When your clothes last longer, you can wear them over and over again without fear of fading or tearing. This would help you save money in the long run. There are so many things we can do to keep our cherished pieces looking fresh and new. These include:
1. Go for quality wears
Would you rather buy one $300 jacket to last you multiple seasons or five new $50 ones each season? Higher quality pieces will often last longer due to superior materials and construction. Make a note of wardrobe staples that will hopefully last you for years and don’t be afraid to spend a little more on them.
2. Use a delicate bag
Instead of having your delicate underwear or garments rip in the washing machine, invest in a few delicates bags that will help preserve the lifespan of your intimates.
3. Wash less
Think about what your garment goes through every time you wash it; tumbling in a washing machine with loads of other pieces. Not only is it likely to be drained of its colour and have elastic stretch, it may end up in a hot dryer only to shrink, fade and sometimes fall apart altogether. Unless something is visibly dirty or on the nose, take the challenge to wear your garments at least three times before they hit the laundry.
4. Don’t dry clean often
Asides from the huge expense of dry-cleaning, the process involves the use of harsh chemicals that not only harm the fabric but the environment too. This causes expensive pieces, such as suits to wear out and fade a lot faster than they should. Alternatively, hang the item in the bathroom whilst you shower. This allows the steam to refresh your outfit without the help of any chemicals.
5. Use washing machine well
Putting a wash on when you don’t have a full load obviously wastes water, but at the same time, cramming your whole wardrobe in and overfilling the machine isn’t good for your clothes. Not only do the clothes not wash properly, they will also rub against each other and cause damage and fading. Another tip to prevent fading is to wash on cold.
6. Reduce amount of detergent used
Other than being harmful to the environment, a large amount of detergent can actually make your clothes more dull and stiff. Instead, use ½ the prescribed amount of detergent and ½ cup of baking soda, which acts as a detergent booster. This will make your clothes just as clean as regular detergent.
7. Wash dark clothing inside out
To avoid all your favourite dark garments from fading, wash them inside out to preserve their colour. The same goes for t-shirts – turning them inside out will prevent the print from cracking and/or fading.
8. Know your iron
Many people don’t set their irons at the right temperature for specific garments. This can result in shrinkage, burning straight through your favourite lace dress. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll get most light creases out by setting the iron a setting or two below what’s recommended.
9. Store in a cool dry place
Clothes are just like us – they don’t want to be kept in confined spaces and are often vulnerable to over-exposure of light. This means avoiding storing your clothes in places like a moldy basement or your bathroom, where bacteria can grow and ruin them. By giving them a little breathing space in your wardrobe, you will also avoid wrinkling and colour fading from clothes rubbing against each other.
10. Buy better hangers
Most plastic and wire hangers will stretch out the shoulders of your garments and leave you with saggy clothing. Despite being a little more expensive, wooden hangers will last longer and take better care of your garments.