I’m not sure why I thought the Six Week Challenge would be a good idea for someone like me.

I never remember to hang the laundry out while it’s wet,

all my clean clothes are left in the washing basket for weeks waiting to be put away,

and when I need to be somewhere in ten minutes, you’ll find me rushing around the house struggling to find clean knickers (for everyone!).

I am a professional undomestic goddess with two sprogs that always seem to be covered in food. Don’t even get me started on the cat.

Nevertheless, I made the impulsive decision to participate in Labour Behind The Label’s annual Six Item Challenge.

For six weeks I had to wear the same six items of clothing

(I know what you’re thinking, no, it didn’t include knickers; I’m not that smelly).

If you’re my friend on Instagram, you'll have noticed me documenting my outfits each day, but I got bored of doing this and stopped halfway through. There’s only so many times you can share the same few outfits unless you’re one of those fashionable people who’s creative with accessories.

Unfortunately, I can’t wear a necklace without my 9-month-old trying to choke me.

I figured my time would be better spent actually doing something to help garment workers so I’ve been using my free time to support the coalition to end Uyghur forced labour. It really isn’t being talked about enough so if you didn’t know that 1 in 5 garments come from internment camps in China then check out my recent post on the Uyghur genocide.

I thought I’d sum up my experience of wearing six items for six weeks in case you’re thinking of trying it next year (or just curious about how filthy I got).

My circumstances

The challenge took place during the pandemic when the UK was still in lockdown. The lack of socialising certainly made it easier; I haven’t seen my friends for many months. It’s been so long I’ve started having conversations with the cat and my daughter’s only friend is her reflection in the mirror.

The social distancing was balanced out by the awkwardness of breastfeeding a messy baby. Then there’s my domestic incompetence and lack of organisational skills that I previously mentioned. Having six items (plus pants and socks) to wash was either going to be really great or extra work.

Before I share what I learnt about myself while participating in the Six Weeks Challenge as a sleep-deprived mum, here’s a bit about the cause behind the challenge.

Who is Labour Behind The Label?

Label Behind The Label is a not-for-profit organisation in the UK. They are the only campaign group that focuses exclusively on the rights of garment workers in the fashion industry.

5 ways they help garment workers:

1. They support their demands when they face a breach of their human rights.

2. They amplify voices and build solidarity.

3. They hold brands and governments to account using legal and voluntary measures.

4. They produce research to influence policy.

5. They organise demonstrations to gather public support when a brand isn’t cooperating.

Labour Behind The Label has been doing invaluable work for two decades but there is plenty more to do.

I have set up a JustGiving page to support their cause, so if you can spare a couple of pennies it would be much appreciated. 100% of the profits go to Labour Behind The Label.

What are the rules of the six week challenge?

It’s pretty self-explanatory, you choose your six items of clothing and then try really hard not to spill your dinner down yourself. 

You are allowed unlimited amounts of underwear, accessories and shoes. You can also have separate gym clothes - nobody expects you to stay sweaty all day if you’re a fan of Joe Wicks or whatever exercise people are doing these days.

My six items

Choosing six items was probably the hardest part. The first thing I learnt about myself - I’m so indecisive (ok I kinda already knew that). There are many more unsurprising revelations to come.

Things to consider when preparing for the Six Items Challenge:

• Climate change. The weather in February and March is bizarre. It was snowing in February 2018, then it was the hottest February ever in 2019 and I can’t actually remember last year (pregnancy brain). Who knows what could happen?!

• Can I breastfeed in it?

• Can I fit in it? I have most certainly gone up a clothing size since having a baby in lockdown. There’s been too many carbs and not much moving. It’s important to choose items you feel good in.

• Do the six items match each other?

• Are they comfortable enough for lazy days?

• Are they versatile?

If I wasn’t breastfeeding and baby wearing I’d have chosen a dress or jumpsuit but I had to put my practical hat on (you can’t pee in a jumpsuit if you have a sling on!).

I chose three tops, two pairs of trousers and one cardigan. I am very particular with fabrics and the way they feel on my skin. It was a priority that I felt comfortable wearing the items I chose.

Item 1 - a teal green shirt made from viscose. It is a Primark top that I bought second hand.

Item 2 - a camel coloured long-sleeved top made from organic cotton.

