I hate how people are also told to not wear an outfit more than once. It drives me mad when my wife says she needs a new dress for every wedding or dinner party we get invited to.

As someone who makes a lot of clothes and tries to go for quality, here's a bunch of random tricks I've learned. - do check seams and fabric quality when buying clothes. Wobbly hems, long stitch lengths, and loose threads are bad news. - if you're hard on your clothes but want them to last, cotton and its heavier variants are your friend. - the more plastic in your fabric, the worse it'll feel, the shorter it'll last, and the cheaper it'll look. (Some stretch can be nice, but if it feels like plastic it's bad) - high quality staples make everything look good. My preferences are a killer wool coat and some well fitting dark jeans. - tailors are amazing. Getting small alterations are usually quite affordable (sometimes just $10) and always make the garment look more expensive. - if you have the time, an iron and/or a steamer elevates clothes both cheap and expensive. A steamed $10 button up is nicer than a wrinkly $100 one. - having a goal in mind for your wardrobe increases wears per garment and helps fight impulse purchases. It could be a color pallet, an aesthetic, a job, a personal rule, etc. - some really basic sewing and fabric modification skills can go a long way. Switch out some buttons when you're bored, dye a shirt darker when you can't get a stain out, attach some buttons to the inside of your pants for fancy suspenders, etc. - when clothes are really beyond hope, hack them up. Free stuffing and towels.

68 items a year, that's an insane average. I thought my sister was crazy.

This is wild to me. I easily gets hundreds of "wears" out of a $10 polo. Same with $20 jeans. I do feel like I've been going through socks like crazy though...

I'm a cheap bastard and I still wear many Polo shirts that I bought way back in 2000-2003 that I have worn 100's of times that actually still look pretty danged good for their age.

One more cent: wash your clothes delicate and hang dry if you can. Dryers are terrible for your clothes. My clothes used to last months and now they last a few years and still look great!

The real question is: how do you even find high quality items anymore when every brand is cutting as many corners as they can?

Everything you say makes perfect sense. If you’re going to spend $2000 a year on clothes, buy the good stuff. I’d rather have one awesome designer bag than 30 cheap plastic ones. BUT we don’t think like that when we shop. It’s death by 1000 cuts. We think” oh this bag is only $20, that’s nothing, what’s the harm in buying it” and all those $20, $10, $5 you make because you had a bad day and want a pick-me-up and a dopamine hit add up. And suddenly u realise youve spent thousands on absolute crapola. I’m a recovering shopaholic, can you tell??😂

I've bought my clothes from thrift shops almost exclusively for years. The problem is that nowadays they're filled with cheaply produced clothes that are already falling apart. You really have to dig through so much trash to find something worth buying.

Seems perfect with timing. I usually hate and don't care to spend money on clothes, but after loosing about 50 lbs since last year, I recently had to actually go shop for new shorts just to get something to fit for the warm weather again lol. Felt like a lot just buying 4 shorts and some new underwear, but now I don't feel as bad seeing some of those averages.

The concept of throwing away clothes is so bizzare to me. In Asian household, we wear clothes until its torn and fall apart and then we don't throw them away. We use it as cleaning rag until the fabric disintegrate

1,700 per year?!?! 68 new items a year!?!?! Who are these pople? Last year I bought 3! A new hoodie and 2 pairs of jeans because my old jeans literally all had holes in them in awkward places.

Wow, I'm so behind the times... I'm not sure I even own 68 articles of clothing total.

The average American is buying *68pieces* of clothing a year?? Who else was shocked by this fact 🙋‍♀

As soon as I sewed my first garment by myself, I immediately upped my value for clothes. A shirt I made myself took ~10 hours for something I would’ve spent 18 bucks on at target. Really puts into perspective how this industry is killing the workers.

The expensive clothes are made with the similar quality as the cheap cloths. Sometimes the cheap clothes have a higher quality than the expensive cloths. The prices are based on consumer confidence and not product quality

I'm not sure if this is an American thing, but I've never had a piece of clothing that lasted less than like 3 years, except shoes and some socks. Most of my clothes are probably 5-8 years old (some second-hand) and still look totally normal, even without ironing or any special care. I gave away even older stuff, which was still in a good state. I don't wear expensive clothes either. I usually go buy new shoes, and maybe something else that is nice, twice a year. I get new socks for christmas and I don't really need anything else.

