A Clothing Brand Owner's Closet Purge: What’s Staying, What’s Going

@mikemonnette The sells are going on ebay – username is shoedawg111 (lol i know) and the donates will be at the santa monica salvation army! Closet purge before we move from Santa Monica back to the bay #closetpurge #mensstyle #menswear #style ♬ original sound - Mike

Big news: we're moving back to San Francisco! And with any big move comes a hard look at the closet. This time around, I’m being ruthless—every piece has to be a keep, donate, or sell.

At Abbreviated, we believe shorter guys shouldn’t have to waste closet space on clothes that don’t really work. The right fit means fewer “just okay” pieces and more stuff you actually want to wear. This purge was a good reminder of that: edit down, keep only what fits, and build from there.

Jackets

• Seager Ranch Jacket (Size 1): Haven’t worn it much this past year, but it’ll definitely see more action in SF. Keep.
• Seager Ranch Jacket (Size 2): Same jacket, size up. Sleeves a little too long. Sell.
• Carhartt WIP Coaches Jacket: A little oversized, but I love the corduroy and color. Keep.

Pants

• Todd Snyder Selvedge Chinos: Once a favorite, now feel too slim. Keeping one as a fabric reference, the other’s getting donated.
• Lululemon ABC Joggers: still very comfortable so these are a keep to wear on backpacking or camping trips.
• Lululemon ABC Pants: I'm not in love with the cropped fit so despite being comfortable, they don't get worn, which means these are a sell.

Tees & Shirts

• Waffle Tees: Either too long or too tight. Plus, I’m making the perfect version for shorter guys for Abbreviated this fall. Donate.
• J. Crew Striped Tee: Survived the last five purges, but still not wearing it. Donate.
• Two Patterned Linen Shirts: Fit is right, fabric’s comfortable. Might even test one under a suit for a wedding. Keep.
• Noah Tee: Too long and tight, but good fabric. Keeping as a reference sample.

Shoes

• Hiking Boots & Trail Runners: Didn’t think about swollen feet when I bought them. Sell.
• Asics: Look great, but not comfortable past a mile. Sell.
• Weejuns: Stretched out, now too big. Sell.
• Huaraches: Super comfortable, tough color. Going to try sun-bleaching. Keep.
• Reeboks: Rarely worn, but good for photoshoots. Keep.
• ALD 550s: Hype has passed, but they’re built to last. Keep (beaters).
• Nike Blazers: Used to be a go-to, now collecting dust. Donate.
• PF Flyers: Nice look, bad comfort. Donate.
• Pumas: Underrated—going to make a point to wear these more. Keep.

Final Takeaway: How to Do Your Own Purge

Moving is the perfect excuse to strip your wardrobe down to what you actually wear—and what still works for your lifestyle. For me, the theme is simple: fit, comfort, and versatility win.

If you want to try your own closet purge, here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Try it on. Don’t just go by memory—actually put it on and check the fit.
2. Ask the 12-month question. If you haven’t worn it in a year, what are the odds you’ll suddenly reach for it again?
3. Check the fit vs. compromise. If the sleeves are too long, the torso too baggy, or the shoes too tight—are you really going to wear it, or are you just keeping it “just in case”?
4. Decide fast. Keep it if it fits and feels good, donate it if it’s wearable but not for you, and sell it if it’s nice but doesn’t work.

The best wardrobes are the ones that are edited down. Fewer pieces, better fits, and clothes that always feel right when you throw them on. That’s exactly what we’re building with Abbreviated.