How many sweaters should I own?

Picture this: I'm standing at the threshold of my walk-in closet, unable to actually walk in because I'm barricaded by a mountain of sweaters. As a designer in New York for over 20 years, I'd hoarded a wealth of designer samples—a total goldmine of treasures that had slowly staged a hostile takeover of my personal space. When my inner child innocently asked me, "Just how many sweaters should a woman own?" I had to laugh... then immediately re-evaluate my entire life LOL!

The answer hit me like a cashmere avalanche: I did not need 500 sweaters. So I got real with myself and did the unthinkable—I donated 3 large bags of my bulkiest items. The overhaul? Absolutely refreshing. Life-changing, even. I knew other fashionistas would benefit from my closet cleanse, and honestly, so would my floor space. This blog will help you mentally prepare to keep and savor only the prettiest, cozy fall sweater styles deserving of your Empress-self; without needing a separate storage unit. Okay, let's strip down to the very basics. Begin by getting organized and set a goal. Read below to learn just how I did it...

Hot or NOT

Lay a couple of blankets down on the floor and create space for 2 piles. Your Hot or NOT piles are the swipe left or swipe right first step to determine what sweater uplifts your spirit or which cute sweater is meant for another owner. Go through your entire sweater inventory asking yourself questions like:

1. When was the last time I actually wore this? (If it's been over a year, that's your answer!)
2. Does this fit me well right now, or am I holding onto a fantasy size? (Be honest about your current body, not your past or future one.)
3. Do I feel confident and like myself when I wear it? (If it doesn't make you feel great, someone else deserves to love it.)
4. Is it in good condition, or does it have pilling, stains, holes, or stretched-out areas? (Life's too short for ratty sweaters.)
5. Am I keeping this because I love it, or because I feel guilty about what I paid for it? (Don't hold yourself hostage! If tags are still attached, detach your energy from that sweater. Sell it to the best offer)

These five questions cut through the clutter and get to the heart of whether a sweater deserves precious closet real estate.

Load the NOT pile into large bags or medium-sized boxes, and schedule that donation pickup ASAP. Whatever you do, don't look back.

You've just cleared some seriously heavy energy from your space. Time to welcome in the new energy. Open a window, breathe in deeply, hold it, then release that fresh air into your fresh, slightly raw-looking closet and floor space. Yes, it might look a little naked right now, but trust the process. Sweep your floor, close the window, and get ready—we're about to create a glowing vision of an open, inspiring space that showcases your remaining treasures beautifully!

I. Let's get organized

Organization is key! After donating my sweaters, I categorized the remaining ones using 4 topics:

1. Color
2. Feeling Texture
3. Weight
4. Style/Fit

II. Set a logical "realistic" goal

My goal - "I want a total of 25 sweaters; with a variety of color, weight, texture, and style. I will continue to refresh my closet every fall season by donating or repurposing old styles and introducing a new sweater that feels more aligned with my essence in the now moment" I write "realistic" in quotations because this number will likely change after you move through the next 4 steps. Let's learn why.

1. Color

I separated my remaining sweaters into 4 main color groups. Since I wear neutrals more than colors, my list shows more sweaters in the neutral color groups than the others. This part should be easiest so do not overthink it. Teal is green, Pink is red, even orange is reddish, but you get the picture. Just categorize it in the simplest way that works for you. I grouped my piles using the following color names:

1. Tan / Ivory (8)
2. Grey / Black (8)
3. Red / Purple (5)
4. Blue / Green (4)

2. Feeling Texture

I began this step with my 25 sweaters grouped by colors, and focused on one color group at a time. Touch your sweaters and describe the way they feel to you. What is the sentimental value for you? This is more than just texture and technique; it's emotional worth. For me, I made sure that my sweaters felt expressive - the fuzzy ones feel like clouds I can wear on warmer fall afternoons in the sun's glow. My handmade sweater reminds me of the festival where I purchased it and the hands of the knitter who packaged it for me. I have a few designer sweaters that I like to call "sleek" because the fabric is silky and the style is minimal.

