small wardrobe on a very regular basis, so you want everything to hold up despite numerous washings. As clothing wears out, you can replace each piece with items that will also stand the test of time.
One of the best (and most ethical) ways to do that? Thrifting. Second-hand clothes have already proven their quality. Have you ever gotten a new sweater, worn it once and then washed it, and immediately noticed it start to pill? This is easily avoided with thrifting, as you can assume that most items have already been worn and washed many times over. Thrifting makes it far easier to identify how items will look as they age since they’ve already begun that process. Thrifting also means you are helping lessening demand for brand-new products that take hundreds of gallons of water to create.
Another option frequently discussed in the realm of the capsule wardrobe is buying “high quality basics” from certain companies. Buyer beware: as consumers have become more versed in the negative impacts of the clothing industry, companies have gotten better at marketing themselves as environmentally-friendly, humane, and quality-focused, whether or not they actually are (AKA greenwashing). You may find yourself looking at their clothing and thinking “Wow, a $60 t-shirt, that’s got to last forever, right?” Maybe. Maybe not.
For companies who really are practicing what they preach, much of the increased cost for these items is due to better labor practices and sourcing of material — not necessarily higher-quality construction. Please do support these companies if you’re able to afford it, as doing so reduces labor exploitation, but just know that you are not necessarily buying an item that is higher quality than a $10 t-shirt. And do your research. Despite what they may say, not all companies are as ethical as their branding may lead you to believe.
3. Save Time by Not Shopping for Pleasure
Once you’ve finished creating your capsule wardrobe, you likely won’t need to shop for a while. You’ve already cultivated your personal style and identified the items required to meet your needs on a day-to-day basis. As a result, you may find your desire to shop decrease. Where’s the thrill of the hunt if you know you’re not going to buy anything? Now, instead of shopping you can spend the time saved on engaging in your hobbies.
The great news is that you can find new ways to creatively express yourself through clothing choices without purchasing new items. When I find myself in a rut with my clothing (read: bored), I enjoy spending an hour or so on the weekend mixing and matching unique combinations of clothes I already have. Many of the combinations end up being unwearable, but I’ve found a couple tried-and-true outfits through this method of exploration. In approaching your clothes in such a way, you get to itch your scratch for novelty that everyone has, all while expressing your individuality — a far more satisfying undertaking than simple consumption!
Conclusion
After the three months of “Project 333” ended, I was excited to continue enjoying the benefits of a smaller capsule wardrobe. While I haven’t stuck with a strict 33 items, I have enjoyed keeping my closet full with ~50 regularly-worn items of clothing. I know now that I can successfully express myself with fewer pieces of clothing, all while helping reduce negative impacts on the environment and other people. In addition, I’ve found a newfound curiosity and inspiration with my clothing, realizing that there are infinite combinations of outfits I can create with my existing wardrobe. Rather than relying on shopping for novelty, I “shop” my closet for new permutations of items I already have — saving time, money, and the earth in the process!