This past year, I learned how to start sewing my own clothes, and it's actually helped me buy less clothes in stores, because I see something and think, I could probably make that for a lower cost and more sustainability (granted, there's a lot of things I can't make yet). Plus I usually thrift bedsheets or curtains to use as fabric since I can get a lot more of it than if I bought it at a craft store. It's also helped me really appreciate the time and skills that go into making good quality clothes, and on the rare occasion I do buy something new, I'm more likely to spend more money for a higher-quality item.

Nuance here. I like they mention some basics like cost per wear but quality, price, and usage are all things to compare and balance. Fast fashion for "business attire" I can wear my H&M or Uniqlo shirts every day for years (low quality, low price, high usage). I always avoid luxury/designer brands because quality can vary and maybe those pieces are saved for special occasions (? quality, high price, low usage). There must be some internet graph that maps out retailers according to these factors. Like I wish they did for clothes what America's Test Kitchen does for kitchen stuff or Project Farm does for tools and garage stuff.

I love yall so much. Don't let the comments change your hair, you rock your style. Also it's pronounced she-in. Like she in style. It's like their whole thing. I have very much lived this episode. Bought shirts or dresses for "cheap" and they fall apart by the end of the year. As always great video

I almost never buy clothes at all and it's usually just to replace socks and stuff like that bc when I was a teenager at boarding school we had to pay for the laundry service and my mom discovered it was actually cheaper for me to get new clothes instead! Now I wear things till they fall apart and then some because I wound up having to throw away so many pieces I'd really loved. I also found my style and when the company that made the clothes I loved most went out of business I bought as much as I could and have been getting them repaired or altered for a similar price to replacing it with a fast fashion item. Learning how to reattach embroidery so I can repair a handful hanging up in my closet now actually. If you're really into fast fashion I recommend going a month with having to throw away clothes instead of washing it if other methods haven't helped you stop buying it. It'll really help you appreciate having things that last when you're throwing away your favorite new top because it's gotten too wrinkled to keep wearing after just one use.

It also make me feel bless to have a too curvy body. Nearly everything I own needed to be altered or completely handmade, but it forced me to be sparing with my clothes. I only really buy new clothes when it time to ^donate* the old ones. And trust me, you only need one or two outfits of each base color. That about 9-18 dresses or blouse and skirt combo. It also makes it really easy to navigate the closet.

A strong point, 80s fashion also lasted because it was an actual style and not just a trend. Especially since styles circulate without being too costume couture, they stand the test of time in more ways than one. Short shorts 5ever!

Being trendy is not a right. Buying loads of new clothes every season, month, or week is not a right. People tend to swarm on critiques of Shein claiming that the fact that it's "affordable" means it's classist to urge people to boycott it. But Shein is the worst of the worst, and it fills a want, not a need. The fast fashion defenders are just trying to alleviate their guilt instead of just owning that they participated in the problem, and trying to do better. People also tout that Shein comes in plus sizes, which is still a huge gap in the industry as a whole. But there are other mid-price options available, or even cheap options that aren't Shein, just not ones that allow you to constantly wardrobe-churn. And letting these companies dominate just cheapens the quality of most goods on the market. It's so hard to find something decent quality, and cuts are getting boxier, fabrics are getting thinner, sewing is getting wonkier. It has to stop or we'll be buried in this landfill garbage.

I love you two always seemingly make a video on my next purchase or financial idea. You two are always on point. I am trying to change my wardrobe to something that won't go out of fashion but everything is so expensive. Seeing clothes going for $60 or more, it is such a problem.

It’s not a phase 🖤

Thank you very much guys for helping society see their financial non-sense and mistakes

I love you guys. Keeping it real. I bought a few things from them here and there but I definitely don’t go overboard with hundreds of items over years.

