The yearly rhythm of the wardrobe

Short answer: Most wardrobes have two changes a year and two good times to shop. If you know the rhythm, you avoid being caught short on the first cold day, and you do not have to buy in a hurry.

Two changes a year

One change in April and one in October. That is when clothes swap places in the wardrobe, and the warm layer either comes out or goes away. Many wait until the weather forces them, but it is easier on a quiet weekend, when you can also see what is worn and what still holds up.

Two times to shop

March and September are the good months to shop. You have time to look, try on and exchange before you actually need the clothes. If you wait until the first frost, the things you need most are often hard to find in your size, and you end up settling for a compromise.

Basics all year

Underwear, socks and T-shirts are worn all year and do not follow the season. They are replaced when they wear out, not because the calendar says so. Check them at every change: does the elastic still hold, has the fabric gone thin? Replace what is worn straight away. See bamboo underwear for men.

The winter layer

Base layers and long underwear are only worn for half the year, from autumn until spring. That is why they often last longer than underwear, because they rest for six months. When they come out in October, check them for holes and loose elastic before you need them. See bamboo long johns.

The summer layer

Thin T-shirts, shorts and short socks belong to the light half of the year. They come out in April and can be put away again in October. Short socks are the first to wear out, because they are worn almost daily all summer. Keep an eye on the heel and toe. See bamboo footies for men.

Storage in between

Everything should be clean and completely dry before it is packed away. Even a little damp or a trace of sweat can leave a musty smell after six months in a box. Store clothes in a box or bag with some air and keep it somewhere dry, not in a cold basement. Read more about storing bamboo clothing.

Wash before packing

Wash the season's clothes one last time before putting them away, even if they look clean. Let them dry fully, ideally an extra day on the rack. Skip fabric softener, as it can build up in the fabric and make it less soft. Follow the washing guide, and everything is ready for next season.

Make a list at the change

While all your clothes are out anyway, write down what is missing or worn. Then you know exactly what to look for in March or September. The list also stops you from buying more of something you already have plenty of, which saves both money and space in the wardrobe.

Less is easier

The fewer items that need to swap places, the faster it goes. A wardrobe of a few good basics that work together turns every change into a short job. That is the idea behind a capsule wardrobe, where almost everything can be combined. Read more in how to build a capsule wardrobe in bamboo.

A rhythm that lasts

Once you have found the rhythm, it becomes a habit. Two changes, two shopping rounds and a steady set of basics that are simply replaced as needed. It takes little time, but it brings calm, because you know the clothes are ready when the weather turns, and you are never without something warm.

Frequently asked questions

When should the wardrobe be changed?

Usually in April and October. That is when the weather shifts, and the warm and light layers swap places in the wardrobe. A quiet weekend is a good time for it.

When should you buy new clothes?

March and September, if you want to be in good time. You can then try on and exchange calmly before you need the clothes, and you avoid buying in a hurry.