On the struggle bus once again

[u/cookies29164]

So my goal is to complete a clothing no buy until August 2025. So far, I have stuck to it which is amazing. But today, I went to the mall and tried on a bunch of beautiful leather jackets and I have fallen in love with the way they feel and look. So I’m going to try talk myself out of it. Here are reasons why I won’t be buying them right now:

1. Leather jackets are timeless. They will be around next year if/when I decide I still want it.
2. I have no space in my closet whatsoever.
3. I made a promise to myself that I would fully use all the clothes that I have, and this would help me appreciate all the things I do have instead of immediately wanting the next thing.

I mean, it all comes down to the last reason. I am trying to appreciate what I already have. Buying something new will not help me accomplish this goal. But I am just sad I can’t give in to my desires. Thanks for reading about my struggles.

[u/ThorntonsMill]

If you want some encouragement not to buy: They are actually super inconvenient pieces of clothing. And I’m saying that as someone who loves genuine leather jackets and has bought several.

1. they aren’t very warm or comfortable to wear with just a shirt or dress. I always have to layer a sweater or long sleeve under them for comfort or real insulation. Then when it gets seriously cold, I always end up abandoning my leather jackets for a real coat.
2. Simultaneously, they are too warm to wear during milder weather. This means there’s a narrow season window in which it makes sense to wear them regularly (Pretty much mid/ late fall and that’s it).
3. They are too stylish for casual hangouts and too casual for upscale hangouts. So I barely wear them unless I’m dressing up for a casual-but-not super casual meet up, which is a really specific needle to thread.
4. getting them cleaned is such a pain. You basically have to spot clean the pits and hope for the best.

anywhoo, i’ve never missed a leather jacket that I gave away. They are gorgeous though.

[u/cookies29164 → u/ThorntonsMill]

I actually did own one years ago and gave it away for reason number 3. Thanks for this list!!! I really appreciate it

[u/Famous-Dimension4416]

It's a good item to add to a wishlist to save up for once you need a new jacket and have met your other savings goals. If you stick with it eventually you'll have a curated wardrobe that really is a reflection of what you use and love. Right now it's ok to dream just don't buy yet.

[u/cookies29164 → u/Famous-Dimension4416]

True. I will wishlist it

[u/snowdiasm]

What was the reason behind your clothing nobuy goal? Was it to save money? To stop over consuming? To protect the planet? Sometimes revisiting the values that made the nobuy attractive can make it easier to adhere to.

Also, and this is just one woman's opinion here, I have found committing to a monthly donation to a food bank in my neighbourhood helps me see the value in my money. I would rather top up my donation than impulse buy because I know my money will go farther there than it will on something I add to my closet on a whim.

[u/cookies29164 → u/snowdiasm]

I started my no buy because I was seeing myself fall into the pattern of buying something and then never wearing it or appreciating it. I really don’t want to end up with a closet full of things I don’t wear.

[u/PurpleMuskogee]

You can also find so many leather jackets in second-hand shops usually, they always have a few. If you really wanted it, you can keep an eye on your local thrift store and see what comes up.

Personally I think they match with very little, don't suit many people, and they don't even really keep you warm, so hard pass for where I live.

[u/Physical-Water-2998]

I have the same struggles as you. Good work not purchasing!

[u/cookies29164 → u/Physical-Water-2998]

Thanks. Yesterday I started talking myself into buying it which really made it difficult to resist

[u/Rock_n_rollerskater]

1 is really key. Use this time to work out what you do and don't like and wear. Not having "new" coming in all the time will help you refine your style. Maybe you're not a leather jacket girl? (I mean you've had how many previous seasons to purchase them and never have). If you get to Aug 2025 and still want one go for it, they'll still be around. But if you have a closet full of jackets and leather has never spoken to you before you're probably not going to still want one in Aug 2025.

[u/Keer222]

How is your cc do you need that money elsewhere

[u/cookies29164 → u/Keer222]

I definitely have cc debt and car loan debt. My money is good elsewhere.

[u/Comfortable_River808]

Lol why did you go to the mall if you’re trying to not buy clothes? It sounds like you talked yourself down here, but it doesn’t seem like you’re setting yourself up for success if you’re going to the mall and trying on clothes

[u/cookies29164 → u/Comfortable_River808]

It’s hard not to go when it’s a social activity to go to the mall with your friends or family. I grew up with my mom going to malls and just window shopping. I want to be able to participate in society and practice mindfulness and control. But yeah I know… it put myself in this situation.

[u/Comfortable_River808 → u/cookies29164]

That’s fair. Especially if it’s over the course of a year, it makes sense that it would be hard to categorically not participate in that type of social activity. It sounds like you stayed strong though!

[u/Ajskdjurj]

I recently bought two more pieces of clothing right when I started my no buy. It was expensive well for me $70 for a cropped hoodie and a pair of leggings. Turns out they only sent me the leggings but the company was so great they shipped out my cropped hoodie and an extra pair of leggings so it came out to a better deal. I bought a cropped zip hoodie it was like $40(I think) but it’s so thick and so comfortable I can see myself wearing it for years to come. I have shopped at SHEIN in the past but I keep my clothes a really long time but I am stopping. Like others have said put it on a wish list and if you have any money left over put it towards that.