Clothes have the power to give you confidence, but if your favorite cashmere sweater and high-waisted jeans aren’t being cared for properly (think: stretched out, pilling, and faded as can be), chances are you’re not going to feel your best in them. Like anything else you own, clothes need to be cared for--and we don’t just mean washed or dry cleaned. In many cases, when we realize that a white T-shirt isn’t so white or those black jeans are now an awkward shade of grey, we’re quick to buy a new version. But, did you know there are more sustainable and cost-effective ways to maintain the luster of your wardrobe?
It seems overly simple, but offering your clothes the TLC they need will make them last longer. That means storing, washing, and wearing them properly. In the interest of getting the most out of your wardrobe, here are ten tips to prolong the life of your clothes. (And, hey, if it’s too late for that there’s always upcycling--but more on that later.)
1- Buy Durable Fabrics
Not all fabrics are created equal. For instance, linen is fragile (not to mention wrinkle-prone), fine fabrics like silk require more upkeep, and synthetic fabrics like nylon pill more than naturally occurring ones. When shopping, it’s helpful to keep this in mind and invest in fabrics that are durable (in many cases thicker) and will stand the test of time. Fabrics like cotton, cashmere, wool, and alpaca may cost more upfront, but they’re wearable for longer if handled correctly.
2- Machine Wash on Cold
You can buy the highest quality clothing but if it’s not cleaned correctly, it won’t retain its shape or quality. For most fabrics, especially delicate or dark-colored pieces, washing in cold water and drying on low temperatures or air-drying is optimal. That way clothing is less likely to wrinkle, shrink, fade, or be ruined. An even larger plus? Washing in cooler temperatures saves money and reduces energy use, making it a more sustainable option.
3- Hand Wash Delicate Items
It may feel like more of a chore, but hand washing delicate items like swimwear, undergarments, pieces with embellishment, and athleticwear like leggings or sports bras is always a good bet. Because of their thin fabric and elastic content, they’re more susceptible to unnecessary wear and tear when washed in a machine.
4- Avoid Hot Spin Cycle
Speaking of the washing machine, Avoid drying clothes on high heat to preserve the strength of the fabric and avoid pilling. As we mentioned, heat is brutal on elastic and fabrics.
5- Switch To a Gentle Detergent
Just as skin gets agitated when using the wrong soap, certain detergents can wreak havoc on fabric. Instead, opt for a gentle detergent that’s effective at removing dirt, is free of dyes and perfumes, and is hypoallergenic. Try swapping for one of these or consider an option that is “free and clear” or “newborn specific.”
6- Dry Clean and Tailor As Needed
As anyone who’s ever shrunk a sweater can tell you, certain fine fabrics do best when handled by professionals. Dry clean delicate clothing when possible and visit the tailor every now and again to have buttons, holes, tears, and minor wear and tear remedied. While you’re there, have items tailored to fit your body so you wear them more regularly. Oh, and don’t forget to remove plastic dry-cleaning bags as soon as possible. Leaving them on can lead to yellowing, staining, mildew, and weakening of fabric fibers.
7- Fold Along the Seams
Want to nurture the integrity of your garment in seconds flat? It’s simple: just fold along the seams and avoid hanging specific items like cotton t-shirts, thick sweaters, shorts, jeans, scarves, and activewear. This is because, over time, hangers can stretch items out and leave marks.
8- Hang Items Carefully
For items that are fine to hang, like dresses, jackets, linen pieces, flowy fabrics, slacks, and button-down shirts, opt for wood or velvet hangers. These help maintain shape and look upscale. If you’re able to, leave space between hanging items to allow them space to breathe. It also allows you to see your clothing better.
9- Spray Stain Repellent On Shoes
Stains happen, so adding a layer of protection with a suede or leather spray on shoes and boots is well worth the added cost.
10- Protect Clothes From Moths
We hate to break it to you, but moths strive in wardrobes stocked full of fine fabrics like cashmere, wool, fur, and alpaca. Thankfully, moth eggs and larvae are eradicated by dry cleaning (and hot-water wash cycles if that’s a good option for the fabric at hand).
So what should you do if some pieces in your wardrobe are past their prime?
We can’t turn back the clock, but upcycling--which is reusing or refurbishing a clothing item so that you actually wear it again--is a great option that’s growing increasingly popular. It’s not only a smart way to save money, but it also reduces the amount of textile waste. For perspective, The New York Times found that Americans create an average of 75 pounds of textile waste annually. Yikes. Instead of adding to the problem of textile waste, consider dying that nude pair of silk sandals a trendy aubergine shade or re-dye that faded pair of black jeans that are super comfortable. You also might consider re-tailoring shirts, sweaters, dresses, or skirts to refresh them or work around stains. Think of it as a fun, low-cost, and low-lift DIY project.
Caring for your clothes: It’s not just good for your self-esteem and wallet--it’s also a more sustainable long-term option on your journey to creating the wardrobe of your dreams.
