Spencer, clothes being donated which have small holes, and not being sold by the thrift store is much worse than “just going to the landfill.” What usually happens to those sort of clothes, especially with big non-profits (like goodwill, value village) is that the unsalable ones are sold in bulk to a textile broker. The broker then forwards them onto developing nations in Africa, South America, where they become an environmental disaster. While it is done under the guise of “helping developing nations” the reality is not so. Often the communities are overwhelmed by these textiles, many of which have plastics in them. As a result, many of the clothes are burned, or become direct pollution via waterways. Water quality where these textiles are “dumped” have seen significant water quality issues as a direct result- worsening an already dire situation. The whole textile industry is an issue. Future Proof does a great video on this! I, also, love natural fibers and try to exclusively wear cotton/wool, or leather, and buy clothes/shoes as an investment to encourage repairing verse disposal.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information! Truly disturbing how we offshore our waste and overconsumption to the people who are forced to make it for us in the first place. I’ll check out Future Proof’s video for sure 👍
It’s the same in Europe. If something should really be recycled I cut it up. We have sort of garbage big containers where you can put textiles is. Both in good condition and “trash textiles”. So it will not be send off to other countries, but recycled 😊
I remember I had enjoyed wearing a leather jacket for many years, but the zipper clasp broke in half, but instead of chucking or donating the jacket, luckily I had kept the broken zipper clasp parts and I took them all to a local drycleaner/clothing repair place and they quickly repaired the zipper for just $5 by finding an exact match of the zipper clasp in their drawer (Hence, take the broken parts with you), so I've been able to enjoy that jacket all these years later. :)
Another thing I do with old clothing - tshirts specifically - when they're so worn out is cut them up into little squares and use them as rags in the kitchen or for the bathroom and floors. That way I'm not buying those disposable swiffer pads or using up too much paper towel. Over time, the shirts will degrade even more to basically just fibres that you can feel okay throwing out or composting if they were made from natural material. If they're not so worn out but they get uncomfortable to wear (for example if the collar turns yellow or the sleeves get too loose) you can also make them into tote bags or pouches!
Heck, I even keep old worn t-shirts with a few holes here and there for doing chores outside or around my home (or to wear underneath sweaters in winter since the shirts aren't visible) or I use old, clean shirts as packing material for fragile ceramic mugs or glasses stored in boxes, etc. I've even cut holes in old holey socks to wear as sleeves before putting on winter gloves to stay extra warm. One can find all sorts of uses for heavily worn clothing in one's collection. :)
I’m still shocked most people don’t wear out their clothes. Yeah I buy new clothes when I see something I like, but I haven’t really bought new clothes for the past four or five years to the point where I might need to go buy a new wardrobe bc all my shirts that are about the same age are starting to go. Like is this not normal? It takes a lot of mental effort to go buy clothes when I already have some at home.
Same. I have basic T shirts that are 15 years old. I would rather get a root canal than shop for clothes. Nothing ever fits right and everything is declining in quality. Once in a while I look for things at thrift stores and I will also try to buy new stuff thats US made.
5:35 this is tricky too because i believe even if clothes are only 70% made in the U.S. (which means crafted and sourced here), there can still be up to 30% of materials coming from mostly undisclosed locations along with claiming that they are “Made in the USA” even though it’s technically not 100%. However, some brands are really good about disclosure. I have made a plan to avoid clothing brands owned by private equity firms as these brands usually tend to sell out from the roots and cheapen the products so that they’re not even close to the same quality they were previously. The downside is that these brands are essentially the same idea as buying from a mom and pop shop, you pay more but you get the satisfaction from your purchase.
@ is it not a good thing to try and find American made versions of goods? Not everything is you’re right and it’s sad that we’ve lost so much of a manufacturing base. If you think that is a good thing that so many jobs have been imported overseas, you may need to wake up.
One of my issues over the years is that I wear clothes until they are too ragged to wear to the office, but they still have many years of life left. So I have to buy new clothes to wear to work, but still have the old ones because they're still useable. I use the old ones for yardwork or hiking, but they still last for years. So bottom line, i end up having a lot of clothes in the closet.
Though I’ve not had an office type job for a long time I can understand that issue. I think it depends on how you want to present in the workplace. Unfortunately there’s a bit of a game that needs to be played where we look our best etc., but I think you could also present as someone who cares about making there clothing last. This could be using more overt patches to show off that you’ve chosen to mend your clothing not simply out of necessity, but in an effort to consume less. I think I would respect someone a lot of I saw that in the workplace! However I can still recognize the problem of having too many clothes as you hold onto items and demote them for other things. I think another solution can be by choosing to own fewer items altogether, and not being concerned with being seen in the same outfits time and time again. This isn’t to say you don’t feel this way already, more so just general advice to anyone who comes upon this. Thanks for your comment!
@@spencers-adventuresi like to turn old clothes with holes into patch material for other items. I have an old pair of work pants that is basically missing one leg because i used it to mend other pairs. No need to run to the craft store for fabric.
Go for the Spencer vibe. Good video, I like your minimalist conviction and desire to reduce your Impact on the environment. I hope this journey brings you contentment. God bless you.
Totally agree about buying secondhand. I've really been enjoying buying high quality used clothing. You get great quality and well sourced materials/manufacturing that will last, and you can find nearly new items for 50% off.
I purchased a lot of great waterproof canvas trenchcoats as well as wool/cashmere blend overcoats used from local Salvation Army Thrift Stores, Goodwill stores, or Value Village for $15 to $20 each which were in excellent shape for a mere fraction of their original $150 to $300 retail prices. I also bought several leather jackets, including Danier leather jackets, for $15 to $25 each compared to their original $200 to $300 retail prices and in fact, I bought a full leather trenchcoat for $25 and it likely cost $300 to $500 originally, so it really pays to check out thrift stores and secondhand clothing or consignment stores to buy great used clothes on a budget.
I wear my clothes and then I mend my clothes! I like to add colorful patches onto normal plain clothes once they start to wear out to make them more exciting and to last longer. Also I love to make my own socks which last ages longer than machine made ones, and I patch my machine ones to hell and back again so that I don't have to get rid of those either. My friends and I patch clothes for eachother and also we trade (and occasionally sell if it was super expensive like a nice coat) clothes with eachother when we want something new/want to get rid of something. it keeps my wardrobe interesting and exciting without having to worry about going and getting new things. My patch pants are a completely different type of trouser now that they're being mended all of the time which makes it feel like I've gotten a new item of clothing when really I havent.
@@bridgethealey7188 that’s a great approach and a great way to look at it! It really does create your own personal style from mending clothing time and time again :)
I appreciate your efforts and ways and we are on the same page! Let this be a revolution for the planet, minimalism, for poor farmers and workers being exploited by fast fashion. 💪
I've been buying unbranded clothes for the past couple years. I never liked logos on stuff and unbranded stuff is also cheaper. In the past two years I also moved to a place where there are a bunch of second hand stores and the majority of my "new" stuff is from there. People get rid off of even absolutely pristine clothes...
Might be less of a problem online with some of the crap filtered out, but unfortunately almost all the stuff I find in thrift stores is garbage to begin with. I wonder whether buying that clothing helps at all, or if it just perpetuates the problem. I don’t have a lot of money but I buy expensive items (because of where they’re made, by who, out of what, and in what quantities) that are repairable and avoid plastics (polyester, nylon, viscose, rayon, bamboo) if at all possible. Thanks for making the effort, it’s inspiring.
