How many clothes do I need? If you’re anything like me, you’ve asked yourself this while staring into an overstuffed closet stuffed with items you seldom wear.
We’re not alone in this-most Americans wear a measly 20% of their wardrobes.
While this dilemma ultimately led me to embrace a minimalist capsule wardrobe, your path may look different. Either way, the formula and the advice below will help you build a more intentional closet that suits your unique style.
Let’s begin!
HOW MANY CLOTHES DO YOU NEED?
Let’s be clear- the number of clothes varies based on individual preferences and lifestyle. A practical range is between 30 to 50 clothing items for a well-rounded wardrobe. Factors like daily activities, climate, and laundry will all influence this number. The formula below considers these factors to help you find a suitable range.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR WARDROBE SIZE
Before we get into the formula, let’s break down each piece. That way, you can get an accurate idea of how many clothing pieces you should own.
LIFESTYLE AND ACTIVITIES
Your daily escapades, job demands, and leisurely pursuits—each impact how many clothes you need in your closet.
For instance:
The bustling urbanite might dance between work blazers and cocktail dresses.
Psst. This business casual capsule wardrobe is just what you need.
The free spirit embracing nature may sway towards comfy outdoor gear and flowing boho dresses.
Love boho looks? Shop these brands like Free People as you build your closet.
CLIMATE AND SEASONALITY
Seasons change, and so should your wardrobe. If you live somewhere with four seasons, you’ll need more items in your closet than someone who has year-round sunshine.
Tips to avoid an overflowing closet:
Invest in pieces that transition smoothly between seasons.
Get pieces that you can easily layer.
LAUNDRY LOGISTICS
Now, the unsung hero – laundry. A key player in your style game.
Think about:
How often you do laundry- the more you do, the fewer pieces of clothing you need to own.
Minimalist Clothing Checklist
Here’s an example of a manageable closet with enough variety to keep outfits interesting.
Closet cleaning? Build a minimalist wardrobe in 7 days with this guide.
HOW TO FIND OUT HOW MANY CLOTHES YOU NEED
So much advice about how many clothes a woman should have in her wardrobe can be summarized in two words – it depends. While that’s true, it’s not actionable. So I put together this formula to help you pinpoint the range of clothing items you’ll need.
1. LIFESTYLE
Daily Activities: Consider your regular activities, job, and hobbies.
Assign a Score: On a scale of 1 to 4, how diverse is your lifestyle?
Example: I work from home but attend lots of social events so I sit in the middle with a score of 3.
2. CLIMATE
Local Weather: Think about how the climate affects your clothing choices.
Assign a Score: On a scale of 1 to 4, how much does the season influence your wardrobe?
Example: Living in DC, I experienced 4 distinct seasons, so I scored 4.
3. LAUNDRY
Washing Frequency: Evaluate how often you do laundry and the convenience of your setup.
Assign a Score: On a scale of 1 to 4, how easy is it for you to manage laundry?
Example: I do laundry once a week, which is quite convenient so I’ll give myself a 3.
4. STYLE PREFERENCES:
Personal Style: Consider your preferred style and how much variety you like.
Assign a Score: On a scale of 1 to 4, how eclectic is your fashion taste?
Example: I prefer timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched so I give a score of 2.
5. SUSTAINABILITY:
Sustainability Goals: Think about your commitment to eco-friendly clothing practices.
Assign a Score: On a scale of 1 to 4, how important is sustainability to you?
Example: I am embracing more sustainable practices, including secondhand shopping and clothing rentals, but am not exclusively shopping sustainable brands. So I give a score of 3.
Seeking sustainability? Browse this ethical capsule wardrobe for inspo.
CALCULATE YOUR WARDROBE QUOTIENT (WQ):
Now take your numbers from each category, and add them up to get your Wardrobe Quotient (WQ) aka the amount of clothing that you should own.
- WQ < 15: Minimalist – Focus on essentials | 15-30 pieces
- 15 ≤ WQ ≤ 20: Balanced – Variety for various needs | 40-60 pieces
- WQ > 20: Extensive – Considerable closet flexibility | 70-100 pieces
Example: WQ=3+3+4+2+3=15
I fall into the Balanced Wardrobe category meaning I would do best with 40-60 pieces in my closet. However, I supplement my closet with clothing rentals so I may keep fewer items in my core rotation.
