By In a recent viral moment sparked by the film Challengers, where a T-shirt becomes a symbol of past intimacy, the topic of clothes kept from former flames resurfaced. The T-shirt, cheekily donned by actor Josh O’Connor’s character in the movie, speaks volumes about the lingering connections between ex-lovers, even after the relationship has ended.
But not all clothing souvenirs hold such profound meaning. Some are simply remnants of comfortable moments or youthful recklessness. For instance, one writer reminisces about a Kid Rock T-shirt acquired during a messy teenage fling, now a relic of bygone days, tainted by newfound knowledge about the musician’s politics.
Guardian writers were asked to share their own experiences with keeping clothes from exes, resulting in a range of stories. From deliberate acts of bitterness to unwitting reminders of lost love, each garment holds a unique tale.
One writer confesses to holding onto a Champion jumper out of bitterness, a tangible reminder of a past relationship and a way to deprive the ex of his “cool look.” Another shares a nostalgic tale of a stolen jumper from university days, now lost but cherished for the memories it holds.
Then there are the practical keepsakes, like a pair of yoga pants repurposed into long johns, providing warmth on cold winter nights and symbolizing the gradual fading of association with the ex.
These stories highlight the complexity of human connections and the tangible remnants left behind when love fades. Whether intentional reminders or unintentional artifacts, clothes kept from exes serve as tangible links to the past, each with its own story to tell.
