January in the wardrobe
Short answer: Check the winter clothes after two months of use, remove fluff, and see whether anything is missing. January is also the month when sale prices can fill gaps. Do it calmly and with a list, so you buy what you actually need and not just what is reduced.
January is time for an honest check
After two months of daily use of winter clothes, the first faults show. January is therefore a good time to go through the wardrobe while you still remember what was worn and what was not. A short check now can save you from finding faults in the coldest part of winter.
The check
Look at seams in the crotch and under the sleeves, and remove fluff from knitted pieces. Two months of daily use is enough for the first faults to show. Loose threads can often be caught before they become holes. Take the garment out in good light and turn it inside out so you can see the seams.
Fluff and knits
Knits and thick pieces collect fluff, especially where they rub against other layers. Remove it with a lint brush or roller, and go gently so you do not pull at the knit. Do not wait until the fluff sits in big clumps, since that takes longer. A quarter of an hour now keeps clothes tidier for the rest of winter.
The gaps in the wardrobe
Note what was missing in December and fill it up now. The gaps show most clearly right after a cold month, when everything has been in use at once. Write the list while you have the clothes in your hand. Then you know exactly what you need and avoid impulse buys that do not fit the rest.
The innermost layer
The innermost layer is worn every day and therefore wears first. Check the neck, armholes and hem for signs of wear, and count how many you have. If there are too few for a week, this is where to top up. See the bamboo undershirt for men if you are missing that kind of piece.
The sale
Winter clothes are cheapest now, but the range is thin. That means you should know what you are looking for and which size you need before you start. The sale is best for filling specific gaps, not for buying something you may never need. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.
Socks and underwear
Socks and the innermost layer are often what runs out first. They are washed often and wear quickly, so a small extra pile makes everyday life easier. Sort out pairs with thin heels or stretched cuffs and note how many remain. See bamboo socks for men for winter.
What you did not wear in December
Clothes you did not wear in December can go to the back of the wardrobe. See whether you miss them during January. If not, they are good candidates to sort out or pass on. That way the wardrobe gets smaller and more usable, and you know what works for you.
Keeping an overview
Write a short list with three columns: what you have, what is worn, and what is missing. Take it with you when you shop and stick to it. The list takes ten minutes to make and saves you from double purchases. Take it out again when winter starts to wind down.
Frequently asked questions
What is most worn in January
Socks and the innermost layer, because they are used every day and washed often. Check them first and note how many are still in good condition before you buy new.
Should you buy for next winter now
Only if you know the model and the size. The range is thin in January, so the sale suits specific gaps in the wardrobe better than guesses about what you will need next year.
What about clothes that were not worn in December
Move them to the back and see whether you miss them during January. If not, you can sort them out or pass them on so the wardrobe becomes easier to overview.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
