Buy less stuff
![Cover image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/edb41db7077a5adb359765cb06cdfccbdf1fc20b-5200x3744.jpg?rect=0,202,5200,3101&w=600&auto=format)
My jacket is broken. The side pocket seams are torn and it's only a year old. Nothing too serious, completely fixable. It is going to last me at least 10 years, so I need to find a tailor.
This was my random thought this morning so let's roll with it in our ongoing series of life hacks.
I worked in Fintech for 6 years. I was designing a product that would help people get more out of their money. Spend more consciously and sleep better at night as a result of not having to worry about making ends meet.
This meant immersing myself in research and literature on personal finance management. One of the mind-numbingly simple ideas is just to spend less. But for many people (including myself) it means letting go of bad habits and hacking your life. Making a change that for many, is surprisingly hard.
I interviewed people that had rooms full of clothing. A person who purchased a new pair of black boots many times a year. For many, the ceremony of going to a store and buying something nice filled a void. It is a good way to kill time and delivers a short-lived endorphin and dopamine boost. In turn, it builds a habit. Not a good one.
So a few years ago, I decided to challenge myself to not buy any clothing for a month. Consciously walking past any store that tempted me and not hitting that Buy now! button online, no matter how awesome that T-shirt would look on me. It was one of a series of challenges I put myself through and ended up making it to the product. Here is a demo that won "Best of Show" at Finovate NY.
But back to my challenge and habits. This one month became two, three, and today it's no longer a habit, it's a way of living. In the last 3 years, I have not purchased a piece of clothing without considering if it will last me 10 years or longer. It means that I'm buying more expensive stuff, but fewer items and far between. This year I have only purchased one pair of boots that I have wanted for many years and know that I can have them soled and repaired at my local shoe repair shop.
![RED WING - 8085 - IRON RANGER](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/f6e842442b88818cc77ed7ae8afe058df5fd1a96-1170x2080.jpg?rect=0,615,1170,1058&auto=format)
The year is almost over and I have only purchased one piece of clothing (a pair actually). This year is also special as I moved to another country with only one medium-sized suitcase for clothes. So extra challenge, still got it :D
Added benefit is that you feel like you're doing something good for the planet ... and fighting capitalism. Just me against the elements.
The two people that I aspire to match in this lifestyle are Hjörtur and my Heiða. They got it long before me and I'm still not at their level.
I am a product guy and I like paying forward when products impress me. So these are the brands I can seriously recommend without any endorsements or influencer benefits:
Timberland
![My trusty Timberland boots](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/d5aea83af33d02a6454624695313e734b59bb372-1478x1478.jpg?auto=format)
My waterproof boots have been through five harsh Icelandic winters (Kringlan, 2016) in bike commuting conditions. Still going strong. I know what you are going to say. But I need two pairs of boots as these are no longer appropriate for when I want to dress up. They will still be used for commuting and more harsh applications.
![My Timberland gloves mailed back](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/7599bb21f07bcfb87e2827576362d7c125db919a-1108x1478.jpg?auto=format)
Leather gloves (Berlin 2015). Only lost once and got them mailed back.
I also have a pair of black pants I got at a 50% discount this year in Kringlan. I'm wearing them as I write this.
Darn tough
![Ugly but last a lifetime](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/1be41a48ce4bed19c96e2d21c329884b2a433b1e-810x866.png?auto=format)
Yeah, socks were hard. But these have a lifetime guarantee. I shelled out for three pairs and have been alternating through them for a year now (Online 2021) and they show no sign of wear. I will report back once one of them wears out to find out how that lifetime warranty works.
Barbour
![Barbour waxing](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/a19fb63a73a984314afc610b499c9cb7e11a6d9f-831x1478.jpg?rect=0,0,831,828&auto=format)
It's a uniform for middle-aged men who want to look like farmers or hunters. It's a wax jacket that should last a lifetime and I'm practicing waxing it myself. I got mine last year (Iceland, 2020) and as I said, the seams on the side pockets have burst. So it's a mixed review, but I'm getting it fixed and this one will last at least 10 years. Mark my words.
Birkenstock
![My trusty Birkenstocks](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/c0ee51ab7f8dd1296b1fd9de3731432ce441f896-1108x1478.jpg?rect=0,202,1108,1056&auto=format)
Apparently these are not great for your feet. But socks and sandals are a thing in my profession (New York, Birkenstock flagship store 2018).
Superdry
I had to extend a business trip and purchased an extra pair of underwear 5 years ago. Those are still holding up nicely and I have 10 pairs now. Surprisingly I don't have photos :o
I also have a hoodie and a sweater that are 3-4 years old and I'm wearing the sweater as I write this.
Harris Tweed
![My Harris Tweed hat on a good day](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/16d17c8b59917a20e6f0cd5ab80928672415da46-1971x1478.jpg?auto=format)
My trusty hat (Berlin, 2015)
Ray-ban
![Looking sharp](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ti7g6l57/production/e3a611b7f8e73760279fd806550f9722b8475777-960x1280.jpg?auto=format)
Have had them serviced 3 times for missing screws and such. (San Fransisco, 2013)
Got another pair as an impulse purchase when I was bored at an airport. Don't use those much though.
North face
I have one fleece sweater, I think I got it back in 2001. It is one of my oldest pieces of clothing and I still wear it a lot.
I have a couple of duffel bags and a ski jacket/pants that I also love.
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These are the brands I would put my name on and stand by. I'm missing something but will keep updating this post as time passes. I'm still researching T-shirts and Jeans. My last pair of Levi's didn't last a year. So they have been benched.