What? Yes, you read that right, and yes we do exist! There are minimalists out there with no capsule wardrobe. And I’m not ashamed to say I’m one of them!
Today I want to talk about minimalism, the capsule wardrobe, and why I find the concept a bit, well… problematic.
I have nothing against capsule wardrobes, and would likely utilize a mini capsule wardrobe if I were currently employed full-time.
But I’m not. And after donating so many clothes and decluttering to what seemed no end I don’t see the point. My existing wardrobe consists mostly of clothes I love to wear and wear often. I see no need to upend the system to make sure everything coordinates.
I’m simply not interested in creating a new wardrobe in a set color scheme. This is one concept of minimalism I just can’t get behind.
Although, if you looked at my wardrobe today, you might think I’ve built it around the color purple. Which, yes, that might be fair.
That’s okay though; I get to have the wardrobe I can love and afford and still keep my minimalist card! And you can too. It’s my favorite color, why wouldn’t my wardrobe reflect that?
Minimalism is about cutting out what you don’t use and love to make room for what you do. Period. Nowhere in there does it require you to spend money on a sleek new capsule wardrobe.
NO CAPSULE WARDROBE: SUSTAINABILITY & MINIMALISM
In addition to not requiring me to spend money (that I don’t have), minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainability.
And the most sustainable wardrobe is the one you ALREADY own. So I plan to take care of the clothes I own and just fill in any gaps as needed.
I shop second-hand, but with a list of items needed. IF it doesn’t fit, isn’t in great condition, or doesn’t fill a wardrobe need I don’t buy it. Even if it is just $5. That $5 item might create a new hole in your wardrobe if it doesn’t coordinate with anything.
This isn’t the first post in which I’ve mentioned second-hand shopping. And that is because it is such a great concept! If you have clothes in good shape you don’t or can’t wear anymore, simply resell, donate, or pass them on.
You can go to thrift stores or resale shops and get great deals on like-new clothing for a fraction of the cost. It sounds great from a budget standpoint.
BUT WHAT ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?
Did you know that according to this interesting water facts sheet it takes 1,800 gallons to make one pair of jeans? One pair! Now think about how many pairs of jeans you have in your closet.
How many pairs were in the store you bought those jeans… And what happens when you outgrow them or wear them out?
If you’re like most people, you throw them away. You might even donate them in poor condition without a second thought. That’s a lot of waste.
Fashion accounts for up to 10% of the global carbon dioxide output… It also accounts for a fifth of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally each year.
Bloomberg
Check out the above-referenced article from Bloomberg; you’d be surprised how much just plastic you’re wearing.
Looking at the brands mentioned in the article makes me think of all the blogs and social media promotions. If you paid $4.95 for something new you CAN’T possibly assume it is of decent quality or ethically produced.
A quick Google search on liveable wages and the fashion industry can provide quite a bit of insight. The top search result will tell you just how big a problem this is.
NO CAPSULE WARDROBE? NO PROBLEM.
I will concede that a well-thought-out sustainable wardrobe that is achieved over time by a minimalist might look somewhat capsule-ish. But my problem here is the concept that your wardrobe should include only a set number of items.
Minimalism is quality over quantity. There’s nothing minimalistic or sustainable about replacing your entire wardrobe to fit the ideal capsule wardrobe.
Going forward, instead of focusing on a capsule, I will
- purchase fewer fast-fashion items
- take better care of my current wardrobe
- purchase high-quality clothing second hand
- take care to avoid creating new holes in my wardrobe when I do shop
What are your thoughts? Do you have a capsule wardrobe? Have you tried to curate one?
This is such great info. I haven’t done a capsule wardrobe before but would like to start one!
I’m working towards a capsule wardrobe so I appreciate the inspiration! Thanks for sharing.