Standing reorders versus buying as needed

Short answer: A fixed reorder every six months keeps the drawer full without you having to think about it. Buying as needed is cheaper, but requires you to notice in time. Here are the pros and cons of both, and a middle way that suits most people.

Fixed reorder

You order the same thing every six months, whether or not you are short. The benefit is that the drawer is never empty and you do not have to think about it. The drawback is that you can end up with more than you use, and elastic ages while clothes sit in the drawer.

Buying as needed

You order when something is worn out. The benefit is that you only pay for what you use, and no clothes sit waiting. The drawback is that a week passes from noticing to the parcel arriving. See bamboo inner shorts if you want to see what basics you typically need.

Waiting time is the hidden price

With buying as needed, the waiting is what costs you. If you find an empty drawer on Sunday evening, you have to wash quickly or borrow until the parcel comes. It is not expensive in money, but it is a nuisance. So the method works best for things you have several of.

Elastic ages in the drawer

Elastic breaks down over time, whether or not the garment is worn. A set that has lain unopened for two years is therefore not as fresh as a new one. That is a reason not to stockpile with a fixed reorder, and to use the oldest sets first so nothing sits unused too long.

When a fixed reorder suits

A fixed reorder suits things you wear every day and always need, such as underwear and socks. Here a stock matters a lot, and you know fairly precisely what you use. Set the reorder to an interval that matches your laundry, and adjust it if too much builds up.

When buying as needed suits

Buying as needed suits things you wear less often, or where wear is hard to predict, for example sportswear and sweatwear. A fixed reorder can lead to a surplus lying in the cupboard here. Wait until you see something is worn, and then order. That way you get what you truly need.

The practical middle way

Set a reminder twice a year to look through the drawer. Then you only order what you actually lack, but you notice in time. It takes no more than ten minutes, and you avoid both the empty drawer and the overfull cupboard. See bamboo sports bra and sweatwear for the sports drawer.

How many to keep in reserve

One to two sets in reserve is usually enough. More than that lies too long and ages without being used, and it ties up money you would rather spend elsewhere. Count on having time to reorder before the reserve is used up, so you are never left with nothing.

How to get started

Look through the drawer and write down what is worn and what is fine. Put a reminder in the calendar for half a year ahead, and order only what you lack. If you are unsure, wait until the next check. The method is simple, and you need not do more than that.

Frequently asked questions

Does clothing age when it lies unopened?

Yes. Elastic breaks down whether or not the garment is worn, so a set that has lain in the drawer a long time does not last as long as a new one. Use the oldest first.