It’s year #3 for Closet Wrapped. Three years ago, I learned that the Hot or Cold Institute published research stating that consumers would need to limit themselves to five new garments per year stay with goals listed in the Paris Agreement. I take the New Year to reflect on purchases and set good guardrails for the coming year.
Let’s cut to the chase: I failed. I went over with 6 new garments this year. Almost all were worn 1 time, if at all. And the reasons I got them is quite frustrating.
I purchased only 1 of the 6 garments, a sweatshirt. My dog seemed tired for a little too long after her 6th chemo treatment. The vet said to bring her across the Cascades to get checked out. Assumed it would be a quick visit; ended up extending well into the night with a dire prognosis. My partner and I had dressed for the warm spring daytime temps and went to buy sweatshirts while our girl got some fluids and comfort meds to come home. It was my 6th new piece of the year, putting me over budget. I walked through Kohl’s questioning whether your dog dying was a good enough excuse to contribute to climate change and what layer might get utility in my wardrobe. I haven’t worn it since.
Two new pieces were corporate logo work swag. I wore each 1 time at a trade show. The company just announced new styles are being ordered for 2026. I asked about just using my current pieces – they’re still in new condition. No dice. So now I get to beg my manager to accommodate my rigid, self-imposed environmental goals.
Two new pieces came from ski event swag. One’s a Mons Royale wool balaclava that was a very great upgrade. It doesn’t get cold and wet the way as my Blackstrap ones. But now I have 2 other balaclavas I don’t really wear. The second item was an acrylic beanie (causes cancer and birth defects in garment workers). It is still unworn. I’m headed back to the same event next week and will add a note to the organizers to leave my swag bag empty.
One new piece was a college-branded hat from my mom. She purchased it ahead of my trip home. She did ask if I wanted it, but it’s never as easy to say no post-purchase. It doesn’t fit well and the Velcro gets stuck in my hair. It has not been worn.
There were some bright spots with overall consumption. I got 16 garments total (10 used), down from 18 in 2024 and 22 in 2023. About half of the used garments were event-based, like trade shows and weddings – adapting to smaller, niche gaps in my closet. Those included two pairs of dressy pants and two fall/winter cocktail dresses. They came back out for holiday events and are on the docket for banquets and work events early next year.
I feel a lot of contentment with my “core” wardrobe. I’ve had consistency working from home and living in Central WA for 2.5 years now. It feels good to feel content. I added a sun hoody, a Smartwool all season base layer, and a heavily worn puffer to my “home-yard-hike” staples. I also added a top, jeans, and shoes to my “bimonthly casual gathering” wardrobe.
A lot of the contented feelings come from major life changes and being on the go. I’ve been living out of a duffle bag since August, when my partner started a series of job trainings 2-3 hours from home. During the week, we drive west to short-term rentals. For the weekend, we drive home to sleep in our own bed. For ease, I wash and repack the same staples every week until the seasons change to justify a swap. Only 18 garments were on that packing list, total. It’s been a good lesson in how much clothing I don’t need and makes my “full” wardrobe feel novel and interesting.
As always, I’ve grouped my pieces. Hits are worn weekly and Moderates are 1-2x per month. In past years, my “Duds” were worn less than 1x per month, but in 2025, these are 1-time wears or never worn.
Stars are added for garments acquired new.
Hits: Worn weekly.
Moderates: Worn 1-2x per month
Misses: One hit wonders and never-worn
FemiGnarly 