Don't let the brands or people fool you! Start with watching some videos about clothes quality - for me the most important in quality is material. You can't do anything with cheap polyester, it will always be uncomfortable, sweaty and poor quality - but even higher end brands will try to sell you something made out of it! Don't buy it! Always buy cotton, viscose, linen, tencel, lyocel, modal - breathable materials that last. Silk, wool, cashmere are also great, but I mostly thrift such items. After looking at the material you can start thinking about seams, hardware that is attached etc. Master lvl is when you can DIY clothes, tailor them to you. Tip: it is still cheaper to ask tailor to fix your thrifted clothes than to buy brand new.❤❤❤

I spent $20 on a nice belt in the late 90s and am still wearing that belt daily.

Good to see the 'Vimes Boots' Theory getting some airtime (who knew Terry Pratchet was an amateur economist)

One thing I wish you had mentioned is that time when a person is pregnant. The body is rapidly changing and you may not feel particularly cute. And the clothes sold to pregnant women are fast fashion AND super expensive. Prepare ahead of time and ask to borrow maternity clothes from friends or go on line and find them second hand or go to a second hand store like Goodwill. It is NOT worth it to buy new (except for underwear. Can’t get away from buying that. But even places like Marshall’s or Bealls are better priced than even Amazon sometimes)

Well, I've been jeans and t-shirts since my early teens. I only replace something once it wears out or I get too big for it. Anything I outgrow goes to a second-hand store.

That's something I don´t have issues since the pandemic begins! Hey, suggestion for another video is how the business of second-sales-store works (sorry if that is another word for that.... lol). Stores like Ross, Marshalls re-sels nice brands on lower prices and I wonder how they coordinate with their products!

I have clothes for years, like 5-8 years! It use to bother me, but the last couple years it doesn’t. I can care less what’s in style.

Its not fast fashion shops that is the problem, its our urge to keep up with trends. I have worn 3 jumpers from H&M in the basic neutrals for over 5 years and they are still my winter essentials.

This is probably unrelated but a person's hair can effect how old they look. He went from a middle age looking dad to being a young emo rocker

Another tip: if possible, go for items that is 100% of one fabric e.g. 100% polyester or 100% cotton. It tends to last longer than blended fabrics.😊

It has been YEARS since I last bought clothes from a store. As my only income now, I drive around various towns in my area and collect what others "throw out" or post online to give away to resell to others for $1 an item. I SELL EVERYTHING FOR $1 and its CRAZY how much I have and how much i am able to make while helping others along with saving perfectly good items from being thrown away. I can't even put a number on how many thousands of pieces of clothing I've come across in the last 3 years, but seriously its so freaking many! I literally have 3 closets of clothes and coats i am currently trying to ween down myself because i cant stop keeping items i like or that fit. Honestly i will struggle to ever pay for new clothing items after acquiring my whole wardrobe for free 3 years now. Its insanity to me anything is over $5 with how much abundance there already is.

Excellent!!!...I love clothes and, I 'm conscious that it is one of my expending habits...BUT, I also love thrifting and recycling!!!...it makes a huge difference as I could always find something nice, have good variety of clothing at a very affordable price with environmental benefits!!!!

We need a video on what too look for in quality clothes, tell them apart from the cheap one.

This is why I love wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt. which never go out of style.

The problem is that now even expensive clothes is made cheaply. Maybe not as cheap as typical fast fashion pieces, but you definitely notice the downgrade in quality.

Such a good episode. I barely buy clothes but I'm unhappy with my selection. I've been thinking of downsizing and going with more high quality basics instead of so many random pieces i can only wear to certain things once a year; i want things i can wear over and over again and look great.

One of my favorite Jack Johnson lyrics: Look at all those fancy clothes But these could keep us warm just like those And what about your soul? Is it cold? Is it straight from the mold, and ready to be sold? And cars and phones and diamond rings Bling, bling, because those are only removable things And what about your mind? Does it shine? Are there things that concern you, more than your time?

Amazing video! Will definitely keep this in check from now on. Also you look amazing with your new look, do what you love Phil!

