Although you can’t escape decision-making, some of the most successful people have found a way to reserve their mental energy by minimizing the number of decisions they make in a day. Men such as Steve Jobs, Michael Kors, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, and Barack Obama routinely wear the same outfits. Even Albert Einstein wore the same gray suit every day because it was more efficient. While some debate the psychology behind this theory, many people are discovering the financial benefits as well. In addition to freeing up more of your time, wearing the same thing every day saves you money.
The Weight of Decision Fatigue
The reason that many billionaires and successful figures have adopted a uniform is to avoid what psychologists refer to as “decision fatigue.” The term refers to the sense of mental exhaustion people feel after making too many decisions in a day. Not only does it deplete your energy, but the quality of your decisions deteriorates after having to make so many choices. Neuroscientist and cognitive psychologist, Daniel Levitan, explains that the brain gets overloaded when it tries to process more information than it can handle. Therefore, reducing the number of choices you make allows you to focus your decision-making energy on more important things.
So, the idea of wearing the same thing every day is to eliminate the number of menial decisions you have to make. If you don’t have to think about what to put on in the morning or what to eat, you can redirect your mental energy to other pursuits. It simplifies your life by creating a routine to optimize your time and free up mental space.
5 Reasons Why Wearing the Same Thing Every Day Saves You Money
However, some people have also discovered other unexpected financial benefits. For example, wearing the same thing every day saves you money and stabilizes your spending habits. Here are 5 reasons why more people have adopted their daily uniforms.
1. It will help you minimize your wardrobe.
The basic idea behind the psychology is to focus on what matters most. Then, get rid of the rest. This same concept can be applied to many aspects of life, including your wardrobe. Adopting a minimalist style will save you money by minimizing the amount of clothing in your closet. Once you find a basic outfit that works for every occasion, you’ll never have to shop again. And, you’ll save space by getting rid of everything else that is just taking up room.
2. You save money when you buy in bulk.
Another financial benefit is how much you’ll save when you buy your clothing in bulk. If you’re already a Costco member or shop at other discount warehouses, take a look at their apparel next time you’re there. Or, you can look to buy large quantities of items from deep discount websites and wholesalers to save even more.
However, you don’t want to skimp on the quality of the clothes you buy. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace your items more often which will cost more in the long run.
3. It will prevent you from buying things you don’t need.
If you stick to a basic uniform every day, it will prevent you from buying things you don’t need. Since you already know what you’re going to wear, there’s no reason to shop for other items or accessories. And, you won’t waste money on expensive and trendy items.
Many of us shop in our leisure time and buy things we don’t need. Whether it’s because they are on sale or want to save them for a special occasion, many items are left hanging in the back of the closet. But, when you know what you are going to wear the same thing every day, this is less likely to happen. If you continue to buy the same items, shopping becomes less of a priority as well.
4. It will help you regulate your spending.
Furthermore, having a set outfit can help you regulate your spending and stick to a budget. Since you already know what clothing items you need, you know exactly how much they cost. Knowing the fixed budget for your clothing will help you to better estimate your annual budget.
Additionally, you are less prone to impulse shop, splurge on expensive items, or overspend. If you already have your items picked out, you’ll spend less time browsing and have fewer temptations to spend money. Although it may be a hard transition for fashionistas, it provides a simple solution to gain control of your spending habits.
5. It all comes out in the wash.
Lastly wearing the same thing every day saves you money on laundry. Not only are you consuming fewer clothing items, but you are washing more of the same types of items. This saves on water, detergents, and electricity required to run the dryer. Not to mention, a homogenized closet also saves you the time of sorting, folding, and putting them away.
And, it ensures the longevity of your clothes. When you have multiples of the same item, you rotate your clothing more regularly. Rather than running your favorite articles through the laundry every week, it may delay the frequency and keep your clothes looking newer, longer.
Try Wearing the Same Thing Every Day for a Week
If the idea of a daily uniform is appealing to you, why not experiment with it for a week? Find something in your wardrobe that is comfortable and suitable for any occasion.
Or, you can try your own version of this theory to fit your tastes and lifestyle. While I love the idea of simplifying my life and finances, wearing the same exact outfit every day was too boring for me. So, I added some variety by getting the same item in different colors. You can also style the same outfit with different accessories and outerwear to achieve different looks.
Even if you don’t adopt a permanent uniform, it can make you more conscious of your clothing choices and free up more mental space by reducing the number of decisions you have to make.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.