90% of my wardrobe is quality, second hand items that someone once payed good money for. I’ve had great luck finding classic clothes with the muted colors and earth tones I like on EBay.
My big struggle is when do I decide something is actually worn out? Sometimes I'll keep a piece of clothing because it has no holes but a massive stain, but other times I'll toss something and then regret it. Currently that debate is over a pair of sneakers which are worn enough to be a little uncomfortable but not enough to be noticeable to other people and not so uncomfortable I refuse to wear them. I'd be interested to hear you talk about your decision making process
I deal with the same problem! I am really bad at getting rid of "wearable" shoes! I'm not a minimalist, but I tend to find more value in layering basics! I make a list of things I don't want to buy/ No buy list and if I have an acception to that rule like, I just write it beside it, like "No shoes (unless you find the perfect pair of loafers)" and if I find a different pair of shoes that fits better into my I'm cool with that to!
I think even just learning how to sew and make your own clothes is also a great anti-consumer habit. Then, you can get all the best specs for a fraction of the price and feel the accomplishment of making something yourself!
I switched to wearing all black, with just a little grey, dark green, dark blue, and kaki clothing. Four shoes/boots, 4 jackets, one thin, medium, and warm. Everything else had to go. I’m happier this way.
I'm at the point where I wear my clothes till they wear, and then I mend them. My primary focus now is to learn basic alterations so that clothes I want to wear to wear, but don't fit, can go into my outfit cycle. Also so I can make clothes that do fit, fit better. Anti-consumerism doesn't mean I can't look sharp.
good vid. I think repair is highly under rated and I agree thrifting/vintage is king. But a misconception is that it is always cheaper. That's not necessarily true especially at "vintage" shops. Goodwill etc will be true thrifting where you can find steals
Yeah it depends on where you go! Resellers have definitely hurt the options available for a good price, but it just becomes more of a challenge. Most basics are still available for very low cost, and some good deals can even be found at trendier vintage spots too. Agreed that it’s getting much harder though. Thanks for the comment!
I am a 39-year-old man, and I never find good clothes to buy. But when I find something wearable all the outfits are in a very bad fit because the sewers in China have to make a huge amount of clothes in a hurry. Then I decided to learn hhow to hand sew because I don't wanna be bothered by sewing machine and costly repairs.
I do but second hand a lot. A wool coat for under 25 euro. That's 90% off. A great shirt for the same amount - 50% off. Great time to buy and reduce the environmental impact. Thanks for your great video. Nice shirt you got!
Ive been trying to buy more durable clothing as of late and remove lower quality items. Ive found deluth pants and button ups recently and have been loving them. I figure spending 60 on some pants and 50ish on some shirts that will last me a while is totally worth it.
Vivobarefoot? I've had them since 2020 and it is the best pair of shoes I've ever had! 11/10, totally. I usually watch your channel alone but my wife watched this video with me and she was like: I like this guy's style and his opinions. I've been a follower of The Minimalists since 2018 and although I used to like the black dress code they promote, I also get why it's not for everybody. Anyway, I basically have the same clothes I used to wear 15 or 10 years ago, also the same "not in-style, but never out-of-style" type, and it's the best! The only "recent" piece of clothing is my waterproof Patagonia jacket (4yo now), which is on of the few brands I don't have a problem with (they repair you your piece if it gets broken, update you on the most environmental-friendly waterproofer and they literally care about sustainability, no greenwashing bs) 🙂 Anyway, thank you for your content, Spencer. One of the best channels on TH-cam! Greetings from the Czech Republic, Europe!
It's awesome that most of your clothes are natural fibers! wool is the best! I've recently been learning about how harmful synthetic clothes are - when you wash them they release microplastics into the water supply. Great video!
Yes that’s something I’m trying to be more considerate of also! It’s a bit harder with items like raincoats but even alternatives liked waxed canvas exist. Hopefully in the future I’ll be able to get the plastic fully out of my clothes. Thanks for the comment!
@@spencers-adventures My wool coat has done a fantastic job during the rainy season! I don't really use a raincoat anymore. Wool takes very long to start absorbing water, droplets usually fall off, and even when it does absorb water it will take so long for the water to reach you. Natural fabrics also dry more efficiently in my opinion. My rain coats always dry with that musty 'wet dog' smell and I'd have to wash it when it soaks, which increases my consumption. Wool would just have to be laid flat to dry.
I don’t want this question to come off as accusatory because I am genuinely wondering your perspective, but what is your opinion of buying off of Amazon? I see that you’ve included links to them in a few of your videos. I personally avoid buying off of Amazon just because I feel like they epitomize a lot of the consumerist ideals I disagree with.
Yeah that’s a great question, and it’s one that I wrestle with myself. I do use Amazon, and I place affiliate links in my video descriptions to help me earn a small commission with the channel. In my personal life I only purchase from Amazon when the product cannot be sourced locally within a reasonable distance. I’m fortunate that I live in a big city so I can usually go about my life without buying from Amazon much, but in certain cases I still purchase there. An example of something I typically buy on Amazon is camera/video equipment because certain budget manufacturers are almost exclusively available on Amazon. I recognize it’s a bit hypocritical, but t9 me that just means that I have something to strive to improve in the future. I’d love to stop shopping at all big box retailers in the future and exclusively support small businesses, but at this point I’m not in the place financially to do that 100%. It’s a great question and it’s something that once you look into goes quite deep, and I want to put more focus on that in the years to come! For example, if I stop purchasing from mega-retailers like Amazon and Walmart, would I want to take that the next step and stop buying products made from large (and likely unethical) brands as well, even if purchasing these goods from small businesses? Know that these are all considerations which I’m actively thinking about, and I will continue to work on them in my own life into the future :)
@ Thank you for your thoughtful response! I definitely see where you’re coming from. Everything you’re doing now and the consideration you’ve put it is more than many people are willing to do, so I’d say you’re doing great as is. There’s always “more” each of us can be doing (certainly myself included! I’d love to not drive a car to work), but at the end of the day I think what matters is finding a lifestyle that works within our ethical frameworks and allows us to succeed in modern life.
This is me also, ever since I was about 25 I only started wearing plain t’s, jackets, flannels with no logos at all. It just felt like growing up to me
I go by active minimalism. Get stuff that lasts a long time. Made for movement. Tactical pants. Work pants. Some skate companies have really high quality materials that are made for breathability and longevity. But kind of how in the 80s my dad would wear leather jackets, jeans, Reebok hightops, etc. He was in south Central LA and street fights were common. Leather jackets would protect you from being thrown on the ground. Stabbed. Or jumping over fences. Jeans lasted for years, holes were common before it was a fashion trend. Or combat boots, which last for years. But yeah. Just wear shit that is made to last, made for movement. Try to blend in. Dont look tacticool. Uniformal. Maybe some symbols or logos. But no graphic shirts or hats. Thsts my philosophy in fashion anyways.
Try los Angeles apparel. They have no logos on their clothes and yarn is sourced in the United States, textiles are made in house, and then sewn and dyed in los Angeles.
As always a very inspiring content. Thanks! But here's one little grain of salt from my perspective: Maybe you want to rethink cutting out labels. because let's assume you want to sell your Carhartt shirt, then you can make quite a good buck on selling it with an intact brand label on it. just my thoughts...