I tried some clothes that were labeled as sustainable, also tried zara and HM , all are the same quality and last for years, but zara and HM with less price. So, yes, for them and take care of your clothes to save the environment.

only issue I have is keeping jeans lasting. my jeans get torn up so fast just doing yard work and normal wear and tear. Shirts aren't a big deal since I work from home I don't need "work attire" and I get a lot of t-shirts either from friends handing out shirts advertising their business or from doing benefits and getting free shirts from those.

Solid video! Also just wanted to mention that it is still possible to find clothes that’ll last in these stores. You need to look very closely at the fabric and stitching. I do have clothes I’ve bought from these places that even after wearing them a million times they do not fall apart. Someone who explains this well on KZfaq is Anna bey. She’s gone to Zara and H&M and done videos on how to look expensive on a budget. Even for someone like me, who isn’t new to this, it was a beneficial video.

This is an important video! Thanks for sharing!

Great video guys! Also, compliments to whoever writes your scripts - craftsmanship.

This is why I often wear most of my clothing for 5-10 years. I also have go to regular clothing swaps to trade clothing I don't want anymore and what no one wants there I give to charity.

I can't focus. I can't learn. J's hair is getting on the way 😂😂😂 the talk of the season.

I once wore a dress to a friend's birthday lunch,, he pointed out to my roommate behind my back that I'm a cheapo who wore an old dress to an event.. My dress was in rotation of a few favorite outfits of mine which I always kept it in pristine condition for get-togethers or just lunches and BBQs.. She reminded him that it was a brand-name dress, told him off and later told me what happened.. I never imagined that someone would actually say that,, I always thought it was a silly social belief in our heads that people notice and remember the dresses we wear..

Our class had a presentation on this last month! Very useful now and wished we had this earlier as reference hehe

I've replaced half my wardrobe with thrift store finds here! Excellent cheap alternative to buying new. And it forces creativity on my half for perhaps a unique piece

Thank You guys, This video is Gold for this times.

Get $3 shirts and $5 pants at my local thrift store. I only spend like $20 twice a year.

I grew up buying clothes second-hand. I still do it. Once I am not able to wear it any longer I just donate it back. Plus having jeans that have already been broken in feels so much better. Plus why do you need more than a week's worth of clothes?

I think I am on very low end of those spectrums. I have only really replaced foundation( undergarments &socks) pieces, and new work pants (when repairing wasn't an option). I kept some of my mom's favorite outfits that I wear for special events. Otherwise, I don't buy clothes. Thanks for the info. Shivering black bell thumbs up.

❤ this channel so much!

Please bring back the moustache and short hair Phil!! 😅😅

Julia, show us your fashion thrift hauls!!

A long time ago it was a no-no to admit to buying second-hand clothes. I’m glad it’s not the case anymore!

5:17 I was expecting "I think it's time to *RUN THE NUMBERS!*" 😅

reminds me of the metaphor of "rich man's boots, poor man boots". the fashion industry has convinced us that good quality is unfashionable!

The average American spend $1700 per year on clothing. Me realizing I've only purchased one pair of socks in the past year. 😂

I've been slowly changing my closet for the last 5 years. Decided that maybe the stuff I wore in 2008 might need to be changed. I'm still wearing the same shirts I started with 5 years ago. Don't know how to check for the quality of the clothes but I do know to avoid stores that change their clothing line up every 3 months opposed to every once in awhile.

I appreciate the acknowledgement of Phillip's style identity crisis.

SHEIN Shane???? Lol that’s the best pronunciation I’ve heard yet. The company confirmed the pronunciation is actually 👧 SHE-IN 🚪

I loooove shoes and I sometimes spend over $100 bucks on shoes, but no more than $200. I buy shoes made with quality, I take care of my shoes, rotate them so they wear down slower, and make sure they go with a lot of different outfits. I am less excited about clothes but the clothes I do have I wash them properly and I’m blessed to be in California where I can line dry them most of the year. I pretreat stains, and wash everything in cool or warm water in a delicate cycle with like-colors and most importantly like-materials. I never wash denim with the rest of my clothes.

Amazing video. Keep it up.

Couldn’t address the core of this issue is with women who lead with this high wastage? “I don’t wear things twice” a probable words of wisdom said by one of the shows. I’m sure H&M materials aren’t build to last, but they kinda do if you use them right? Me and my brother would have dozens of stuff but we usually shop once a year and use the clothes until they fade or have tear marks from the cat scratches.

