Does anyone else discard clothes after you wear them?
 

After reading some threads on packing lightly, I feel compelled as a new but loyal Fodorite to share my packing strategy.
I started out many years ago after a grueling backpacking trip, when I swore I wouln't carry one extra ounce that I didn't need to! Well there went the underwear in the campfire, and the sweaty old Tshirt.
As years went by I planned on saving the old undies and socks, the old Tshirts for hiking, and discarding them after wearing.
Now before anyone calls me wasteful,remember I said the OLD ones that needed to go anyway.
Well we do less hiking now, but still a little so I keep the old tennis shoes for hikes and rather than carry them around in luggage the whole trip, they go when I'm finished.

OK, HERE COMES THE REALLY GOOD PART

After taking 2 to 3 week overseas trips and being faced with weight limits, let alone space issues, and bringing home 'souvenirs' I couldn't live without,... aaahhh memories,...I started cleaning out my closet and saving a Winter Trip box and a Summer Trip box. All nice looking clothes, but you know the ones, a little too tight, loose, short, long. A little stain here. a few too many 'pills' there.
I mix these in with my to take home clothes, and as we travel along I'm gaining space in my suitcase. Even if I'm not putting goodies in yet, they're much lighter and easier to handle.
Of course this won't work if you're one of those packers who brings the same travel clothes on every trip, but I like a little diversity.

Another huge benefit is that your're not carrying around dirty smelly clothes, especially on outdoor trips, and you have much less laundry to wash, dry, put away, when you're jetlagged. And my husband, who I swear still had bellbottoms from the 70's, can actually get his clothes in and out of his closet now!!

yes

Hi Nancy, I understand what you are saying but basically I haven't. But then I don't backpack. I have taken older shoes that I knew were comfortable and wear them in Italy and then toss them at the end of the trip as cobblestones etc. do finish them off so to speak.

I do not take any toiletries home with me, except for what I want on the plane. That lightens the carryon considerably.

Actually when going on a trip of any length of time I prefer taking brand new clothes as they seem to hold up better. But every trip I work at taking less and less. Still have a ways to go, LOL.

Regarding clothes that are to loose, to tight, I just get rid of those twice a year. If something is stained I just toss at the time. About this time of the year and then again in late September I go through my closet and weed the undesirables out. Anything in good condition that I no longer want for whatever reason I take to our local hospital thrift store.

I never have especially for European trips, I'm visiting cities and staying with friends. I take my better casual clothes, pack light, but take good care of them and bring everything back home with me.

But from a beach vacation I might leave behind a worn out straw hat or flip flops or a towel, like that.

Sounds like an excellent idea!

Nancy,
Your packing strategy is fabulous, and I've decided to do exactly as you do on our 2 1/2 trip to Europe this June. So much easier! I'll do it w/ my younger child, too, but my 14 year old is going to pass on the idea! THANKS!

I do it, too, Nancy. It works perfectly for me. I do have a core travel wardrobe which works if I am doing business on a trip or going somewhere I need relatively nice clothing. The rest is "disposables". I am strictly a carryon girl and this has been great for me.

I've done this for several years with underwear & nightgowns. I know some people think this is icky, and I wouldn't want to wear clothes that will be seen if they're too tight or stained. However, I'm going to Italy in Sept, and let's face it, underwear & nightgowns for 18 days takes up a good chunk of space in a suitcase. I'll need that space for stuff I know I'll want to bring back.

that doesn't work for me. i always take very few pieces of clothing but always the few key "workhorse" pieces in my wardrobe.

i guess it depends how easily you throw things out but for me, by the time it is ready to go, i would not think of bringing it on a holiday.

IMO, much better to take few favourite pieces that versatile and easily cleaned while on the go.

shoes should be your most comfortable and not broken down pairs that are ready for the bin.

I'm strongly with walkinaround & LoveItaly on this one. Every time this topic comes up (and it does quite frequently) I picture hoards of Americans walking around in their old stained tight-fitting clothes with their underwear fallin down because the elastic's beat!

For the comment <underwear & nightgowns for 18 days takes up a good chunk of space in a suitcase>... well not if you take say 1 week's worth of good underwear & visit a laundry or wash them in the sink now and then. As for nightgowns -plural- again I don't see why you need more than 1.

I think your strategy is ridiculous! I wouldn't be caught dead in a "pilled" sweater or too-tight pants. And I couldn't imagine dining at Taillevent is a shirt with a stain (how proletarian). I normally buy new clothes to wear on holiday. Don't you care how you look, darling?

We must live in different worlds.

Woudln't do it! I don't know about your underwear, but mine don't take that much room and as far as taking my crummy clothes, why would I want to look like crap the whole time I'm on vacation? I don't dress for others, I dress for myself, and if I'm wearing a sweater or pants that need to be thrown away, I feel like crap all day long. I've started a policy at home, if a pair of underwear bugged me all day, if an article of clothing is falling apart, I throw them away as I take them off that night, at home!

I don't bring back toileteries that are almost empty as someone else mentioned, but unless my clothes got stained or ripped or anything "while" on vacation, they're coming back with me.

But I would NEVER start out the trip which old clothes or underwear!

