Sharing a wardrobe with someone for the first time
Short answer: When two people share a wardrobe, space, order and laundry habits suddenly become shared matters. A clear division and a little decluttering first make it easier for both of you.
Start by sorting your own clothes
Before your clothes move in together, it is a good idea for each of you to go through your own things. Set aside anything you have not worn in a year, anything that no longer fits and anything worn out. It is easier to agree on space when only clothes that are actually used remain. Count how many hangers and shelves each person really needs, rather than dividing the wardrobe by eye and hoping for the best.
Divide space by need
An equal split sounds fair, but needs are rarely the same. One person may have lots of dresses and trousers that need hanging, while the other mostly has knitwear that should be folded. So divide by type of clothing. Long rails for dresses and coats, short rails for shirts and trousers, and shelves or drawers for knitwear and underwear. Take a look at bamboo trousers for women, for example, which can be hung or folded.
Fixed places and matching hangers
Give each person a side or a set of shelves, so you do not have to dig through each other's clothes in the morning. Matching hangers make the wardrobe look calm and save space because they hang at the same height. Use slim hangers with a non slip surface for smooth fabrics such as viscose, so nothing slides off. Knitwear should be folded, as it can stretch out of shape on a hanger.
Shared clothes and borrowing
Many couples find that some pieces become shared, such as oversized T-shirts, hoodies or a T-shirt dress worn around the house. Agree where these live and who washes them. A relaxed style like bamboo T-shirt dresses often fits more than one size, and pieces like that can have a shared shelf. Always ask before borrowing something that matters to the other person.
Laundry and routines
Talk about how you each do laundry. Some sort by colour, others by temperature or fabric. Agree on a simple rule, such as light, dark and delicate, and put out three baskets. Viscose and fine knitwear should be washed gently and not tumble dried on high heat. Pay attention to care labels and turn clothes inside out, so they last longer and keep their colour.
When something is missing
Once the wardrobe has been sorted, it often becomes clear what is missing, such as a pair of work trousers or a basic T-shirt. Make a short list before buying anything new, so you do not fill the wardrobe straight back up. If you want to shop without spending much, keep an eye on the sale for women.
Frequently asked questions
How do we divide a wardrobe fairly
Divide by type of clothing and need, not by halves. The person with more hanging clothes gets more rail space.
Which hangers suit viscose best
Slim hangers with a non slip surface, so the smooth fabric does not slide off.
How do we avoid mess with shared clothes
Give shared pieces one fixed shelf and agree who washes and puts them away.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
