Being able to repair and modify my clothes, and even make some items from scratch, is something I consider to be a cornerstone of frugality and self-reliance.

Being able to repair and modify my clothes, and even make some items from scratch, is something I consider to be a cornerstone of frugality and self-reliance. As the very first thing, I make sure to buy clothes that are of good quality and well-constructed, both because they last better and because they will be easier to repair. I like clothes that can move from office wear to casual wear to outdoor/rough wear, as they ages and repairs accumulate. As I've gotten older, I've started appreciating dress shirts, sports jackets and higher-waisted pants, for their comfort and practicality. What Neil from RMC on YouTube usually wears is a good example of what I've grown to like. A great benefit is that this is appropriate office wear, and can be dressed down as casual as you like. Even clothes that are beyond repair can be used as patches to repair other items. I also maintain a decent supply of buttons and zippers, harvested from completely broken or worn out clothes. You never know when you'll need a button or other spare part.