That’s a fair point too! With certain things I haven’t cut the labels off (I have an old Carhartt coat for example) but I now try to just buy stuff without labels to begin with. There’s so much choice at the thrift stores that I usually don’t have much issue with that strategy 👍. Thanks for the comment :)
Just a tip for people, especially with leg knee injuries etc, I would stay clear from second hand shoes that have been worn since they can alter/force your gait in an unatural way. Instead I would buy one or two proper long lasting shoes and have them regularly taken for repairs. If you dont want to consume, finding new shoes with tags is super easy and military surpluses have tons of unused boots for cheap
When buying second hand you should also select brands ethically produced, buying bad brands on second hand market also indirectly benefits them - it creates demand for that brand and by wearing them you also advertise them even without the logos
0:01 I've never been prone to wearing brandname clothing with their logos, etc. but if I found brandnames I like, they were usually purchased at thrift stores in great shape for a fraction of their original retail prices. I remember when I took a marketing course in college how the professor looked across the class and pointed out all of the brands people were wearing and then she came to me and was stumped because I wore no visible logos. I said to her that I'm not a walking billboard for any of those companies (Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) and I would never wear those kinds of clothing unless the companies were paying me a hefty sum to advertise for them. Haha! :)
I would argue that how you buy your clothes is one of the most important ethical decisions you make because it's a direct reflection of how you want to interact with the world and what you want too leave behind and although it makes sense to buy underwear and socks semi regularly most big garments such as trousers, shirts, jackets bags etc can be acquired second hand and although it isn't as accessible to adventure of designing your own clothing and getting it made is hugely enjoyable/
I would argue that how you buy your clothes is not one of the most important ethical decisions you make.... Clothes can just as easily deceive & operate as, for example, a virtue-signaling costume rather than being a garment that somehow reflects, with precision, the heart & soul & ethics of its wearer. A serial killer can wear second-hand clothing just as easily as a saint can. But, yeah, let's pretend that the surface optics of clothing reveal the "most important ethical decisions" of a person....
Your video was preceded by a Shen Yun commercial, causing me to recheck the title of this video to ensure I didn’t misread anti-consumerism for anti-communism. 😂
You’re not wrong! It’s definitely important to account for some transition time with barefoot shoes and to be mindful of your running form to minimize injury risk. I appreciate the comment!
Very nice video, i got my first leather boots but after a few days of wearing them 2 bulges started to form on the top of the shoe where toes move, how can i fix that?
Some wear may be normal if the leather is soft, but what I do with my boots is stuff the front of them with leftover bubble wrap I had. This helps them keep their shape when they’re sitting for a while between wears 👍
So when you say you get rid of clothing in the video because you are not wearing them how does that go togehter with wearing your clothes until they break? What are you doing with the colthes you are getting rid of?
If I get rid of anything I donate. Are you referring to the T-shirt I mentioned? Occasionally I’ll pass along an item if I feel that I’m not using it, either give it to a sibling or donate it to a thrift store. I’m definitely not asking anyone to bear a burden and wear clothes they don’t like for the rest of their days - if you don’t wear something, keeping it isn’t going to make you wear it more. It’ll simply sit in your closet and not be used by anyone which at that point is worse waste than donating it to a secondhand store.
@@spencers-adventures Thanks for your answer. I am asking because I often get into this conflict myself and see other people who want to persue this lifestyle falling in this trap where they remove items to have less which leads to having more space for stuff to buy. Especially if you happen to have clothing items that you are not using which are not high quality, they have those issues with donating you mentioned (probably they are shipped to a foreign country where they are eniveronment issues). For those it feels like the only way to have them used is to use them up yourself.
You should check out my favorite brand called Iron and Resin. They make really good quility goods, that last a very long time. It will also fit your style very well in my opinion. The only downside is that they’re not cheap.
Virtually every item I clicked on at their site (other than the boots, which are rebranded from other makers) says ‘imported’. If you’re not proud of the manufacturer of the clothing you’re selling, you can’t be trusted. Grant Stone is an example of a more positive approach; they celebrate the fact that their extremely well made boots come from China.
@ I think it's a bit too simplistic to say a brand can't be trusted based on a quick look at their website. A large portion is made overseas, but their more expensive items are made in America, sometimes even made by hand. That's no secret at all. But I'll look into the brand you’ve recommended.
@ I think it's a bit too simplistic to say a brand can't be trusted based on a quick look at their website. A large portion is made overseas, but their more expensive items are made in America, sometimes even made by hand. That's no secret at all. But I'll look into the brand you’ve recommended.
@@RicardoBryanOfficial Well, the Kavalan and Irvin jackets are imported, those being the two most expensive items in the outerwear department, which is likely the top price points in their line.
i also remove logos from clothing , i have a napapiri jacket , that has tha big logo and flag , in chess , majority of my wordrobe is black gray in classic style and some dark blue jeans . and i also have some winter cycling jacket that red , just because make you more visible in winter city scape on bike ,
Oh maybe I’ll make a video about that! I often wash clothing in the shower while I’m soaping up - just a couple items at a time. I only do normal laundry every 3 or 4 weeks. I also wear clothes a couple of days at a time before washing them 👍
@@spencers-adventures Wearing one item for a couple of days is definitely not for me, I tried different types of deodorants and none of them works properly on me.
I mean, if unless he’s working some hardcore jobs like automotive, and he’s getting caked in grease - or his job has him outside tons and he gets visibly soiled, you don’t gotta wash your clothes every time you wear them. And at that, a good rinse in hot water can do the trick. Many appliance repair techs, and dry cleaners will tell you the best way to make your clothing last is avoid washing them when it isn’t necessary. Gentle cycle is also your best friend!
@@buckyyyb You're lucky if all you need is rinsing. My clothes smell after one day of wearing. My skin is also extremely oily that I have to wash the body and hair with soap every day or every other day max. Otherwise acne is guaranteed. Changing T-shirt before it got greased helps to avoid stains on the neck area.
It’s funny, I’ve worn Levi’s most my life, but in the last 10ish (or more) years they’ve been making these stretch material jeans that last about 6 months to a year before the crotch rips out. They’re waaaay more expensive than they used to be and are basically garbage. I’ve started wearing “patch jeans” because so many pairs are worn and ripped I’m just patching them consistently. It suuuucks. A pair of Levi’s used to last years and years. Plus the sucky jeans have been around long enough now that even thrifting is just those stretch garbage jeans. Maybe I should just start buying selvedge denim, but I don’t want to spend $300-$400 on a pair of jeans that I have to spend years breaking in.
Man, if you’ve found a girlfriend that mends jeans you better hang on to her. I thrift all my clothes and consistently find quality brand new or like-new stuff for cheap. I’ve even found a few Filson items, although nothing that fit me.
