Unless you want to scare all your neighbors off {and probably get the cops called on you} or go live in a nudist colony, buying clothes is a must! And unless you’re raising kids who grow out of their clothes every other week, if you treat your clothes right and follow a few simple tips, those clothes can last for years. I’ve owned some of the clothes in my closet for 10 years {but when your wardrobe consists mainly of timeless jeans and black shirts, you can get away with that!}. You don’t have that happen by accident. I’m careful with my clothes, but certainly not worried about working hard in them. Here are some of the things I do to extend the life of my clothes:
When caring for in-season clothes, make sure you hang them properly using quality hangers so your shirts keep their shape and don’t get shoulder bumps. Also, I never hang my sweaters or bulky shirts. I fold those!
Rotate your wardrobe: Let some of your clothes rest a bit between wear. Letting them air out between wears and washes is really good for your clothes.
Turn clothes inside out: This simple tip will help with fading and also help get all the dirt and oil in your clothes out to prevent yellowing.
Treat stains immediate: Don’t let stained clothes sit in the hamper until laundry day. Make sure you try to remove that stain ASAP. If you can’t get around to spot treating because of time, soak the item in a sink full of water and vinegar. That will prevent the stain from setting.
Wash clothes by hand: Your hands are much more gently than the crazy agitator in your machine. That can cause a rapid breakdown in the fibers.
Wash on the gentle cycle: If hand washing is out of the question, try washing your clothes on the gentlest cycle possible. It’s the next best thing to hand washing.
Mend instead of tossing: If your clothing item gets a hole, try mending it or sewing it up instead of retiring it. Sometimes it’s more cost effective to get the item professionally mended if it’s an expensive piece of clothing.
Follow those simple tips and your wallet will thank you! What tips do you use to make your clothes last longer?
~Mavis
Sheri Bauer says
I am currently wearing a favorite sweatshirt purchased in July 1976. It still looks ok for home and garden wear, though the soft fleece lining is mostly gone. It is Just the right weight and long sleeves for an early fall day doing yard work. Guess I’ve been washing correctly all these years.
Connie says
Great tips! I’m glad that I’ve been washing correctly all these years
Tammy says
I hang dry most of my own shirts and blouses so they last longer/do not shrink. An apron in the kitchen also is a clothes-saver! I have always owned aprons (and sewn them for myself!) but just this summer I decided to wear one every single time I am in the kitchen. It has really helped keep stains away!
Mama Cook says
Yes!!!! I completely second wearing an apron!!!
Laura Salamy says
There’s little need to toss clothing these days. In the very least, give it to Goodwill or some other thrift-type shop for re-use. Best to mend then turn it into something else: a rug or even a rag. The textile industry is one of the world’s worst polluters. Just as bad, they create crappy clothing, disposable clothing. Best to purchase good quality clothes that last.
Michele says
Mavis! Off the subject, but I’m in Salem, OR and we were alerted not to take animals out any more than necessary due to all this wretched smoke…responding to your desire to take Lucy for a walk
Mel says
I’d include buying slightly higher quality clothes to start, zipping up all zippers and fastening all closures before washing, and washing more delicate items in lingerie or sweater bags. I also use Shout color catchers whenever washing new items and wash new things in loads where nothing else will be damaged if colors overrun the catcher. And check ALL pockets before throwing things in the wash.