74 – 85 garments are considered “a very generous allocation” to a wardrobe according to Dr. Lewis Akenji from the ‘Hot or Cool Institute’. This is about half of what the average American actually carries in their closet.
Statistically, the average US person buys 53 items of new clothing every year. This is this four-times up from the year 2000; it also means that we buy much more than we actually need.
As a result, Americans throw out around 17 Million tons of clothing and textiles every year; equalling 81.5 pounds per person, or 2,150 pieces every second.
Stop.
Stop buying fast fashion pieces. We don’t wear even 50% of what we own. Start sorting through what you got. If you have to buy something new, choose sustainability and quality. Consider buying 2nd hand, and resell or repurpose instead of putting garments to landfill.
Finally, build your personal capsule wardrobe – fewer pieces that fit your style and create more outfits with less.