Minimalist Wardrobe – 20-30 pieces of versatile basics
Balanced Wardrobe – 40-60 pieces covering various styles
Extensive Wardrobe – 70-100 or more for diverse choices
Use this wardrobe checklist for small, medium, and large closets.
HOW MUCH CLOTHING SHOULD YOU HAVE IN EACH CATEGORY?
So you’ve calculated your range of clothing. But what about each piece? If you’re wondering how many shirts should I own, do I really need 17 pairs of leggings, or what’s an appropriate number of shoes, keep reading.
HOW MANY SHIRTS DO I NEED?
Let’s talk tops, the stars of your daily ensemble. For a fabulous wardrobe, add
- Professional: If your job demands a formal dress code, aim for a range of 5 to 10 shirts, ensuring you have enough to rotate through the workweek.
- Casual: For everyday casual wear, a range of 5 to 15 shirts is ideal. This allows for variety and accommodates your laundry frequency.
- Occasion: Consider having 3 to 5 shirts suitable for social events or special occasions. Having a mix for different dress codes is practical.
Simplify your work attire with this work capsule wardrobe.
HOW MANY BOTTOMS DO I NEED?
Pants, skirts, and shorts are essential. But how many do you really need?
- Work: For a professional setting, aim for 5 to 10 work-appropriate bottoms to cover a full workweek.
- Casual: Maintain a range of 7 to 10 casual bottoms for everyday wear, providing variety.
- Versatile: Invest in 3 to 8 versatile bottoms that can be easily mixed and matched with various tops.
HOW MANY SHOES DO I NEED?
Now, let’s tread into the world of footwear, shall we? Read this shoe capsule wardrobe if you want specific chic shoe ideas.
- Everyday: Depending on your daily activities, aim for 2 to 3 pairs of everyday shoes. This could include sneakers, flats, or casual loafers.
- Work: If your job demands specific footwear, having 2 to 4 comfortable and appropriate pairs is advisable.
- Occasion: Maintain 1 to 3 pairs of shoes suitable for formal events or special occasions.
SIMPLIFY YOUR CLOSET WITH A CAPSULE WARDROBE
You know how many clothes you need. Now what? Might I suggest the humble capsule wardrobe?
In case you haven’t heard, a capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully selected group of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create lots of outfits.
In essence, it’s about quality over quantity, ensuring that each item serves a purpose and aligns with your personal style. The goal? To simplify your life, elevate your style, and contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion.
If you’re interested, I have plenty more to help you along:
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe You’ll Actually Wear
An Affordable Capsule Wardrobe That’s Still High Quality
Capsule Wardrobe Checklist for Small, Medium, & Large Closets
Read those or pop around the blog for other helpful capsule content!
CLOSET FAQS
If you realize that you have way too many clothes, the next step is to declutter. Here are some options:
The KonMari Method: Spark Joy
Channel your inner Marie Kondo. Hold each item and ask, “Does this spark joy?” If not, it’s time to bid adieu.
Seasonal Sorting
Divide and conquer by organizing your clothes seasonally. This way, you’ll have a clearer view of what you’re working with.
Six-Month Rule
If you haven’t worn it in the last six months, chances are you won’t. Be ruthless – out it goes!
The Hanger Trick
Face all your hangers one way. After wearing an item, flip the hanger. After a few months, donate what remains untouched.
Capsule Wardrobe Experiment
Try a capsule wardrobe for a month. If you don’t miss the sidelined pieces, it’s time to part ways.
One-In, One-Out Rule
Implement a strict policy – for every new item, an old one must go. It keeps your collection in check.
Shoe and Accessories Audit
Apply the declutter drill to shoes and accessories. Bid farewell to the worn-out and uncomfortable.
Remember, the goal is not just decluttering; it’s curating a closet that reflects your style and elevates your looks. Happy decluttering!
Here are common signs of an overstuffed and underutilized closet:
- You find choosing an outfit overwhelming due to too many options.
- You have to do excessive laundry or face massive laundry piles each week.
- Your closet is overflowing, with clothes tightly packed or spilling onto the floor.
- You often find unworn clothes or pieces you’ve forgotten about.
