There is a lot out there about minimalism wardrobes, capsule wardrobes and how to downsize your closet. Almost all the advice and recommendations focus on what we wear every day. Underclothes (unmentionables), pajamas, and workout gear are all exempt. That is, all workout gear, that you actually wear to workout, like the time my yoga pants actually went to yoga. 

There are many different recommendations and formulas such as number of items, quality of items, etc. However, today I’m going to focus on the unmentionables section, since I have spent the past several weeks updating that section of my wardrobe. Keep in mind, that reducing your wardrobe and decluttering is not an excuse to go out and by a whole new wardrobe. The trick is generally keeping a high quality stock of functional clothing that is rotated in and out as it serves its purpose or wears out. The exception to this rule, is underclothes.

Taking a top down approach to “unmentionables,” let’s start with most female’s least favorite clothing item: bras.

Bras are uncomfortable. I am sure I am not alone in thinking that they are my least favorite wardrobe item to shop for and wear. According to research, most women in America are not even properly sized and are wearing bras that are simply ill-fitting. Bras are one of the first items we put on every day, and very rarely seen by anyone other than ourselves. So, it’s no wonder if we tend to overlook such a hardworking piece of our wardrobe.

I recently came to this realization that none of my bras were properly sized for my body type. They are extremely uncomfortable, and are one of the first clothing items I remove when I return home each day. When I really looked at the state of all my underclothes, I realized I had completely ignored this category of clothing in my minimalist efforts.

I started by being properly sized for bras. This is for both cup size and inches. I can tell you it made a world of difference. Once I was properly sized, I purchased new bras. The fit is much better and my new bras are more comfortable. Not only were my old bras improperly sized, but the elastic was worn out, the fabric on the sides worn almost threadbare, and they had basically served their time.

Now, as a minimalist, when downsizing any piece of my wardrobe, I try to donate clothing items as much as possible to reduce the amount of textile waste in our garbage system. What to do with old, worn out bras? Turtle rehabilitation.

Yes, you read that correctly. Turtle rehabilitation. There are sanctuaries that care for turtles who have injuries to their shells – whether they were caught by a boat propeller that cracked their shells, or were caught in some plastic polluting our oceans, the cup part of bras are used to help turtles shells heal. Even if your old bra is so worn out that it’s not supportive for your breasts, the cup portion can help a turtle in need. Goggle bras for turtle shells to find information on a turtle sanctuary near you where you can send your old bras to help with turtle rehabilitation. They need and take all sizes. 

By the way, we are still at the end of October. This is also a reminder to have your mammogram. 

By purchasing new bras, my clothes fit better as well. I honestly don’t remember when the last time was that I updated my underwear drawer. It was definitely years ago and long overdue.

Speaking of underwear drawer, that is the next item of unmentionables that I updated.

I am not sure how I have been overlooking this clothing item, but if you have not updated your underwear drawer in awhile, do it now. I hear that some people do this annually at Christmas. People may loathe receiving underwear for Christmas, but it is definitely a wardrobe item you need to keep up to date. 

When I was growing up, Christmas stockings usually included a new toothbrush, some fun kid’s toothpaste that was normally “too expensive” to obtain, and an orange. Underwear is rarely ever on my radar. Yes, I wear it, but be mindful of replacing it. If you are one of those families who gifts underwear and socks for Christmas, be thankful.

I was lucky in that when I replaced my underwear, there was some sort of special sale pricing. I now have 10 new pairs. As far of disposing of old underwear, I do not have any suggestions for that. Unfortunately, the old underwear went in the trash.

This brings us down to socks. Socks are pretty obvious in that when they have a hole, you either repair them, which happened more frequently back in the day, or you get rid of them, which happens more frequently today.

When I really analyzed my sock drawer, I realized that although they did not have holes, I had worn out the elastic, and the white was just not bright anymore. It was rather shocking when I did buy new socks and saw the new socks next to the old socks. The old white socks looked rather grey. That was gross.

As far as recycling or re-purposing old socks, they are great for cleaning. I put one on the end of my broom handle and use it to dust the blades of my ceiling fan. You can also just put an old sock on your hand and use it to dust your whole house. Not only can you do this with old socks that are no longer useful, but if you have the type of household where you have a sock that has lost it’s “mate,” you can just use the sock for dusting. I have also taken old socks and turned them into cat or dog toys. 

My next project I am working on is my pajama drawer. It’s been about five years since I have bought pajamas and all my sleep shirts are pretty threadbare. These are just some of the hardworking clothing items we wear every single day and rarely think about when doing a wardrobe overhaul. Other people may not see us wear these items, but updating them can still make you feel good about yourself and loved. Have you updated your “unmentionables” recently?