I’m a minimalist and I spent $700 on brand new clothes.

You may be thinking, you’re not really a minimalist if you just bought a bunch of new clothes. But the truth is, sometimes buying new clothes is necessary and will add value to your life.

Let me explain.

Can You Buy New Clothes as a Minimalist?

Yes! As a minimalist, you can still buy new clothes if you choose to do so.

Minimalism is not about completely avoiding material possessions or never buying anything new. It’s about simplifying your life and focusing on what is most important to you.

As a minimalist you may choose to simplify and declutter your wardrobe so that you own fewer items of clothing. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase a new piece of clothing if it’ll allow you to live more comfortably or participate in a certain activity.

The key is to be mindful and selective about the clothes you purchase and to focus on buying high-quality, durable pieces that you truly need and will get a lot of use out of.

If you do decide to buy new clothes, take a more mindful and intentional approach to shopping and consider the following:

1. Make sure you have a specific need for the item. Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale or because you think it’s fashionable.
2. Consider the environmental impact of the item. Look for clothes made from sustainable materials, and try to support brands that are conscious of their environmental impact.
3. Think about the long-term value of the item. Is it something you’ll wear frequently, or is it more of a one-time purchase?
4. Look for high-quality items that will last a long time. This can save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to replace the item as often.
5. Find new ways to extend the life of the clothes you already have, such as repairing them or finding creative ways to wear them.

Ultimately, the decision to buy new clothes as a minimalist is a personal one, and it’s up to you to decide what works best for your lifestyle and values.

Why I Spent $700 on New Clothes as a Minimalist

With all this being said, you may be wondering why I chose to spend $700 on new clothes. And if you’re a snoop like me, you may also be wondering what I bought.

I bought brand new ski clothes. Yep, spent $700 on base layers, a ski jacket, bib, gloves and a neck gaiter. There’s a bit of a backstory to this rather pricey shopping spree.

Learning to ski wasn’t a spur of the moment decision for me. I had been considering the hobby for a very long time.

My partner and I were packing up to hit the slopes for the very first time and he asked me to put all of the things I planned on wearing into a pile in the living room. My plan was to wear what I already owned. I was going to layer a few pairs of tights, some sweaters, and my rain pants and jacket over top. He took one look at the collection of things I had gathered and told me that I’d definitely freeze.

Initially I resisted his input. The thought of buying brand new stuff was off putting to me. I’ve always been pretty frugal, opting to make whatever I already owned work before buying something new. Buying something new was always my last resort. But in this case, I knew he was right.

I knew that if I didn’t stay dry and warm, I wouldn’t have fun. In order to stay dry and warm I’d need clothes made of high quality gore-tex and wool materials, which I wouldn’t be able to find at the thrift store. So, we went to REI and I bought a brand new skiing outfit.

If I Buy New Clothes Am I Still a Minimalist?

Can I still call myself a minimalist if I bought new clothes? Yes, I can!

Minimalism is a personal philosophy and lifestyle that can be practiced and interpreted in various ways. Some people who consider themselves minimalists may choose to limit the number of possessions they own or the amount of clutter in their living spaces, while others may focus on simplifying their schedules or reducing their consumption.

Whether or not you are a minimalist depends on your own values and priorities. If you are buying new clothes because you need them for practical reasons and are doing so in a way that aligns with your minimalist philosophy, then you can still consider yourself a minimalist.

On the other hand, if you are buying new clothes because you are trying to keep up with trends or have a desire to accumulate more possessions, then that may be incompatible with a minimalist philosophy.

5 Reasons Minimalists Buy New Clothes

There are many reasons why minimalists may buy new clothes for themselves. In my case, I needed new clothes to participate in a hobby that I had always wanted to try.

Here are 5 additional reasons why you may need to buy new clothes as a minimalist:

1. To celebrate special occasions: While minimalists generally aim to minimize their wardrobe, they may still choose to purchase new clothes for special occasions, such as weddings or other formal events.
2. To meet new needs or requirements: Life changes, such as starting a new job or moving to a new climate can necessitate the purchase of new clothes. Minimalists may choose to invest in a few key pieces that will help them meet these new needs, rather than accumulating a large collection of clothes.
3. In order to replace worn-out or damaged clothing: As a minimalist you may choose to replace your current clothes with high-quality, well-made clothes that will last longer and require less frequent replacements.
4. To support ethical or sustainable fashion: Many minimalists are interested in supporting ethical and sustainable fashion brands, and may choose to purchase new clothes from companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. These clothes are typically made from sustainable materials.
5. To replace worn-out or damaged clothing: Minimalists may choose to purchase new clothes when their current wardrobe is no longer functional or in good condition. This can include items that are stained, torn, or otherwise damaged beyond repair.

In Conclusion

Yes, I just spent $700 on new clothes and yes, I still consider myself a minimalist.

It’s important to remember that minimalism is not about achieving a certain level of material possessions or spending. Rather, it is about finding meaning and purpose in life by simplifying and prioritizing what is most important to you. If you feel that the new clothes you purchased align with your personal values and contribute to your overall sense of well-being and fulfillment, then you may still consider yourself a minimalist, even if you spent a significant amount of money on them.

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About the Author: Barefoot Minimalists is a blog packed with tips, ideas, guides and suggestions for everyday people who want to live a more natural life with less. Whether you are just starting your minimalist journey or learning to sustain it, this blog is for you!