3 ways to increase the lifespan of your clothes
Greenwashing, wardrobe longevity, sustainable fashion — all very relevant terms in the conversations about fashion today.
The rise in fast fashion and the impact of textile waste are undeniable. How can you, a consumer extend the life of your favorite clothing to help keep it out of a landfill?
Here are some tips on how to extend the life of your closet. Bonus points for dampening your carbon footprint.
Change how you wash your clothes
Some ways to preserve garment lifetime lies in the way you wash your clothes. Washing cold or at lower temperatures can help garments survive longer. Skipping the ‘high’ setting on the dryer can save you some cash, help preserve energy, and prevent heat damage. Laying out your clothes flat to dry where possible can help your items last. Overwashing is a big contributor to garment degradation. It’s down to the individual to decide when to wash, but being aware of soil level after each wear can save you some time at the laundromat. The sniff test is a good gauge.
Carrying around a stain stick or remover can prevent stains from ‘setting’ and ruining your clothes. Party on.
Skipping the “wear it once” mindset can be effective in saving you a wash or two. Don’t be afraid to roll up to the function in an outfit you’ve been seen in before. Accessorize differently to distinguish fits from one to another.
DIYing your laundry detergent can save water and money. Some even say it gets their clothes cleaner than traditional detergent.
Awareness of fabric care
Ever wonder what those symbols on your tags are for? Following the care instructions can help the longevity of your wardrobe and keep colors looking vibrant.
Storing clothing folded instead of placing them on hangers can help ease the effects of fabric distortion. Rolling them a la Marie Kondo saves space and prevents wrinkling.
Perfumes, body creams, and lotions can all contain chemicals that may contribute to the faster degradation of fabrics. Put on perfume before your clothes to help your items from fading fast.
Repairing clothing items
An emergency sewing kit is always in my bag in case of a tragedy. A little stitch here and there can save your (or someone else’s! My hero!) outfit from disaster on a night out. Save all your extra buttons in your garments in one place. If you’re not as savvy with a needle, going to a tailor for repair services is a reasonable option and more inexpensive than you may expect.
Having a good tailored fit can increase the number of times you wear a garment, too. An item going from ill-fitting to ‘fits like a glove’ can turn a back-of-the-closet piece into a new wardrobe essential. Knowing which pieces you reach for the most will help you with future purchases and can assist in developing and curating your style further.