Cold wash and hang dry, your clothes and colors will last much longer! I live in the frigid NE (close to Canada) and you can absolutely hang dry all year round.

I love the you tube channel Fernanda Approximately Right. She shows how to make a 15 item seasonal capsule and how many outfits you can make with it

I don’t buy clothes often, but I have been learning to make my own it’s slower sire but usually sturdier and since I made I know how to fix it so it lasts longer

I currently buy 12 new pieces of clothing per year, on average. Because socks and underwear come in big packs.

One thing that I don't like is every place seems to be selling fast fashion. Shoes don't last even a month and that's $80.00 boots lasting less then a season. Even brands that isn't known to be fast fashion don't last as long as they used to and forget about being able to re-sole the shoes/boots.

I prefer to pay extra for higher quality clothes which would last for a longer time.

Mama was right about those clothes....and leave Phil's hair alone!

My wife and I have committed to purchasing only ethical fashion. It is difficult since we are rather poor, but certainly not impossible!

Love shopping secondhand, its the best way to go imo!

My mom still has dresses that she bought from JCPenney during the late 80’s hanging in her closet. The quality of the material and the stiching is top notch, they are like brand new dresses it’s insane.

I'm a proud H&M shopper :)

I really wish you guys had touched on how this is a predominantly middle class problem. I've been complaining about fast fashion for close to fifteen years now, and I always hear, "Check your privilege. Not everyone can afford to buy quality clothes. Poor people need clothes too." Yeah, "poor people" can't afford to buy things that will fall apart after four wears. They can *only* afford to buy more rugged items. They may not have a ton of choice, because only so many brands make coats that last more than two years for under $200, but they can't afford to spend $80 a year on a cheap coat. Instead they buy a Carhart coat for $140 that will last ages even if you beat the hell out of it. Once you have a wardrobe that more or less works, start adding maybe two pieces a season. You'll be shocked how quickly nice things add up.

Buy quality. So many people are cheap they’d rather look like shit to get to A to B than purchase in life long clothes

Jokes on you- I stitch back together my old Uniqlo/H&M shirts lasting years until the holes are too large to patch because I'm frugal/cheap haha...Actually I guess jokes on me then :(

I found my style and i use fast fashion mostly for basics. My Uniqlo T-shirts and Zara jeans still last very long.

This video is going to be on tonight's dinner conversation. I know my wife will be on the defensive mode, but I really don't care. She needs to stop this crazy old American tradition / new form of slavery.

The real trick to reading labels to to read them before you buy the clothing, and then DON'T buy them if they require any special care at all. Then you only need to read them once!

I have resorted to using my mom's 90s sewing kit to repair my favorite bamboo t shirts. New ones are expensive.

Great video! Wish you'd use some of those saving on a haircut, though.

My wardrobe is just 12 copies of an identical outfit. I’m basically a cartoon character 😂

It's not the fast fashion. It is over-consumption. You can wear clothes from H&M and Zara for a very long time.

My H&M workout clothes lasted for more than 4 years, and still kept its good quality until now. For me, the brand’s fast fashion apparel is of good quality and lasts long. So it kept me from buying new ones

Man, Phillip really went head first into midlife crisis

I'm obsessed with this channel, binged watched all of it, and share it. You guys should do a video on "The Right To Repair" movement, as it impacts lots of areas in our society. Elizabeth Warren was a good proponent, and there was legislation that was actually passed (OMG congress actually AGREED on something 🤯🤯) for the right to repair wheelchairs, but a video on it would help spread the word (and it impacts your wallet!)

Spaniards don’t use dryers much, we hang our clothes. My husband still owns 3€ T shirts from Primark that are more than 10 years old… food for thought.

Ugh, no. I'm an old fuddy-duddy, clearly. I buy an average of 1-2 items of clothing a year. Except for shoes .. they wear out too quickly 😕

Thanks for keeping it real you two! Often share your videos at the library. (Also ignore the haters and wear your hair and facial hair however you like.)