Want to have a more fashion-forward wardrobe? Maybe you don’t need to stock up on new clothes, accessories, and pairs of shoes. You just need to declutter your closet and get rid of some of the worst things lurking in there. We’re talking about the most stained, most holed, most stretched, most outdated, and downright ugliest pieces of clothing you own (and still wear) today.
Before investing in stylish men’s tailored suits, here are 7 nasty things from your closet that you need to trash (or donate) first.
1. Stained and stretched undershirts
Do you have a crew neck shirt that’s been so stretched it turned into a deep V? How about shirts with stains that can’t be removed by bleach or detergent? Perhaps you have old shirts that have been through so much washing they’ve lost their original color and feel. Or worse—they’re filled with holes.
Whatever the case, just toss them out. They’re semi-disposable anyway. Buy new ones that are affordable, lightweight, and comfortable.
Undershirts may be hidden under a dress shirt or jacket, but what if a situation calls for your outer layers to be removed? You wouldn’t want to walk around with a stained, overstretched, or hole-packed shirt, would you?
2. Severely damaged underwear and socks
There’s absolutely no reason to keep underwear with permanent stains, holes, or sagging elastic bands. The same goes for overstretched, smelly, holey socks that expose a toe or two.
If you’re too practical to toss bad underwear and socks, avoid white ones that are prone to stains and opt for darker colors. You’ll also save more if you choose brands with durable, long-lasting fabrics.
3. Old clothes that don’t fit anymore
It’s time to face the truth—if you don’t plan on trimming that beer belly at the gym, you’re unlikely to look like your leaner 20-year-old self again. That said, say goodbye to the clothes you’ve outgrown. The same applies if you’ve lost a lot of weight and are now too slim for your old oversized shirts.
Donate them. If they’re still in good condition, sell them or pass them on to family. Your wardrobe deserves to be refreshed with pieces that actually fit, whether that’s casual wear or sharp staples like men’s tailored suits that flatter your current build.
4. Old running shoes
How do you know if it’s time to toss your running shoes? It’s not about the number of years—it’s about mileage.
Think of them like a car: the more distance covered, the more worn down they get. A quality pair of running shoes typically lasts 400–600 miles, but their lifespan also depends on your training load, body type, and running style (light runner vs. heavy pavement pounder).
Wearing old running shoes past their prime may cause knee and leg problems, especially as you get older.
5. Vulgar graphic tees
Eight years ago, when you were a wild college student, those offensive graphic tees might have been “cool.” But now that you’re a grown-up, they’re useless and out of place. It’s time to retire them.
6. Ripped jeans
Aside from jeans purposely designed with stylish knee rips, those frayed, unhemmed pairs that look like they survived a war should go. While ripped denim may still look trendy on women, they rarely look polished on men—especially if the tears are caused by years of wear and tear.
7. Anything outdated
Some clothes and accessories never go out of style—like a classic maroon sweater, navy suit, or khaki pants. You can wear them for decades and even pass them down. But other pieces, which were once trendy in your teenage or early adult years, simply need to go.
Some of the worst offenders include:
- Jeans with embroidery
- Studded belts
- Hippie tie-dye shirts
- Shiny club shirts
- 90’s ultra-wide ties
- Cargo everything
- Trucker hats
- Fedora hats
- Bling blings
- Guy Fieri flame polos
- Novelty items and costume-y pieces
Instead of holding onto these relics, focus on building a timeless collection—think versatile pieces, quality basics, and men’s tailored suits that never go out of fashion.
Do you have any clothing items you think all men should finally throw out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Chokman, a go-to destination for tailored suits in Sydney—offering stylish, custom-fitted pieces for both men and women. She loves sharing fashion insights, styling advice, and tips to help people look sharp and feel their best in a great suit.