Item 3 - a pink top from Dilling; made from cruelty-free wool.

Item 4 - organic bamboo and cotton (Fairtrade) lounge pants that I got for Christmas. Super comfy.

Item 5 - People Tree leggings - made from organic cotton.

Item 6 - Thick cream cardigan made from wool. Bought from Depop.

What I learnt from doing the Six Week Challenge

I like simplicity 

I truly appreciate the simplicity of a small wardrobe. I’ve wanted a capsule wardrobe for a long time but two pregnancies and then breastfeeding for 3+ years means my body keeps changing. This challenge has reminded me to prioritise decluttering my family’s clothing (and actually getting it out of the house - those damn donate/sell boxes are really taking up space).

Fewer decisions 

I mentioned earlier how indecisive I am. If I can’t make a decision, I just avoid doing the task. You honestly don’t want to know how much time I’ve spent in pyjamas the last year.

Having a limited amount of options that all matched made getting dressed so simple. No pile of clean clothes on the chair from trying things on.

This awkward postpartum stage is temporary 

My pre-pregnancy clothes from 3-4 years ago are in a box under the bed next to another box of clothes that aren’t breastfeeding-friendly. I thought as time passes and lockdown restrictions ease I’d naturally lose weight and would fit into some of my old clothes. I’m realising now that this is highly unlikely and that’s okay.

My figure has changed so much from growing two children. I should be celebrating and nourishing my body not considering dieting because models make me feel inadequate. Motherhood really changes you and I’ve realised now that I’m okay with my old clothes going to a new home.

I don’t want to own clothes that don’t make me feel good. Parenting is hard enough without body image pressures and insecurities.

Less laundry is wonderful

So I didn’t experience this one fully (cries) because I have two messy kids who wear reusable nappies. We also have reusable kitchen roll, tissues, face cloths, breast pads, makeup pads… ahhh.

My baby does not like to be alone in the evenings and my toddler doesn’t nap, so it’s hard to find time to put clothes away. Only having a few items to put away each time was amazing. It was just so quick.

It’s tricky with a baby, but I'm hoping I can encourage the boys to create a capsule wardrobe too.

What I found difficult about the Six Item Challenge:

Wanting to dress up

There were a few occasions where I fancied dressing up a bit and making an effort but I couldn’t. I’m sure a nice pair of shoes and some jewellery could have made a difference but my three-year-old’s birthday (spent playing board games) with his little sister glued to me wasn’t the best opportunity.

Less stuff still doesn’t make me a domestic goddess

There was plenty of days where I did not feel like dressing up (usually they involved snotty kids and new teeth), but some were far worse than others.

There was a point when I had no clean trousers left (ok, this happened most weeks). I put them both in the wash and then I forgot/couldn’t be bothered to hang them out in the evening (we use a dehumidifier to get clothes and nappies dry overnight).

The next day I just sat around in my pants doing lockdown stuff (you know… playing ocean bingo and talking about dwarf planets).

I wore no trousers for two days. In fact, I’m pretty sure there was a point when all three of us had no trousers on.

Kids are gross

Honestly, why do toddlers think it’s acceptable to wipe their sticky hands on you? And why do babies dribble so much? Or blow raspberries when they’re eating? Or get distracted while breastfeeding so milk sprays everywhere? Yeah, kids are gross.

I’m so clumsy

I can’t blame all the mess on the kids. There were a few occasions when I spilt food on my clothes when they were fresh on. This was in the second half of the challenge when I was clearly getting too cocky for my bib at dinner time (aka a muslin square tucked into my top).

I chose a delicate item

The Six Items Challenge probably wasn’t the best time for wool.

Honestly, my brain makes no sense sometimes. I took ages to choose my items because I’m an indecisive overthinker and then I went and chose wool. The most awkward thing to wash.

I am a huge fan of wool (provided it’s cruelty-free from a trusted brand - or second hand). It’s a sustainable fabric and has many benefits, like temperature regulation. I was very tempted to lanolise it so I didn’t have to wash it for the rest of the challenge.

It’s just a pain in the bum if you’ve only got one wool thing to wash.

How minimalist is your wardrobe? I can definitely see the benefits. Will you be trying the Six Items Challenge next year?

Don’t forget you can still donate to Labour Behind The Label through my JustGiving link <3

Sophie xx