Yeah she’s pretty great! And wow, sounds like you have had some great luck thrifting. I’ve seen Filson at vintage stores for reduced prices, but have never come upon something that high end at the thrift. I guess can hope and dream that one day I will lol! Thanks for the comment 👍
I personally don't know of any way to dissolve screen printing without also dissolving the shirt, so I either paint over them or sew on a patch. Plus knowing how to sew a patch is helpful for repairing clothes later on down the line. You can also use iron on or fabric adhesive
@ah57588 thanks! I have tried embroidery and patchs in casual clothing, but some sports clothes come with this big logos, and those options will not be very practical, but i like the idea of finding some kind of adhesive to iron on top 😊
@@tudormiller887 Sure! I am talking about clothes that I've had for 8/10+ years and/or got for free. Most people where I live don't want clothes that are not in perfect shape, so doesn't make sense to donate them knowing that they will end in the landfill, so i rather wear them until they fall apart
I’ve seen people use some sort of acetone (nail polish remover type thing) on the area where the print is, and after letting it sit they can scrape off the print. However it will either stain or be another tone because the shirt will have faded elsewhere over time. I have wanted to make my own personalized logo as a patch and put in on my clothing over logos and on plain shirts, but I haven’t done it. Could be a fun option for you!
I think that would be applicable if there was something specifically being commodified in this. You could certainly argue the video itself is anti-consumerism content being consumed though
I agree with a lot of your stances however I think intentionally removing logos goes past that point and into cringe territory. I really don't find it that hard to wear my clothes to death. I have never in my life thrown away something that was undamaged, fit me and was comfortable and even the things I have gotten rid of, most of those I have resold on Depop. It scares me that people apparently throw away their entire wardrobe at least twice a year. Is that really an actual phenomenon that is widespread? Because that is mental illness on an insane level.
I can see your point here, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, this is just what I’ve done. That video about logos was from nearly a year ago now and I’m less staunch about that now. I purchase mostly blank items and I’ve considered creating my own logos for visual interest on plain clothes, but sometimes I still leave them on if I feel it looks better that way. It is crazy how many people throw out their whole closets. I don’t think it’s always so that they actually toss the items, but their wardrobe simply swells with new items and old items are forgotten and therefore wasted. It’s essentially trash if wasted value is produced due to overconsumption, so I see it as one and the same. Thanks for your comment!
"When you're buying second hand, the clothes are always gonna be cheaper than buying them new" ok great video but this is just incorrect lol. Look at any vintage shirt resellers, hyped sneakers, rare designer, etc
True, you may not be able to find vintage Jordans for a bargain, but for the average plain t-shirt or even nicer jacket, secondhand is usually the way to go. I found a perfect condition Patagonia puffer for 1/3 retail price secondhand last month!
First off, I think it should be openly stated by the company claiming they’re “made in the USA.” Saying made in USA conjures up ideas of manufacturing coming back to America and good paying factory jobs returning for the working American, not a prisoner being paid a very low wage. It’s a “cheap” smoke and mirrors tactic companies can use to pay near sweatshop wages and pretend that they’re bringing back American jobs. Secondly, I think there’s also an argument that prisoners should be being rehabilitated to some degree so they don’t get back out and fall into the same old patterns that landed them in prison in the first place. Forcing someone into a privatized labour factory isn’t going to make better citizens out of these people, or give them a leg to stand on when they’re released. Work could be a component of rehabilitation, but not a mandatory job making clothing for long hours, because the skills are hardly even transferable, given that so little of this type of manufacturing exists in the USA right now.
What’s wrong with inmates making our product. They gave up their rights by doing criminal activities that harm the community. So they shouldn’t pay back for their crimes?
@ bro, it’s HIS channel. You don’t have to be here. He is not telling you that YOU have to do anything, he is just talking about what HE does. If you don’t like it, go away. It’s that simple.
@@DieFarbeLila88 "Bro" ...its freedom of speech. dont preach ethics on a site that has bad ethics. if you dont like it dont speak to me an go away, its that simple.
Ivy Style; don’t buy plastic shoes, buy leather shoes with Goodyear welts and resole for a life time; wear 100% wool and 100% cotton clothes. Buy a used leather bomber jacket; buy a used Denim Jacket; buy used Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren, cotton button down Oxford shirts. Buy used jeans. Replace broken buttons; it’s ok to patch holes. Yes, mend holes in pants and shirts. Be realistic and understand that in countries in the Middle East, in Asia, and South America, in Africa, in China, people aren’t obsessed with this issue. For example, in Alexandra, Egypt, people dump their daily trash on the street outside of their “compounds.” There are pools of used oil directly outside of service stations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, etc. Plastic bottles by the millions are found in canals and streams in the Philippines, China, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia +++
Spencer, clothes being donated which have small holes, and not being sold by the thrift store is much worse than “just going to the landfill.” What usually happens to those sort of clothes, especially with big non-profits (like goodwill, value village) is that the unsalable ones are sold in bulk to a textile broker. The broker then forwards them onto developing nations in Africa, South America, where they become an environmental disaster. While it is done under the guise of “helping developing nations” the reality is not so. Often the communities are overwhelmed by these textiles, many of which have plastics in them. As a result, many of the clothes are burned, or become direct pollution via waterways. Water quality where these textiles are “dumped” have seen significant water quality issues as a direct result- worsening an already dire situation. The whole textile industry is an issue. Future Proof does a great video on this!
I, also, love natural fibers and try to exclusively wear cotton/wool, or leather, and buy clothes/shoes as an investment to encourage repairing verse disposal.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information! Truly disturbing how we offshore our waste and overconsumption to the people who are forced to make it for us in the first place. I’ll check out Future Proof’s video for sure 👍
Love future proof
It’s the same in Europe. If something should really be recycled I cut it up. We have sort of garbage big containers where you can put textiles is. Both in good condition and “trash textiles”. So it will not be send off to other countries, but recycled 😊
I remember I had enjoyed wearing a leather jacket for many years, but the zipper clasp broke in half, but instead of chucking or donating the jacket, luckily I had kept the broken zipper clasp parts and I took them all to a local drycleaner/clothing repair place and they quickly repaired the zipper for just $5 by finding an exact match of the zipper clasp in their drawer (Hence, take the broken parts with you), so I've been able to enjoy that jacket all these years later. :)
Another thing I do with old clothing - tshirts specifically - when they're so worn out is cut them up into little squares and use them as rags in the kitchen or for the bathroom and floors. That way I'm not buying those disposable swiffer pads or using up too much paper towel. Over time, the shirts will degrade even more to basically just fibres that you can feel okay throwing out or composting if they were made from natural material. If they're not so worn out but they get uncomfortable to wear (for example if the collar turns yellow or the sleeves get too loose) you can also make them into tote bags or pouches!
Yep, shop rags for oil changes and garage purposes.
Crafty!
Heck, I even keep old worn t-shirts with a few holes here and there for doing chores outside or around my home (or to wear underneath sweaters in winter since the shirts aren't visible) or I use old, clean shirts as packing material for fragile ceramic mugs or glasses stored in boxes, etc.
I've even cut holes in old holey socks to wear as sleeves before putting on winter gloves to stay extra warm. One can find all sorts of uses for heavily worn clothing in one's collection. :)
I use my worn out socks to oil and polish my boots
I’m still shocked most people don’t wear out their clothes. Yeah I buy new clothes when I see something I like, but I haven’t really bought new clothes for the past four or five years to the point where I might need to go buy a new wardrobe bc all my shirts that are about the same age are starting to go. Like is this not normal? It takes a lot of mental effort to go buy clothes when I already have some at home.
Do you prefer to buy clothes online or in store ?
Same. I have basic T shirts that are 15 years old. I would rather get a root canal than shop for clothes. Nothing ever fits right and everything is declining in quality. Once in a while I look for things at thrift stores and I will also try to buy new stuff thats US made.