This idea wouldn't work for me either. I can't imagine going on a trip with clothing I plan to throw away while on a trip. I am not a hiker or a backpacker so maybe this works for that type of a vacation but not for how I like to dress on a vacation or at home for that matter. To each his/her own, but I know I wouldn't give up how I like to look just to be able to pack light. I would rather take a few really nice pieces which mix and match and leave the too small, too old, slightly spotted items at home for working in the garden. By the way, most underwear (for a woman) washes easily and dries overnight, so you can go away for weeks at a time with just a few days worth of underwear.

Have to say I'm having a good laugh over some of your responses!
I never said clothes or shoes that were ready for the trashbin or goodwill. I buy a lot of clothes every year and keep up with the newest looks. And maybe I look a little more closely for tiny stains and pills.
Last year for example I left a beautiful Ann Taylor suit in the 4 Seasons hotel after going to the ballet in the Sydney Opera House. This suit was less than 2 years old and had a higher cut waistband than I prefer now. Have to admit the low ones allow for more comfort after a nice meal. Any way, I left the suit neatly folded on the floor next to the trash can so the help didn't think I accidently left it, and if they liked it they were welcome to it. Then I didn't have to carry it around with me for the next 2 weeks while we were in the Outback and Great Barrier Reef. Now do you get it?
First of all, I most definitely care about how I look

Why would "the help" want your dirty old suit??? That act was highly insulting. They probably thought you were a jerk.

Ann Taylor is the Olive Garden of the fashion world. I am NOT impressed.

Balenciaga, sweetie.

Hi Nancy, just read your last post and my personal thinking is that you gave one thinking in your first post and a second thinking in your last post.

In your first post you stated "a little too tight, loose, short, long, a little stain here, a few too pills there".

That is what everyone else was responding to.

If we misunderstood I truly think it was because you came across as you liked to take clothes that did not fit properly, that were stained, worn etc.

Anyway, you asked in the title of your thread "Does anyone else discard clothes after you wear them?". And Fodorites took the time to answer your question. We all have different methods of packing and travelling. You asked and others answered.

I'm with nancyz on this one.

It's not about looking dreadful in clothes which should have been binned already - there are always some decent clothes in my wardrobe that I just don't wear regularly at home anymore, and if they're suitable for travelling it's nice to be able to abandon them as I go rather than carry loads of dirty washing with me for however many weeks I'm away.

Very funny post and answers. I'll have to admit I've brought along some old underthings occasionally that are thrown away when I'm traveling alone. This is primarily when I'm moving from hotel to hotel (sport trips) and can't really do laundry. Have also brought things that I don't mind throwing out if they becomes stained/torn along the way (happens with sports). However,when with the sweetie, only the sexy, pretty things are packed (even the sports outfits!).
Over the years I have refined my traveling clothes. These form the core of my wardrobe. It has taken awhile to acquire the right pieces. These are the nice, comfortable, well-fit clothes that I want to bring back home with me.

Thanks papagena and others for your like-minded opinions. Seems like there's a little pent up hostility going on with a few of the others...I thought this board was to share travel info not have a testosterone release! By the way I'm still laughing!

No.

I always buy new clothes before a trip. Planning a trip is a great reason to go shopping. If one needs a reason that is.

My thoughts this next trip is that I have enough stylish mix and match clothes from this season to take over to Europe in August for their summer(being from the southern hemispehere) Normally I would buy a new wardrobe for a holiday but summer clothes won't be in the shops anyway. This way i am saving money to buy something from another country and then if i have to i won't feel so bad about leaving something behind that has been worn.

My mother has another twist on the 'leaving it behind' travel packing dilemma when she goes to England. She takes her basic black pieces (and underwear) and shops for blouses, blazers, evening bag, costume jewellery etc. at the various charity shops. I'm not as brave as her so have never tried it, but I have to tell you, she always finds something stylish, disposable and cheap. And looks like a million bucks.

And the great thing is she gives it all back to a charity shop - except for a few amazing pieces of jewellery and a Chanel bag - when she goes home. I think for her, it's another part of the travel adventure.

nancyz, i don't read any 'hostility' from those of us expressing that we like to travel in nice clothes. i think you started an interesting thread that is funny too, and shows the many different approaches to packing and clothes on a trip, is all!

Once I had too many margaritas in Puerto Vallarta. I threw up and had to throw my dress away. Does that count?

I look forward to bringing some of my favorite clothing on my vacations, so discarding them would break my heart :) I even look forward to putting together a traveling wardrobe before each trip instead of considering it a hassle. Then again, I tend to take city trips and not hiking/backpacking, so that makes a difference in packing approach, I guess.

I tend to dispose of some of my toiletries, trashy books I bring to read on the trains and sometimes even guidebooks, but basically would not hesitate to buy a new bag to take my purchases home instead of discarding my clothes or shoes. What can I say, vanity is a sin and am guilty as charged :)

Hi Nancyz, I don't understand your last message. You asked a question, did you not. The title of your thread ends with a question mark.

And we answered.

You thank those with like minded opinions.

And you seem to be accusing those with a different opinion of pent up hostility and a testoserone release.