This step can be tricky if you don't try to keep it simple. It is important to vibe with your clothes because everything is energy; including our clothes. This energy reflects on your mood when you wear it and can either attract or repel other energies in your day. You want to sit well with what takes up space in your energy. Think about how you feel and what makes them special to you. 

Separate any sweater that feels "meh" or carries a negative energy to you. I once was gifted a pair of wintery socks. They were so cute and fuzzy but after wearing them once, the bottom lost all its cushioning. It felt like walking on the bare floor. I wore them a few more times just because they were a gift but subconsciously told myself their cuteness was worth more than my comfort. They had to go...and went. I would not advise holding on to items that cause you to create negative thought patterns either. You may not be aware of any subconscious thoughts related to your clothes until this step in your closet glow-up but you will appreciate this step afterwards.

If you discover heavy feelings in your pile, patiently and gently nudge them out. Ask yourself the following introspective prompts:

1. "Does wearing this remind me of a difficult time or negative memory I'm ready to release?" Sometimes a sweater carries the weight of a breakup, a job we hated, or a version of ourselves we've outgrown.
2. "Am I keeping this out of obligation rather than love?" Gifts, hand-me-downs, or expensive purchases can trap us in guilt. If it doesn't serve you, it's okay to let it go.
3. "Do I feel like myself in this, or am I trying to be someone I'm not?" Your clothes should reflect who you are now, not who you think you should be or who you used to be.
4. "Does this sweater make me shrink or stand tall?" Notice if certain pieces make you feel confident and expansive versus small and self-conscious.
5. "Am I sacrificing my comfort or values to keep this?" Like those cute-but-uncomfortable socks, some items aren't worth the compromise—no matter how adorable they are.

If you prefer not to ask; the best thing for you to do is simply say "I release you" and imagine cutting the cord that once tethered you to the sweater. Donate, repurpose, or discard the item. Remember, it does not hold the same energy for someone else. Once you release your energy from the article of clothing, you release its energy too.

3. The Weight of Space

I now have 22 remaining sweaters. Are my remaining 22 sweaters going to fit well in my closet or are they still too bulky for the space? Chunky knits take up more space than my loose lightweight knits, and longer sweaters feel heavier than shorter ones. Depending on the yarn thickness, a chunky crop sweater could weigh more than a long lace sweater. I chose to store my chunky knits rolled up inside bins while my lighter, thinner knits (which were barely noticeable in the bins) are folded on thin fuzzy hangers.

Choose the organization category that works best for your closet space. If you find that most of your sweaters can be categorized into 2 groups; stay within those groups. Remember to simplify these steps as best you can. We are decluttering not only our closet but our mind as well. So the next time we get dressed, putting together an outfit takes less time and guessing.

4. Sweater Fits

"Oversized" aka "slouchy" aka "boyfriend" is clearly a trend. The trends (or lack thereof) distinguish the overall type of fit your entire wardrobe has. Your sweaters most likely fit into whatever style you like and flow with the outfits you wear when put together to your preference. My point is, an oversized sweater may be worn with a look that works for me but fit very differently in your closet. The trends are general but the way you pull it off is specific. Look at your sweaters and ask "How does this fit with my favorite jeans" for instance. Keep the sweaters that complement your go-to outfit pieces - ensuring that you will wear them often. 

Other things to consider: How much closet space do I have available for bulky items like sweaters? How often do I actually get dressed to leave the house? What activities do I often do outdoors? Am I caring for my sweaters properly so they last the year?

Conclusion 

After putting together mini capsule collections with my 22 sweaters, I noticed one that just wasn't working with the rest of my outfits. It didn't spark joy, didn't fit my lifestyle, and honestly? It was taking up valuable space. So out it went.

I can now successfully answer the question that started this whole journey: "How many sweaters should I own?" For me, the answer is 21 sweaters.

But here's what I really learned going from 500 sweaters down to 21—the magic number isn't about quantity. It's about quality, intention, and making space for what truly serves you. Your perfect sweater collection is the one that makes getting dressed feel effortless, inspiring, and authentically you.

Now it's your turn to discover your magic number—and I can't wait to hear what works for you!

 

Come back and share what tips helped you to categorize your sweaters? How many sweaters should you own? Happy closet glow-up!