5:35 this is tricky too because i believe even if clothes are only 70% made in the U.S. (which means crafted and sourced here), there can still be up to 30% of materials coming from mostly undisclosed locations along with claiming that they are “Made in the USA” even though it’s technically not 100%. However, some brands are really good about disclosure. I have made a plan to avoid clothing brands owned by private equity firms as these brands usually tend to sell out from the roots and cheapen the products so that they’re not even close to the same quality they were previously. The downside is that these brands are essentially the same idea as buying from a mom and pop shop, you pay more but you get the satisfaction from your purchase.
Not everything can be made in your country bro, wake up.
@ is it not a good thing to try and find American made versions of goods? Not everything is you’re right and it’s sad that we’ve lost so much of a manufacturing base. If you think that is a good thing that so many jobs have been imported overseas, you may need to wake up.
A good reason to buy from smaller makers.
One of my issues over the years is that I wear clothes until they are too ragged to wear to the office, but they still have many years of life left. So I have to buy new clothes to wear to work, but still have the old ones because they're still useable. I use the old ones for yardwork or hiking, but they still last for years. So bottom line, i end up having a lot of clothes in the closet.
Though I’ve not had an office type job for a long time I can understand that issue. I think it depends on how you want to present in the workplace. Unfortunately there’s a bit of a game that needs to be played where we look our best etc., but I think you could also present as someone who cares about making there clothing last. This could be using more overt patches to show off that you’ve chosen to mend your clothing not simply out of necessity, but in an effort to consume less. I think I would respect someone a lot of I saw that in the workplace!
However I can still recognize the problem of having too many clothes as you hold onto items and demote them for other things. I think another solution can be by choosing to own fewer items altogether, and not being concerned with being seen in the same outfits time and time again. This isn’t to say you don’t feel this way already, more so just general advice to anyone who comes upon this. Thanks for your comment!
@@spencers-adventuresi like to turn old clothes with holes into patch material for other items. I have an old pair of work pants that is basically missing one leg because i used it to mend other pairs. No need to run to the craft store for fabric.
Go for the Spencer vibe. Good video, I like your minimalist conviction and desire to reduce your Impact on the environment. I hope this journey brings you contentment. God bless you.
Waxed cotton jackets, like Barbour, are great. You can rewax them and repair them for ages.
@@samacw agreed! If I ever find a secondhand Barbour I’ll definitely pick one up 👍
Totally agree about buying secondhand. I've really been enjoying buying high quality used clothing. You get great quality and well sourced materials/manufacturing that will last, and you can find nearly new items for 50% off.
Exactly! I couldn’t agree more. Secondhand is the way to go 👍
I purchased a lot of great waterproof canvas trenchcoats as well as wool/cashmere blend overcoats used from local Salvation Army Thrift Stores, Goodwill stores, or Value Village for $15 to $20 each which were in excellent shape for a mere fraction of their original $150 to $300 retail prices.
I also bought several leather jackets, including Danier leather jackets, for $15 to $25 each compared to their original $200 to $300 retail prices and in fact, I bought a full leather trenchcoat for $25 and it likely cost $300 to $500 originally, so it really pays to check out thrift stores and secondhand clothing or consignment stores to buy great used clothes on a budget.
I wear my clothes and then I mend my clothes! I like to add colorful patches onto normal plain clothes once they start to wear out to make them more exciting and to last longer. Also I love to make my own socks which last ages longer than machine made ones, and I patch my machine ones to hell and back again so that I don't have to get rid of those either. My friends and I patch clothes for eachother and also we trade (and occasionally sell if it was super expensive like a nice coat) clothes with eachother when we want something new/want to get rid of something. it keeps my wardrobe interesting and exciting without having to worry about going and getting new things. My patch pants are a completely different type of trouser now that they're being mended all of the time which makes it feel like I've gotten a new item of clothing when really I havent.
@@bridgethealey7188 that’s a great approach and a great way to look at it! It really does create your own personal style from mending clothing time and time again :)
3:53 "...and not to throw shade at the people who wear black or grey..." well played, sir!
I appreciate your efforts and ways and we are on the same page! Let this be a revolution for the planet, minimalism, for poor farmers and workers being exploited by fast fashion. 💪
I've been buying unbranded clothes for the past couple years. I never liked logos on stuff and unbranded stuff is also cheaper. In the past two years I also moved to a place where there are a bunch of second hand stores and the majority of my "new" stuff is from there. People get rid off of even absolutely pristine clothes...
Love the idea of taking logos right off of clothing, never thought of that
@@NicholasGarofola yeah it opens you up to a lot more options for blank shirts!
I did that 20 years ago and people thought I was strange.
Might be less of a problem online with some of the crap filtered out, but unfortunately almost all the stuff I find in thrift stores is garbage to begin with. I wonder whether buying that clothing helps at all, or if it just perpetuates the problem. I don’t have a lot of money but I buy expensive items (because of where they’re made, by who, out of what, and in what quantities) that are repairable and avoid plastics (polyester, nylon, viscose, rayon, bamboo) if at all possible.
Thanks for making the effort, it’s inspiring.
90% of my wardrobe is quality, second hand items that someone once payed good money for. I’ve had great luck finding classic clothes with the muted colors and earth tones I like on EBay.
EBay is a great source too! Like you said, there’s so many high quality, nearly unworn pieces out there on the secondhand market 👍
My big struggle is when do I decide something is actually worn out? Sometimes I'll keep a piece of clothing because it has no holes but a massive stain, but other times I'll toss something and then regret it. Currently that debate is over a pair of sneakers which are worn enough to be a little uncomfortable but not enough to be noticeable to other people and not so uncomfortable I refuse to wear them. I'd be interested to hear you talk about your decision making process
I deal with the same problem! I am really bad at getting rid of "wearable" shoes! I'm not a minimalist, but I tend to find more value in layering basics! I make a list of things I don't want to buy/ No buy list and if I have an acception to that rule like, I just write it beside it, like "No shoes (unless you find the perfect pair of loafers)" and if I find a different pair of shoes that fits better into my I'm cool with that to!
The Zorn palette wardrobe. I like that.
nice vcr! im excited to break out my old vcr when my bro and his fam visit and we can watch the old home videos
It’s such a fun way to enjoy those older films. A blast from the past!
I think even just learning how to sew and make your own clothes is also a great anti-consumer habit. Then, you can get all the best specs for a fraction of the price and feel the accomplishment of making something yourself!
I switched to wearing all black, with just a little grey, dark green, dark blue, and kaki clothing. Four shoes/boots, 4 jackets, one thin, medium, and warm. Everything else had to go. I’m happier this way.
I'm at the point where I wear my clothes till they wear, and then I mend them. My primary focus now is to learn basic alterations so that clothes I want to wear to wear, but don't fit, can go into my outfit cycle. Also so I can make clothes that do fit, fit better. Anti-consumerism doesn't mean I can't look sharp.
good vid. I think repair is highly under rated and I agree thrifting/vintage is king. But a misconception is that it is always cheaper. That's not necessarily true especially at "vintage" shops. Goodwill etc will be true thrifting where you can find steals
Yeah it depends on where you go! Resellers have definitely hurt the options available for a good price, but it just becomes more of a challenge. Most basics are still available for very low cost, and some good deals can even be found at trendier vintage spots too. Agreed that it’s getting much harder though. Thanks for the comment!
