For a long time, I found myself staring at my closet, overwhelmed by the number of coats and jackets hanging there. I had a beautiful formal black wool overcoat, perfect for those chilly British winters I once experienced. Then there was my dark grey oversized puffa, a semi-formal choice that kept me warm in colder weather. And, of course, a classic wax Barbour jacket that served its purpose for outdoor adventures. But the nagging question always lingered: was this too many? I felt like I was constantly acquiring new outerwear without a clear strategy, leading to a cluttered space and a sense of guilt.
I started my journey with a simple question: how many coats and jackets do people truly own? My own collection felt substantial, even a bit excessive at times. Beyond the three I just mentioned, I also had a few others that had accumulated over the years. I genuinely loved each piece, but the sheer volume made me wonder if I was simply hoarding instead of curating. I thought about the space they took up, the maintenance they required, and whether I was truly getting value from each one.
My initial thought was that there must be a magical number, a universal rule that dictates the ideal jacket count. Perhaps three was perfect, or maybe seven was the absolute maximum. I spent time mentally justifying each purchase, trying to fit them into neat categories. "This one is for formal events," I'd tell myself. "This one is for casual cold days. This one is for rainy walks." But even with these mental labels, the doubt persisted. Was I just making excuses for a habit of collecting?
My perspective completely shifted when I encountered a piece of advice that truly resonated with me. It was so simple, yet profoundly impactful: "Do you use all of them? If yes, it's not too many. If no, get rid of the one you don't use." This wasn't about a specific number; it was about utility. It immediately made me reconsider my entire approach to my jacket collection.
I realized that the question wasn't "how many," but "how useful." If each jacket served a distinct purpose and I actually wore it, then its presence in my wardrobe was justified. I live in a country with four distinct seasons, where I cycle year-round and generally spend a good amount of time outdoors in various situations. This lifestyle demands a range of outerwear. I understood then why I needed more than just one or two pieces.
For instance, I wouldn't wear my heavy winter parka, rated for -20 to -40 degrees Celsius, to a semi-formal spring event. Similarly, my elegant thick wool cream trench coat, which I love for "nice" winter occasions, wouldn't be practical for a muddy bike ride in the rain. Each piece had its own specific role. I found that if I could clearly define the use-case for each of my jackets, without significant overlap, then I didn't have "too many." It became clear there's no set point at which you have too many; it's only if you have too many for you and your specific needs.
Based on my own journey and these valuable insights, I've developed a practical approach to managing my jacket collection. Here's how you can do the same, moving from clutter to a curated, functional wardrobe:
This is the foundation of your outerwear strategy. Think about where you live and what you do. Do you experience harsh winters, mild summers, or year-round tropical warmth? Do you commute by car, bike, or public transport? Are you often outdoors for hobbies like hiking or gardening, or do you mostly stay indoors? My environment, with its big seasonal changes, cycling, and outdoor activities, directly influences my need for multiple types of jackets. Someone living in a consistently warm climate, for example, might only need a rain jacket and a light hoodie, as I learned from others' experiences.
Go through your current collection, or consider new purchases, with a critical eye. For each item, ask yourself: What specific situation or weather condition is this jacket for? Try to avoid having two jackets that serve the exact same primary purpose. For example: