10 Types Of Clothes To Get Rid Of ASAP, According To Pro Organizers
If your closet is this close to declaring itself a disaster zone, it’s time for an intervention. We all have those clothes—the ones we swear we might wear again but haven’t touched since flip phones were a thing.
Luckily, professional organizers have cracked the code for a clutter-free wardrobe, and their advice is simple: Let. It. Go.
From jeans that demand a pre-wear cardio routine to sneakers that have seen better (and cleaner) days, here are 10 types of clothes you need to ditch—faster than you can say “I might need this someday”.
1. Ill-Fitting Jeans
If putting on your jeans feels like a full-body workout—or worse, they’re so loose you need a belt and a prayer to keep them up—it’s time to part ways.
The perfect pair should love you back, not punish you for breathing.
Instead of holding onto denim that makes you question your life choices, donate them to someone who’ll actually wear them. Your closet (and your circulation) will thank you.
2. Worn-Out Sneakers
Are your sneakers looking more like a relic from the past than a fashion statement? When the soles are worn down and the laces are frayed, it’s a sign that your sneakers have run their course.
Not only do they look tired, but they might be causing discomfort or even injury.
Opt for a new pair that supports your feet and style. By letting go of the old, you make room for the fresh.
3. Unworn Formal Wear
That gown or tuxedo collecting dust in your closet? Yeah, the one you haven’t worn since that one wedding three years ago?
It’s time to face the truth—if it’s been untouched this long, chances are, it’s not making a comeback.
Instead of letting it take up valuable space, consider renting for future events… or donating your barely-worn formalwear to someone who actually has a gala invitation.
4. Outdated Graphic Tees
That band tee from a concert in 2009?
The ironic slogan shirt that was funny in college? If the design has faded or the pop culture reference is now ancient history, it’s time to say goodbye.
If you’re feeling sentimental, repurpose them into cleaning rags or a DIY project.
Otherwise, let them go and invest in casual pieces that reflect your current style.
5. Mismatched Socks
At what point do we admit defeat and accept that some socks are just gone forever?
If you’ve been holding onto lone socks hoping their partners will return from the void, it’s time to let go.
Instead of keeping a drawer full of mismatched sadness, repurpose them as dust rags, pet toys, or (if you must) wear them boldly as a mismatched fashion statement.
6. Old Loungewear
That old college hoodie and those threadbare sweatpants might be comfort incarnate, but they’re not doing your style any favors.
Keeping only a few quality pieces can enhance your downtime style.
Consider donating the old to make way for new, plush loungewear that feels luxurious.
Your couch time should be cozy and chic, not a blast from the past!
7. Broken Zipper Jackets
A jacket with a busted zipper is like a car with no wheels—useless.
If it’s been sitting in your closet for months (or years), waiting for a repair that’s never coming, it’s time to be realistic.
Either take it to a tailor, donate it to someone who will fix it, or say your goodbyes.
Your closet will feel lighter, and so will your shoulders without the weight of unworn clothes!
8. Faded Workout Gear
Workout clothes should motivate you, not remind you of every sweat session they’ve endured.
If your gym gear is saggy or has lost its performance abilities (read: smells even after washing), it’s time to refresh.
Invest in activewear that makes you want to hit the gym. Trust us, a cute new set might just be the push you need to actually use that gym membership.
9. Stained White Shirts
Nothing screams past its prime quite like a white shirt with mysterious stains.
If no amount of soaking or praying has revived it, then it’s officially time to say goodbye.
White shirts are a staple—so keep them looking fresh by replacing them when they start looking more “vintage” than “classic.”
10. Outdated Hats
If your hat collection includes once-trendy fedoras, floppy hats that haven’t left the house in a decade or anything that makes you ask, “What was I thinking?”—it’s time for a cleanse.
Donate them to someone who will wear them, and make space for headwear that actually fits your current vibe. Your future self will thank you.