Minimalism fashion reminds me of 1984, with everyone wearing the same ‘uniforms’ etc. You will own nothing and THEY will be happy.
Would minimalism in this case be good.....or bad?
You’re not wrong - it’s definitely a dystopic aesthetic Steve!
@@mtzmanny81 Minimalism doesn't have to be boring and utopian.
" a few can have champagne or everyone can have clean drinking water "
@ great quote
had me sold as soon as you pulled out Live at the Old Quarter.
Great video dude!! It’s nice to see others transitioning into a more minimalist lifestyle.
I am a 39-year-old man, and I never find good clothes to buy. But when I find something wearable all the outfits are in a very bad fit because the sewers in China have to make a huge amount of clothes in a hurry. Then I decided to learn hhow to hand sew because I don't wanna be bothered by sewing machine and costly repairs.
They also make iron on patches for jeans. Can get a pack for $6 and they hold up well for general use.
I do but second hand a lot. A wool coat for under 25 euro. That's 90% off. A great shirt for the same amount - 50% off. Great time to buy and reduce the environmental impact.
Thanks for your great video. Nice shirt you got!
Sounds like you’ve found some great deals secondhand as well! Thanks for the comment :)
Ive been trying to buy more durable clothing as of late and remove lower quality items. Ive found deluth pants and button ups recently and have been loving them. I figure spending 60 on some pants and 50ish on some shirts that will last me a while is totally worth it.
Vivobarefoot? I've had them since 2020 and it is the best pair of shoes I've ever had! 11/10, totally.
I usually watch your channel alone but my wife watched this video with me and she was like: I like this guy's style and his opinions.
I've been a follower of The Minimalists since 2018 and although I used to like the black dress code they promote, I also get why it's not for everybody. Anyway, I basically have the same clothes I used to wear 15 or 10 years ago, also the same "not in-style, but never out-of-style" type, and it's the best! The only "recent" piece of clothing is my waterproof Patagonia jacket (4yo now), which is on of the few brands I don't have a problem with (they repair you your piece if it gets broken, update you on the most environmental-friendly waterproofer and they literally care about sustainability, no greenwashing bs) 🙂
Anyway, thank you for your content, Spencer. One of the best channels on TH-cam! Greetings from the Czech Republic, Europe!
@@jirkajindra11 so glad you both enjoyed the video! The Vivos are awesome too and I’m glad to hear you have enjoyed them on the longer-term too 👍
It's awesome that most of your clothes are natural fibers! wool is the best! I've recently been learning about how harmful synthetic clothes are - when you wash them they release microplastics into the water supply. Great video!
Yes that’s something I’m trying to be more considerate of also! It’s a bit harder with items like raincoats but even alternatives liked waxed canvas exist. Hopefully in the future I’ll be able to get the plastic fully out of my clothes. Thanks for the comment!
@@spencers-adventures My wool coat has done a fantastic job during the rainy season! I don't really use a raincoat anymore. Wool takes very long to start absorbing water, droplets usually fall off, and even when it does absorb water it will take so long for the water to reach you. Natural fabrics also dry more efficiently in my opinion. My rain coats always dry with that musty 'wet dog' smell and I'd have to wash it when it soaks, which increases my consumption. Wool would just have to be laid flat to dry.
You got a sub for having TVZ in your record collection.
Great video, I like your clothing view. I try to buy, made in America, and avoid sweatshop products.
I don’t want this question to come off as accusatory because I am genuinely wondering your perspective, but what is your opinion of buying off of Amazon? I see that you’ve included links to them in a few of your videos. I personally avoid buying off of Amazon just because I feel like they epitomize a lot of the consumerist ideals I disagree with.
Yeah that’s a great question, and it’s one that I wrestle with myself. I do use Amazon, and I place affiliate links in my video descriptions to help me earn a small commission with the channel. In my personal life I only purchase from Amazon when the product cannot be sourced locally within a reasonable distance. I’m fortunate that I live in a big city so I can usually go about my life without buying from Amazon much, but in certain cases I still purchase there. An example of something I typically buy on Amazon is camera/video equipment because certain budget manufacturers are almost exclusively available on Amazon. I recognize it’s a bit hypocritical, but t9 me that just means that I have something to strive to improve in the future. I’d love to stop shopping at all big box retailers in the future and exclusively support small businesses, but at this point I’m not in the place financially to do that 100%.
It’s a great question and it’s something that once you look into goes quite deep, and I want to put more focus on that in the years to come! For example, if I stop purchasing from mega-retailers like Amazon and Walmart, would I want to take that the next step and stop buying products made from large (and likely unethical) brands as well, even if purchasing these goods from small businesses? Know that these are all considerations which I’m actively thinking about, and I will continue to work on them in my own life into the future :)
@ Thank you for your thoughtful response! I definitely see where you’re coming from. Everything you’re doing now and the consideration you’ve put it is more than many people are willing to do, so I’d say you’re doing great as is. There’s always “more” each of us can be doing (certainly myself included! I’d love to not drive a car to work), but at the end of the day I think what matters is finding a lifestyle that works within our ethical frameworks and allows us to succeed in modern life.
Amazon is shite and one of the worst offenders for spewing out endless amounts of garbage.
That’s exactly what I been trying to do
Get Clothes that Lasts
And is functional.
This is me also, ever since I was about 25 I only started wearing plain t’s, jackets, flannels with no logos at all. It just felt like growing up to me
How can you put the sole of your shoes on top of your clothes?
I make sure my boots are clean as part of my care for them
I buy items that fit me well not necessarily trendy. And I lift so as I put on more muscle, I have to be mindful if they have some stretch.
I go by active minimalism. Get stuff that lasts a long time. Made for movement. Tactical pants. Work pants. Some skate companies have really high quality materials that are made for breathability and longevity. But kind of how in the 80s my dad would wear leather jackets, jeans, Reebok hightops, etc. He was in south Central LA and street fights were common. Leather jackets would protect you from being thrown on the ground. Stabbed. Or jumping over fences. Jeans lasted for years, holes were common before it was a fashion trend. Or combat boots, which last for years. But yeah. Just wear shit that is made to last, made for movement. Try to blend in. Dont look tacticool. Uniformal. Maybe some symbols or logos. But no graphic shirts or hats. Thsts my philosophy in fashion anyways.
Try los Angeles apparel. They have no logos on their clothes and yarn is sourced in the United States, textiles are made in house, and then sewn and dyed in los Angeles.
I’ll look them up. Thanks!
As always a very inspiring content. Thanks! But here's one little grain of salt from my perspective: Maybe you want to rethink cutting out labels. because let's assume you want to sell your Carhartt shirt, then you can make quite a good buck on selling it with an intact brand label on it. just my thoughts...
