You cannot make your clothes last forever unless you wear armor for the rest of your life. There is a chance of getting close to forever – if you dare. Due to the advent of fast fashion, however, we are less likely to make do and mend because clothes have become so affordable that there’s no incentive to repair them. There are also more seasonal collections, such as resort, cruise, and pre-fall, than there used to be, meaning consumers are continually drawn to buy new things. There is an average lifespan of 2.2 years for clothing in the UK.
In addition to being good for our financial health, extending the lifespan of our clothes is also good for the environment: the fashion industry is a major global polluter and human rights abuses can be found in developing nations’ garment industries.
Not so long ago, people learned the basics of sewing. A friend or relative who is older is likely to be able to show you how to patch things. There is no doubt that taking care of your clothes is the best way to make sure they last a long time. What is the best way to keep them looking good?
Be sure to check the seams
It seems obvious, but you should invest in well-made garments with good-quality fabrics if you want your clothing to last. Don’t assume expensive items are the best – decide for yourself.
As soon as you get a piece of clothing, turn it inside out and pull out every single string you find. Clothes that are cheaply made have shabby seams. If they unravel, don’t buy them.
Ensure that a pair of trousers or a skirt has enough seam allowance that you can let them out if needed, and that the hem is such that you can lengthen the garment if needed. Make sure that shirts have a spare button sewn in so if one falls off, you have one to replace it.
Remember, if you see light passing through the fabric, it’s going to go quickly.
Get to know your fabrics
Every garment eventually wears out after repeated wearing and washing, but which fabrics prove the most durable. Synthetic fibers such as polyester are often preferred by experts, while natural fibers such as cotton are preferred by others.
If you have two identical T-shirts in cotton or polyester, the cotton will wear out quicker.
Buy items made from single fabric components, such as 100% cotton or 100% merino wool. They may not be as durable as synthetic fibers, but because they’re more breathable, you’ll sweat less, so you won’t need to wash them as frequently. It is recommended to avoid wearing polyester due to its environmental impact. When washed, it sheds microfibers, which contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean.
Do you need to wash it?
The more you wash your clothes, the quicker they wear out. We should avoid washing our clothes too often. A good-quality wool suit, for example, is meant to be brushed clean rather than washed. Wash things in a machine on low heat, and place delicate fabrics in a laundry bag to prevent tearing.
It is possible to refresh clothes without sticking them in a washing machine. You can spot-clean stubborn stains, or put wrinkled clothes in the shower while you steam them. Your clothes will last longer this way, and you will also be helping the environment. The average washing machine consumes 13,500 gallons of water a year, more than you drink in a lifetime.
Do you know a mixture of lukewarm water and vodka will get rid of smells?
If you must wash things, do so properly
There is one important caveat: Items worn close to the body, particularly underwear and socks, should always be washed at a high temperature. Do not wash pants with dish towels at 30 degrees. It’s not a good idea to put bedding, tea towels, gym gear, underwear, and socks in at a low temperature. They should be washed at least at 60 degrees.
If you are worried about ruining your underwear, wash it at a lower temperature and add a cleanser that has an antibacterial component.
How to store clothes
Get all your clothes together in one place – I call it the power of the pile. Many people aren’t aware of how much they own until they see it.
Check your items for damage before deciding which to keep. Stack your belongings upright so you can see everything at a glance. You’re less tempted to buy things when you store them vertically, and more conscious of your consumption…you know precisely what you own, and where it is.
Death to moths
According to Rentokil data, moth-related callouts increased 60% between May 2014 and May 2018. Mothballs and paper discs do not work for me. In my opinion, they are useless. Ask your local tree surgeon for a piece of cedarwood, place it in your wardrobe, and the moths won’t touch it. Use lavender-scented paper in your drawers. If you have uncovered a vintage find, but are concerned that it may have moth eggs in it, place it in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for several days to kill the eggs or larvae.
Support your local tailor and cobbler
Build a strong relationship with your tailor. Take all your items in for repair once a year. Fixing niggling things such as dropped hems, changing zippers on evening gowns, or taking things in and letting them out is something they do. When a pair of shoes begins to wear out, consider whether they can be resoled.
It is not just about maintaining or taking care of clothes. This has to do with “emotional durability,” or the attachment to our most beloved clothing, since the most sustainable item in your wardrobe isn’t always made of environmentally friendly fabrics. It is the one you love, the one filled with memories, that you will adore for a lifetime.