Making your clothes last longer is certainly a laudable goal in two respects. First, it saves you money because you don’t have to keep buying the same or similar clothes. And second, you don’t have to spend the time replacing the worn out item. Below are ten tips for caring for your clothes so you don’t have to worry about replacing them.
1. Buy Durable Fabrics
If you have a choice, buy fabrics that are naturally durable and require very little care. Some prefer the longevity of synthetic fibers such as polyester, while others favor natural fibers such as cotton.
2. Wash Less Frequently
Try to wash your clothes as infrequently as possible, not that you should wear dirty clothes, but the more you wash them, the more they lose their quality.
3. Fold Clothes along the Seams
To avoid unwanted creases and to maintain the shape of the item, fold along the seams.
4. Let Everything Air Out
In general, no matter what you do, elastic has a shelf life. However, the better you take care of them, the longer they will last.
5. Learn Basic Repairs
Learning to complete basic sewing repairs on your clothing, such as replacing a loose thread or a missing button, can make them last longer and save you money.
6. Avoid Ironing (if possible)
If you don’t have time to iron, steam your clothes by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. Another alternative is to use a professional steamer to de-wrinkle your clothing.
7. Close Zippers and Other Fasteners to Prevent Snagging
Also, loosely tie strings and sashes to prevent tangling.
8. Denim
To get rid of odors, hang jeans in the bathroom before a shower. The damp steam will keep them fresh between washes.
9. Avoid the Dryer if/when You Can
Researchers have found that repeatedly drying cotton garments leads to cracks in the clothing. This reduced fabric strength by 25 percent or more and also caused pilling.
10. Check the Seams
If you want your clothes to last, they must be made well. Checking the seams at the store before you buy is a good way to ascertain the quality of the garment.
