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The Therapeutic Benefits Of A Minimalist Wardrobe

Finding freedom through your choice of clothing.
February 6, 2025
By Holly Radice

Exploring The Therapeutic Benefits Of A Minimalist Wardrobe

Introducing the second blog in my 3-part blog series about minimalism and mental health by a therapist and digital nomad. Join me as I explore our attachment to our belongings and how focusing on sustainable fashion can create deeper meaning in our lives.

This blog is about finding a sense of freedom and belonging by removing some attachments and keeping things down to only essentials.

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When I began my journey as a digital nomad, I had to get rid of anything that wouldn’t fit into my SUV, which was painful.

I recognized how attached I was to my stuff and naturally began to consider the psychology of why we form such attachments.

I eventually found a sense of freedom in cutting my wardrobe down to the essentials.

Exploring The Therapeutic Benefits Of A Minimalist Wardrobe - Oliver Charles
Investing In Good Clothing Is Investing In Yourself - Oliver Charles

Start With What Fits

For me, what fits held a double meaning. I needed to prioritize what fit my body as well as what I could reasonably pack into my car for life on the road.

For anyone seeking to minimize their wardrobe, I recommend first taking stock of the space you have.

Next, work through your capsule wardrobe to consider what items you feel good about.

I had purchased so many fast fashion items in the past simply because they were inexpensive, but I never wore them because they just did not fit me properly.

Exploring Nature With My Yak Wool Sweater - Oliver Charles
The Perfect Sweater For A Day Hike - Oliver Charles

Quality Is A Top Priority

Once you’ve pared down your belongings, you can consider new purchases as an investment.

Instead of buying trendy tops that will go out of fashion by next season, or low-quality materials that will not even last until then, think about quality that will last.

Materials like yak wool help ensure that your new wardrobe lasts.

Oliver Charles prioritizes quality and offers simple but timeless styles, making them a perfect match for long-term investment.

An issue I run into often is finding clothing that can stand up to my active lifestyle, even as I have shifted to higher-quality materials. Yak wool has been an incredible (and surprising) answer to this issue.

Yak wool is durable enough to withstand a little adventure while being comfortable enough for everyday wear.

My Undyed All-Season Crew Neck is soft and stylish but has the strength to wear for more than special occasions.

Taking My Yak Wool Sweater For An Adventure - Oliver Charles
What Wearing Yak Wool Sweater While Hiking Feels Like - Oliver Charles

Minimalism Is Not Boring

Many people think of the bare bones when they think of a minimalist lifestyle.

Images of sparse spaces and white walls often come to mind. But paring down your possessions does not have to be boring! Minimalism is actually about clearing space to express yourself.

One of my favorite things about a minimalist wardrobe is that I only own things I truly love, and I get to wear them.

My All-Season Crew Neck was a perfect addition to my wardrobe. With its versatility, you can dress it up with jewelry or down with hiking boots. The sweater offers a beautiful canvas to show off who you are.

Wearing Yak Wool On A Hike - Oliver Charles
Mindful Clothing Consumption Can Help Your Wellness - Oliver Charles

Invest In Your Values

While I pared down many aspects of my life throughout my journey, I always made space for a few nonessentials. I toted around a few too many books and, believe it or not, a giant stand mixer. While it might seem unimaginable to use up precious space on a stand mixer, baking is something of value to me, so I prioritize my mixer.

Minimalism is about making mindful choices about what we value and considering if our things align with who we truly are.

Fast fashion has made this a difficult consideration, wardrobe-wise. Choosing to buy clothing based on our values not only opens up space in our closets but also space to better understand who we are.

Oliver Charles uses 3D-knitting, which reduces waste in the production process and allows for on-demand creation, meaning even less waste in the long run.

They are transparent in their process. Investing in their products allowed me to wear clothing I can feel good about.

Holly Radice is a mental health therapist and freelance writer based in Denver, Colorado. She constantly finds joy and curiosity in learning and exploration.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.
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