That’s a fair point too! With certain things I haven’t cut the labels off (I have an old Carhartt coat for example) but I now try to just buy stuff without labels to begin with. There’s so much choice at the thrift stores that I usually don’t have much issue with that strategy 👍. Thanks for the comment :)
I’ve never been grabbed by a title so quickly
Just a tip for people, especially with leg knee injuries etc, I would stay clear from second hand shoes that have been worn since they can alter/force your gait in an unatural way. Instead I would buy one or two proper long lasting shoes and have them regularly taken for repairs. If you dont want to consume, finding new shoes with tags is super easy and military surpluses have tons of unused boots for cheap
When buying second hand you should also select brands ethically produced, buying bad brands on second hand market also indirectly benefits them - it creates demand for that brand and by wearing them you also advertise them even without the logos
I would recommend you also get wide toe box shoe so you can improve your foot health and strength
Agreed! I have always wanted to try Xero shoes for the same reason
0:01 I've never been prone to wearing brandname clothing with their logos, etc. but if I found brandnames I like, they were usually purchased at thrift stores in great shape for a fraction of their original retail prices.
I remember when I took a marketing course in college how the professor looked across the class and pointed out all of the brands people were wearing and then she came to me and was stumped because I wore no visible logos. I said to her that I'm not a walking billboard for any of those companies (Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) and I would never wear those kinds of clothing unless the companies were paying me a hefty sum to advertise for them. Haha! :)
6:40 Poshmark is also a great place to buy secondhand clothing on the cheap!
btw dyeing and textile wet processing is done with machines not by hand
Another Spencer's Adventures banger video
Thanks very much buddy!
So nice Video i Been a Minimalist nice years. I found my Self in your view Thank you my friend best wishes form germany
Thanks for the comment - I’m glad you enjoyed!
nice army jacket!
What watch do you use
Timex Expedition Scout 👍
Great video, Spencer! What materials do you look for in your sweaters?
Natural!
I would argue that how you buy your clothes is one of the most important ethical decisions you make because it's a direct reflection of how you want to interact with the world and what you want too leave behind and although it makes sense to buy underwear and socks semi regularly most big garments such as trousers, shirts, jackets bags etc can be acquired second hand and although it isn't as accessible to adventure of designing your own clothing and getting it made is hugely enjoyable/
I would argue that how you buy your clothes is not one of the most important ethical decisions you make.... Clothes can just as easily deceive & operate as, for example, a virtue-signaling costume rather than being a garment that somehow reflects, with precision, the heart & soul & ethics of its wearer.
A serial killer can wear second-hand clothing just as easily as a saint can.
But, yeah, let's pretend that the surface optics of clothing reveal the "most important ethical decisions" of a person....
hey, I really enjoyed this video and am curious if you have any links to tutorials explaining mending jeans that you showed in the video. thank you
This is a great one!
th-cam.com/video/TnxGHRlevlQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rVuQMeiTTzXsjPdn
Your video was preceded by a Shen Yun commercial, causing me to recheck the title of this video to ensure I didn’t misread anti-consumerism for anti-communism. 😂
Be careful with barefoot shoes. We aren’t meant to absorb the shock of walking and running on concrete.
You’re not wrong! It’s definitely important to account for some transition time with barefoot shoes and to be mindful of your running form to minimize injury risk. I appreciate the comment!
@@spencers-adventures no more toe to heel my boi 😂
Very nice video, i got my first leather boots but after a few days of wearing them 2 bulges started to form on the top of the shoe where toes move, how can i fix that?
Some wear may be normal if the leather is soft, but what I do with my boots is stuff the front of them with leftover bubble wrap I had. This helps them keep their shape when they’re sitting for a while between wears 👍
Military surplus stores have great stuff.
So when you say you get rid of clothing in the video because you are not wearing them how does that go togehter with wearing your clothes until they break? What are you doing with the colthes you are getting rid of?
If I get rid of anything I donate. Are you referring to the T-shirt I mentioned? Occasionally I’ll pass along an item if I feel that I’m not using it, either give it to a sibling or donate it to a thrift store.
I’m definitely not asking anyone to bear a burden and wear clothes they don’t like for the rest of their days - if you don’t wear something, keeping it isn’t going to make you wear it more. It’ll simply sit in your closet and not be used by anyone which at that point is worse waste than donating it to a secondhand store.
@@spencers-adventures Thanks for your answer. I am asking because I often get into this conflict myself and see other people who want to persue this lifestyle falling in this trap where they remove items to have less which leads to having more space for stuff to buy. Especially if you happen to have clothing items that you are not using which are not high quality, they have those issues with donating you mentioned (probably they are shipped to a foreign country where they are eniveronment issues). For those it feels like the only way to have them used is to use them up yourself.
Nice Video Spencer, what do you think about buying factory seconds? They're not as cheap as second hand but they are cheaper than brand new.
You should check out my favorite brand called Iron and Resin. They make really good quility goods, that last a very long time. It will also fit your style very well in my opinion. The only downside is that they’re not cheap.
I’ll take a look, thank you :)
Virtually every item I clicked on at their site (other than the boots, which are rebranded from other makers) says ‘imported’. If you’re not proud of the manufacturer of the clothing you’re selling, you can’t be trusted. Grant Stone is an example of a more positive approach; they celebrate the fact that their extremely well made boots come from China.
@ I think it's a bit too simplistic to say a brand can't be trusted based on a quick look at their website. A large portion is made overseas, but their more expensive items are made in America, sometimes even made by hand. That's no secret at all. But I'll look into the brand you’ve recommended.
@ I think it's a bit too simplistic to say a brand can't be trusted based on a quick look at their website. A large portion is made overseas, but their more expensive items are made in America, sometimes even made by hand. That's no secret at all. But I'll look into the brand you’ve recommended.
@@RicardoBryanOfficial Well, the Kavalan and Irvin jackets are imported, those being the two most expensive items in the outerwear department, which is likely the top price points in their line.
I want to be minimalist and anti-consumerist---better go buy some of these HQ clothes!
Nothing for sale here, just advice 👍
I. LOVED. this. Instantly subbed and liked
So glad to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for the subscription :)
Lots of similar thoughts here!
Japanese denim brands are great for this. Prepare to start filling out credit card applications though... 😔
i also remove logos from clothing , i have a napapiri jacket , that has tha big logo and flag , in chess , majority of my wordrobe is black gray in classic style and some dark blue jeans . and i also have some winter cycling jacket that red , just because make you more visible in winter city scape on bike ,
Dude the waypoint survival guy came to my high school and did a little survival class
Only 7 t-shirts? How much detergent do you waste to wash them every week. I've got about 30 and wash them once in three weeks.
Oh maybe I’ll make a video about that! I often wash clothing in the shower while I’m soaping up - just a couple items at a time. I only do normal laundry every 3 or 4 weeks. I also wear clothes a couple of days at a time before washing them 👍
@@spencers-adventures Wearing one item for a couple of days is definitely not for me, I tried different types of deodorants and none of them works properly on me.
Check my deodorant recipe from a few videos back! It’s honestly crazy how effective it is 👍
I mean, if unless he’s working some hardcore jobs like automotive, and he’s getting caked in grease - or his job has him outside tons and he gets visibly soiled, you don’t gotta wash your clothes every time you wear them. And at that, a good rinse in hot water can do the trick. Many appliance repair techs, and dry cleaners will tell you the best way to make your clothing last is avoid washing them when it isn’t necessary. Gentle cycle is also your best friend!
@@buckyyyb You're lucky if all you need is rinsing. My clothes smell after one day of wearing. My skin is also extremely oily that I have to wash the body and hair with soap every day or every other day max. Otherwise acne is guaranteed. Changing T-shirt before it got greased helps to avoid stains on the neck area.
