Last Updated on 6th January 2024
Clothing is one of the more expensive aspects of our lives. Whether you buy new clothes from a department store, outlet, or online retailer, clothes don’t come cheap. As such, it’s important that you take care of your clothes for as long as possible in order to get the most out of them. Luckily, caring for your clothes isn’t all that difficult once you know how.
If properly cared for, your clothes will last longer and continue looking great. The more often you wash a garment and the way you launder it can also affect how fast it wears out. To that end, reading this article will give you some great tips on how to care for your clothes so that they last as long as possible.
Purchase only high-quality clothes
It’s a given that if your purchase clothes of poor quality, they will not last that long in your wardrobe. When shopping, it’s best to spend a little more on quality than to buy trendy clothes at cut prices. A high-quality item may seem expensive now but think of it as an investment that will save you money for years to come. This is the first step towards creating a more sustainable wardrobe. Instead of buying cheap fast fashion, invest in a few high-quality pieces that you will wear again and again.
Don’t wash clothes too often
Washing clothes too often can cause damage to the fibres and, in turn, decrease their lifespan. This is especially true of dry cleaning, which uses chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment. It can damage the fabric by flattening the natural fibre follicles used to make it.
If something isn’t dirty but you’ve worn it once or twice, consider hanging it outside or in a steamy bathroom before throwing it in the laundry basket.
Wash your clothes properly
One thing to consider is that you should always wash your underwear and socks at a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria. You really don’t want to put bedding, tea towels, gym kit, underwear, and socks in at a low temperature. Those types of clothing will need to be washed at least at 60 degrees Celsius.
Before you wash your new item, make sure to read the label first. Reading the labels may be a bit difficult to understand, so to learn more info on what laundry symbols mean, follow the link.
Don’t use too much detergent
Almost everyone has been guilty of using an excessive amount of laundry detergent or softener. Adding extra detergent may not necessarily result in a cleaner item. The excess detergent becomes embedded in the fabric, making the garments stiffer.
You can make a detergent booster out of half a cup of baking soda and a regular quantity of detergent. You won’t believe how much money you’ll save while getting perfectly clean clothes.
Patch up the clothes you own
You shouldn’t throw away your sweater just because the seams are starting to come apart. All they’ll need is a quick fix that won’t take more than 30 minutes. Who knows, you may even become a pro and start your own business to upcycle clothes!
Although it may seem obvious, durable clothing requires high-quality fabric and craftsmanship. Never believe the salesman when they say that the most expensive option is the best. Do your own research instead.
Examine the seams by turning the item inside out. If you want to learn how to fix items but don’t know where to begin, it’s a good idea to practise on some scrap fabric. Don’t worry if your favourite pair of jeans has seen better days; patches are an alternative.
Fixing clothes should be done carefully. If you pull the thread too tightly, the item will no longer have any give.
Store your clothes carefully
Instead of hanging your clothes, fold them and store them in a drawer. Sweaters and cardigans, particularly those made of wool, cashmere, or angora, might lose their form if they are hung up for too long due to the weight of the garments.
You should always hang your blazers and coats. Make sure to get sturdy hangers that will assure that the shape remains flawless.
