Have You Ever Regretted Purging Your Closet?

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The seasons are changing, which means it's time to do seasonal wardrobe review. You may also be doing a closet purge as you go… so let's discuss: have you ever regretted purging your closet?

Readers had a great threadjack about this a while ago… we also got into this when we discussed recycling, selling, and donating work clothes.

What Clothes Do Readers Regret Purging?

I am horrible at purging my closet — in part because I still regret giving some things away when I was younger! Were they my size? No. Did they flatter me? Also no. But I still regret giving away things like the J.Crew wool dress and the silver leopard-print silk/wool Dana Buchman blazer.

I am trying to work on this resistance to decluttering clothes (says the woman who is holding on to the 5-sizes-too-small empire-waisted top I wore on my first date with my husband that would make me look positively pregnant right now)… I try to make sure I have pictures of me wearing the item, for example.

Some of the reasons readers regretted closet purges…

Return-To-Office Regret

One reader noted that she really regretted purging her work wardrobe as her employer forced a return to office.

 In particular, I had several beautiful blazers that made me feel very confident and only kept two of the solid color ones and none of the ones with cool patterns or cut. I have some issues with weight fluctuations and body image, so the thought of trying on work clothes right now is causing me no little amount of anxiety & frustration with the increased prices/reduced quality. I definitely regret that lack of foresight. I donated several pieces that were unique and I would have been happier to have them in my closet even if I only wore them once ever again.

I do not regret for a minute purging 1) clothes I will never realistically fit into ever again and 2) the “tier 2” clothing I kept around because I had paid too much for it or was totally wearable, just no longer my style/I didn’t feel good in.

Another woman pointed out that it can be an element of knowing what you have — she's rediscovered things in her closet that were more than 5 years old, didn't work when purchased, but she's happy to have now.

Confidence Clothing

A lot of readers echoed the sentiment that they regretted getting rid of clothes that made them feel confident, even if they were momentarily out of style or not a good fit for their current lifestyle. I do think modern decluttering culture can be a little unforgiving when you're looking at a piece that you love that fits in the space allotted.

Sure, you can find another blue blazer — but will you find that blue blazer that made you feel amazing? Readers repeatedly mentioned regretting the loss of “confidence clothing” more than trendy pieces.

Difficult-To-Replace Pieces (I.E., Keep The Comfortable Shoes!)

One woman said that after pandemic-era changes to her job and office, she figured she would be casual forever. But then she got an amazing opportunity that required her to speak frequently at industry events.

I weep for all the M.M.LaFleur and suiting I purged but more so for the frumpy but oh so comfortable shoes in my difficult 11w size. I would weigh how much to keep based on how easy or difficult it would be to replace, likelihood of career change, and how classic a piece is. A simple dark sheath isn’t going to go out of style the same way a lot of casual clothes would. But at some point you also need to have practical storage space.

Another reader agreed: “I definitely hear you on footwear – I wear a 10w and have foot, knee and hip problems, and refuse to give up the 2″ heels I tracked down awhile back that I can wear all day without pain.”

(On the flip side, I find that my feet have changed size over the years — yay pregnancy and aging — so I don't have any real regrets over getting rid of shoes… but then I haven't been really been a difficult size at any point.)

Size Fluctuations

If your size fluctuates, readers overwhelmingly recommended keeping at least a small backup wardrobe — especially favorite pieces that would be difficult or expensive to replace.

My $.02: keep at least two pairs of pants and any “I loved these” clothes.

(We've actually talked about the best weight fluctuation clothes and how to keep a work wardrobe when you're losing weight!)

Quality Decline

Another big regret from readers: quality decline. Many of us who've been shopping for more than a few years deeply regret the decline in quality. (There's a great Atlantic article [gift link] about this, Your Sweaters are Garbage — a lot of this can be traced back to 2005, when a decades-long trade agreement expired.)

Readers regretted getting rid of wool sweaters, lined pants, and other well-made pieces that are now difficult to replace without spending significantly more. If you've already gotten rid of something, though, I wouldn't second guess yourself too much now — but it might be something to think about if you're thrifting, or assessing an older family member's work wardrobe for a purge.

Various Tests Readers Have Used for Closet Purges

If you want closet cleanout tips, these are some of the best systems and tests readers have used for closet purges…

• The Hanger Test: turn all hangers backward and see what you actually wear.
• The Space Test: if your closet is overstuffed, something has to go.
• The Quality Test: many readers hold onto well-made classics even if trends shift.
• The Slow Recycling Test: quarantine pieces before donating them permanently.

Pieces Readers Said Were Worth Keeping

When reflecting on their work wardrobe purge, a number of themes came up for what they kept (or wish they had kept):

• comfortable shoes in hard-to-find sizes
• classic suiting
• quality blazers
• confidence pieces
• occasion-specific workwear

How about you, readers — how often do you purge your closet? What is your litmus test to know if you should purge something? Have you ever regretted purging things?