How to Take Care of Your Clothes So They Last Longer
By purchasing from sustainable brands and collections and recycling previously owned items, we can all create sustainable closets. Is that it, then? No. Making the most of your current clothing ultimately entails sustainability. In order to make your clothes last longer, it is crucial to take proper care of them whenever possible.
According to Wrap, factors that affect how long an item of clothing is kept for include the owner’s willingness to wear the same item repeatedly (always beyond #30wears); technical aspects like resilient fabrics, dyes, and colors; the ability of consumers to repair or alter clothes; and how owners take care of their clothing. We are giving some of our top tips for caring for your garments so they stay in great shape for as long as possible because doing so may help to considerably extend their lifespan.
1. Prioritize quality over quantity. What items from your closet best suit your own style, ask yourself. What other pieces in your wardrobe will it go with? Try to spend extra money on higher-quality clothing and accessories because it could be beneficial to do so. Be mindful, though, that more expensive products are not always of higher quality.
There are a few things to watch out for to identify well-made apparel. You may search for materials and needlework of the finest quality. Natural textiles are excellent. Your high-quality items will last longer if you cherish them and take good care of them. They therefore pose less of a threat to our environment than typical throw-away items. This is particularly true if you seek for products that are not just ageless and durable but also socially and environmentally beneficial.
2. Don’t overwash. If your clothes isn’t dirty, try hanging it outside or in a hot bathroom to breathe first if an item doesn’t need to be cleaned but simply needs to be freshened up.
Your clothes might be damaged if you wash it in a machine. Consider the processes that your clothing goes through each time you wash them. When put in the dryer, it is likely to lose its original colors, crumble, and then shrink. You don’t need to wash your clothing every time you wear them unless they smell bad or are visibly dirty.
3. Pay attention to care labels. Care labels are provided for a reason, yet we could be completely guilty of ignoring them. When our clothing is cleaned at a temperature that is too high, it may shrink, and washing white t-shirts with darker clothing may cause them to turn colored. There are just a few possible results from disregarding care recommendations.
You might want to reconsider clipping off the care labels the next time. Yes, care labels can be scratchy and irritating, so if you do want to remove them, make a note of or snap a photo of the care instructions for future use.
4. Keep your clothing organized. You may choose to fold them or hang them, depending on the size or design of your closet. If you choose the first option, don’t stuff everything in. Give your clothes enough room to breathe in order to avoid more creases and wrinkles. If you decide to hang your clothes, ensure sure the hangers are sturdy and have a good fit. This helps keep your favorite shirt free of hanger marks.
5. Cut down on dry cleaning. It is widely known that delicate clothing may need to be dry-cleaned. Despite this beneficial process, the chemicals utilized might cause harm to the cloth. Thankfully, modern washing machines can be used to wash these things at home thanks to advancements in technology and creativity. This kind of washer is beneficial for your household because it might lower your costs. Just bear in mind to stay aware and steer clear of any strenuous or harsh cycles to maintain your clothing in great condition.
6. Air-dry your clothing if at all feasible. When you bring your clean clothes in from the washing line, nothing compares to the scent of newly cleaned, air-dried clothes. In addition to smelling fantastic, air drying is healthier for the environment and your clothing than tumble drying, which consumes a lot of energy to operate and may also harm some fibers.
Instead, shake out your clothes and place it on a drying rack, a laundry line, or a hanger so it can air dry. Once more, pay attention to the labels on your clothing since some items, like woolen sweaters, might be better dried flat.
Last but not least, love and take care of your clothes. It is important to love your clothes so that they will last longer. This means taking care of them and not wearing them too often. It also means storing them properly and keeping them clean. When you take care of your clothes, they will take care of you by looking good and lasting longer. So next time you’re about to reach for that favorite shirt or dress, think about how much you love it and how long you want it to last.