Yes this board does share travel information. And that is what people did here.

When I ask a question I expect different ideas and thoughts, that is why I ask a question.

So I do not understand your comment.

I guess I see both sides of this. As I said, I wouldn't want to wear something too tight or stained. I often buy new things to wear while on vacation. I was only referring to underwear and nightgowns. And suze, I don't want to have to be washing my underwear in the sink, that's not my idea of a fun thing to do on vacation. And I don't see how 1 nightgown is enough for 17 nights!

Unless you're traveling alone, I think there should be no need for any nightgowns. Live a little on vacation and see what results it gets you.

I keep reading these post by people who throw away their clothes and I am still not getting it. I know there have been a couple of explainations by fellow Fodorites but it can't wrap my head around it.

I still say anything that I would want to get rid of to good will or trash bin I would just not wear again, and definitely not take on vacation. I always like to look nice and I would feel uncomfortable going around in something that isn't cut right for me or has a stain or is pilling. I know that you said that you did not mean that, but that is what you said.

I loved the advice on that one packing light thread............buy new clothes for vacation. I was told they pack better. I think that was LoveItaly too. That has become my new mantra.

I don't go away for more than 12 days anyway because I only get two weeks vacation. I take all of my undergarments and put them in a plastic ziplock bag and sqeeze all the air out. It hardly takes up any room then. I bring only things that mix and match. I can't imagine wearing anything that I would want to leave behind. Maybe I am really vain. I know others have said that they buy cheap undergarments and toss them. I would feel that I am wasting money and I could not throw out anything that was brand new either.

I have packed light and never had problems bringing home souvenirs.

What isn't hostile about judging someone for leaving a suit in a room and then dissing them for shopping at Anne Taylor? Gimme a break...

I get it, Nancy. I think it's a great idea. Dont know that I could make it work for me, but kudos to you for your creativity. I usually pack light and plan to buy things to wear in the country I visit. Souvenirs.

>>Thanks papagena and others for your like-minded opinions. Seems like there's a little pent up hostility going on with a few of the others<<

So people don't do the same thing you do, they're hostile??? Umm...interesting...

I've discarded clothes twice, once was on a trip to Costa Rica. The weight restrictions on the intercountry flights were so strict that even packing light (for me) put me over the limit. Because we spent time in the rainforest, I brought shorts and tshirts. I shed no tears leaving those behind. The other time was after a month in Australia. I was so sick of my clothes and needed room for the gifts and new stuff so a few things didn't make it home.

However, that being said, I could never do that with my cute clothes unless something tragic happened to them while I was away. Call me vain but I want to look good in my vacation pictures so I'd never wear something I wouldn't wear at home!!!

Thin, Darling--I think you were a bit too strong with your comments. Some of us can't afford the more upscale lines, myself included. Now if you'd like to take me shopping, and treat me to one or two great pieces, I'd be ever so happy ;)

i discard/donate things that:

-never quite fit or looked right (despite trying on in the store)

-grossly out of style or not my style anymore (quite rare as i usually buy things that don't go out of style very quickly)

-worn out, ruined, etc.

-shoes that are not comfortable, don't fit right or have lost their bounce or support.

none of these categories would i ever bring on holiday.

Dressing like a bag lady in a city might reduce chances of getting your pocket picked.

I'm rather concerned that you chose to keep any "sweaty old Tshirt (sic)" surely it would be prudent to keep everything clean?

Well in my dressing room I've virtually all the clothes I've ever owned, however, every single thing is laundered so there's not a trace of sweat. I view my collection as a sort of social history of the self.

Sorry for the double post-hit the wrong key by accident!

mkingdom-I am overcome, surprised, and bemused to hear that you actually do perspire!! Oh my! (ha)

I can't add anything to all the other opinions here, probably because I do things a little differently each time I go on a trip.

I do remember leaving various things by the wayside in my travels if they were too heavy or too bulky, or otherwise in the way. It was usually a spontaneous act, and not something I ever regret or had second thoughts about....including:

An unused goosedown sleeping bag left behind with friends in London.I just kept the sleep sack and continued on my way south and across the channel.

Sweaters, jackets and a raincoat donated to the local Salvation Army in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii.

A bag of costume jewelry bracelets given to the girll who cleaned my room in Antigua, Guatemala. She had admired them, so I put them as a gift with her tip money the day I left.

A black leather jacket-given to one of the staff at my tiny hotel on Ischia, who was thrilled to have it!

But I always hold on tight to my Manolos!

I do not want to go on a vacation to Italy wearing old worn out underwear or stained clothes. You don't have to be a billionare to look nice. With the many packing tips on this site on how to travel light, why would you?

I tried very hard to leave a comfortable pair of walking shoes behind in London after they had carried me through Paris, Brittany, Normandy, the Channel Islands, Cornwall, and Wales. They came unstuck very soon into my trip and were glued several times. When it came to the crunch - I couldn't do it.
Just sentimental I guess. I travel very light so they were not in the way and occasionally I slip them on to walk around my very large garden!

Didn't your mother tell you to wear nice underwear in case you got run over?
I usually take a pack or two of disposable knickers with me and throw them in the bin every night.