The fabric of false investments
Why style costs more than you think
“Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead.” — Rick Owens
Expensive clothes are not an investment
There’s nothing wrong with expensive clothes, unless you pretend they’re an “investment.”
For nearly two decades, I lied to myself to justify my irresponsible spending habits.
“Scoring these $425 dress shoes is like purchasing shares in my future success.”
“Plowing money into this $900 wool coat is an expenditure that will yield untold gains.”
“Financing this $3,000 slim-fit suit is an advantageous investment, even if I need to put it on a credit card.”
Each time I was in the fitting room, I could have looked in the mirror and been honest with myself: clothing is not an investment.
An investment is the action or process of investing money for profit. And according to insurance actuary tables, most clothes, even couture brands, lose 50% of their value the moment the cash register tolls its triumphant ding. Further, most garments are essentially worthless just 36 months after the retailer celebrates its win over your bank account.
Mull that over.
An investment that is virtually guaranteed to lose 50% on day one, and nearly 100% within three years, is, by definition, a terrible investment.
So buy that Saint Laurent Bomber Jacket, those Ferragamo T-Strap Stiletto Pumps, that Prada Deconstructed Grisaille Skirt, those Chloé Judith Leather Clogs, that Hermès Birkin Matte Alligator Bag if you wish.
Designer clothes aren’t bad if you can afford them. In fact, some luxury items last longer than their fast-fashion counterparts. But please understand, you’re not investing your hard-earned income on an asset that will generate dividends; you’re playing dress-up with a fashionable liability.
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
00: Rethinking minimalism
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01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
Words by Filipe Corrêa
Big decision, clear answer — Evaluating values and finding direction will lead to better decisions
Words by George Maguire
The true cost of a sale — Why we must learn to buy today with tomorrow in mind
Words by Kat Adams
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02: Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03: Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
FormFeelingFunction® (software/hardware/experimental)
Writer: web app (tool/software)
Nucelo (tool/software)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
05: Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06: Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can mean frugality and owning less, but it can also mean supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here are a few you might find interesting—just remember, clothes are not an investment.
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
ASKET: Ending fast fashion by making covetable everyday essentials
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Oliver Cabell: Minimalist Italian footwear and accessories
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Escuyer: Accessories designed in Brussels
Meller: Minimal shades
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com