How to digitize your wardrobe: your whole closet in an app

You digitize your wardrobe by taking a photo of each item, or pasting a product link, and letting the app do the rest: remove the background and fill in category, colour and season. Start with what you wear now, work through one category at a time, and expect about an hour of photographing for an average wardrobe of around 118 items.

Why digitize your wardrobe?

A closet only shows what hangs in front. A digital wardrobe shows everything: what is folded away, what is stored out of season, what is in the wash. That makes building outfits faster, stops you buying duplicates, and after a while shows which pieces you actually wear. More on the idea in what a digital wardrobe app is.

How do you go about it?

1. Pick an app. Look at how you add items, which devices it runs on and what the free version includes. Our comparison of digital wardrobe apps puts them side by side.
2. Start with what you wear now. The current season and your favourite pieces first. Add the rest later.
3. Work by category. All tops first, then trousers and skirts, then outerwear and shoes. That is quicker than going through your closet at random.
4. Add online purchases with a link. In an app like Looqa.ai you paste the product link and the app fills in the name, brand and price; you take the photo yourself.
5. Keep it up to date. Add new purchases straight away and mark what you wear. Then your digital wardrobe stays accurate.

How do you take good clothing photos?

You do not need a studio if the app removes the background. What helps: daylight rather than a lamp, one item per photo, the piece laid flat on a bed or the floor or on a hanger against a door, and the whole shape in frame. If you can upload several photos at once, take a batch first and add them in one go.

How long does it take?

With AI-sorting apps it is about half a minute per item once you are in a rhythm, because the processing runs while you photograph the next piece. For an average wardrobe of around 118 items (WRAP, 2022) that is about an hour of photographing, easily split over a few evenings. Combining it with a clear-out? Follow our method to organize your wardrobe in one afternoon.

What do you do with a digital wardrobe?

Build outfits from your own items, plan your week in an outfit planner, and see how often you wear what. After a few months you know exactly which pieces earn their place and what is really missing.

FAQ

Do I have to add every sock and T-shirt?

No. Most people leave out underwear, socks and sportswear and only add what they combine into outfits.

Can I add clothes I bought online?

Yes, in many apps. In Looqa.ai you paste the product link and the name, brand and price are filled in. Some other apps also read order emails or receipts.

What if I get rid of an item?

Delete or archive it in the app. That way your digital wardrobe stays an honest picture of what you own.