It’s funny, I’ve worn Levi’s most my life, but in the last 10ish (or more) years they’ve been making these stretch material jeans that last about 6 months to a year before the crotch rips out. They’re waaaay more expensive than they used to be and are basically garbage. I’ve started wearing “patch jeans” because so many pairs are worn and ripped I’m just patching them consistently. It suuuucks. A pair of Levi’s used to last years and years. Plus the sucky jeans have been around long enough now that even thrifting is just those stretch garbage jeans. Maybe I should just start buying selvedge denim, but I don’t want to spend $300-$400 on a pair of jeans that I have to spend years breaking in.
Man, if you’ve found a girlfriend that mends jeans you better hang on to her.
I thrift all my clothes and consistently find quality brand new or like-new stuff for cheap. I’ve even found a few Filson items, although nothing that fit me.
Yeah she’s pretty great! And wow, sounds like you have had some great luck thrifting. I’ve seen Filson at vintage stores for reduced prices, but have never come upon something that high end at the thrift. I guess can hope and dream that one day I will lol! Thanks for the comment 👍
Great video 📹
Thanks for watching!
@spencers-adventures you're welcome 😊
I believe your Red Wings aren't Iron Rangers, but rather Blacksmiths :)
No these are for sure the Iron Rangers - you can tell because mine have a toe cap and the Blacksmiths don’t 👍
How do you remove printed logos p from clothes? I don't want to promote these brands, but also don't want to waste clothes that otherwise are fine.
I personally don't know of any way to dissolve screen printing without also dissolving the shirt, so I either paint over them or sew on a patch. Plus knowing how to sew a patch is helpful for repairing clothes later on down the line. You can also use iron on or fabric adhesive
@ah57588 thanks! I have tried embroidery and patchs in casual clothing, but some sports clothes come with this big logos, and those options will not be very practical, but i like the idea of finding some kind of adhesive to iron on top 😊
Wouldn't it be far easier just to buy plain clothes without logos all over them, rather than spending time cutting out the logos & tags ? 🤔
@@tudormiller887 Sure! I am talking about clothes that I've had for 8/10+ years and/or got for free. Most people where I live don't want clothes that are not in perfect shape, so doesn't make sense to donate them knowing that they will end in the landfill, so i rather wear them until they fall apart
I’ve seen people use some sort of acetone (nail polish remover type thing) on the area where the print is, and after letting it sit they can scrape off the print. However it will either stain or be another tone because the shirt will have faded elsewhere over time. I have wanted to make my own personalized logo as a patch and put in on my clothing over logos and on plain shirts, but I haven’t done it. Could be a fun option for you!
Any vegan clothing brands Spencer ? 🤔
You forgot to show the pants
I may do a full wardrobe video later! I didn’t want too make the video any longer, but next time I’ll include pants, coats, and hats/gloves 👍
So you like consume but cheaper 🖤
This could be the pinnacle of consumerism, consuming anti-consumerism. I do not mean that in any mean way
I think that would be applicable if there was something specifically being commodified in this. You could certainly argue the video itself is anti-consumerism content being consumed though
I agree with a lot of your stances however I think intentionally removing logos goes past that point and into cringe territory. I really don't find it that hard to wear my clothes to death. I have never in my life thrown away something that was undamaged, fit me and was comfortable and even the things I have gotten rid of, most of those I have resold on Depop. It scares me that people apparently throw away their entire wardrobe at least twice a year. Is that really an actual phenomenon that is widespread? Because that is mental illness on an insane level.
I can see your point here, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, this is just what I’ve done. That video about logos was from nearly a year ago now and I’m less staunch about that now. I purchase mostly blank items and I’ve considered creating my own logos for visual interest on plain clothes, but sometimes I still leave them on if I feel it looks better that way. It is crazy how many people throw out their whole closets. I don’t think it’s always so that they actually toss the items, but their wardrobe simply swells with new items and old items are forgotten and therefore wasted. It’s essentially trash if wasted value is produced due to overconsumption, so I see it as one and the same. Thanks for your comment!
Prisoners doing work!? Thats Great!
Beat generation is trendy
"When you're buying second hand, the clothes are always gonna be cheaper than buying them new"
ok great video but this is just incorrect lol. Look at any vintage shirt resellers, hyped sneakers, rare designer, etc
True, you may not be able to find vintage Jordans for a bargain, but for the average plain t-shirt or even nicer jacket, secondhand is usually the way to go. I found a perfect condition Patagonia puffer for 1/3 retail price secondhand last month!
Talk about wool
I definitely will talk about fabrics I look for in my clothing in a future video!
Calm down handsome man with a beard
Yo entré a ver por qué leí "anticomunista" 😅😅
look into karl marx
I think I’ve heard of him
Communism: 100 million dead and counting
That's all just pretend. You still are lusting after different brands.. Until you weave your own clothes..
Here
whats wrong with clothe being made by inmates? I can't think of a single coherent argument against it, it's plain common sense
First off, I think it should be openly stated by the company claiming they’re “made in the USA.” Saying made in USA conjures up ideas of manufacturing coming back to America and good paying factory jobs returning for the working American, not a prisoner being paid a very low wage. It’s a “cheap” smoke and mirrors tactic companies can use to pay near sweatshop wages and pretend that they’re bringing back American jobs.
Secondly, I think there’s also an argument that prisoners should be being rehabilitated to some degree so they don’t get back out and fall into the same old patterns that landed them in prison in the first place. Forcing someone into a privatized labour factory isn’t going to make better citizens out of these people, or give them a leg to stand on when they’re released. Work could be a component of rehabilitation, but not a mandatory job making clothing for long hours, because the skills are hardly even transferable, given that so little of this type of manufacturing exists in the USA right now.
i don't know why but when I read Ur title i misspelled as anti Communist 😂
When I first saw the title, and thought it said "My Anti-Communist Wardrobe" XD
What’s wrong with inmates making our product. They gave up their rights by doing criminal activities that harm the community. So they shouldn’t pay back for their crimes?
if you care about ethical clothing then you should care about the ethics of utube......
Dont tell ppl what they should care about, its rude.
@@DieFarbeLila88 but its ok for him then to preach ??? utube has bad ethics thank you very much.
@ bro, it’s HIS channel. You don’t have to be here. He is not telling you that YOU have to do anything, he is just talking about what HE does. If you don’t like it, go away. It’s that simple.
@@DieFarbeLila88 "Bro" ...its freedom of speech. dont preach ethics on a site that has bad ethics. if you dont like it dont speak to me an go away, its that simple.
@@dai19721 "Bro" why are you even on TH-cam if you clearly hate it's ethics.
Ivy Style; don’t buy plastic shoes, buy leather shoes with Goodyear welts and resole for a life time; wear 100% wool and 100% cotton clothes. Buy a used leather bomber jacket; buy a used Denim Jacket; buy used Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren, cotton button down Oxford shirts. Buy used jeans. Replace broken buttons; it’s ok to patch holes. Yes, mend holes in pants and shirts. Be realistic and understand that in countries in the Middle East, in Asia, and South America, in Africa, in China, people aren’t obsessed with this issue. For example, in Alexandra, Egypt, people dump their daily trash on the street outside of their “compounds.” There are pools of used oil directly outside of service stations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, etc. Plastic bottles by the millions are found in canals and streams in the Philippines, China, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia +++