5 Expert Tips to Extend the Life of Your Clothing
With proper care, your favorite garments can last for a very long time. Rather than purchasing a new wardrobe for every season, we recommend seeking out well-made, durable pieces that you'll be excited to wear through the years. Then, take good care of them so they last.
The best pieces of clothing are associated with joyful memories. Maybe you wore that linen dress to your best friend's wedding, or perhaps those pair of pants were worn to the first day of your dream job. These are the items you'll reach for again and again.
Here are five of our team's best tips for ensuring your wardrobe maintains its quality over time.
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Avoid Over-Washing - Of course, if something stinks, then by all means wash it! But otherwise, try wearing an item (besides undies or socks) three times before washing. When you toss clothes in the wash — especially if it's overfilled — it might fade or damage the garment. Rather than washing after every wear, save water and time by waiting until the piece of clothing truly needs it.
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Use this dryer trick from our founder's mom - After clothes have been put through the wash, Sofia's mom taught her to place them in the dryer on a medium-hot setting for only 10 minutes. Then, remove the garments and hang dry while still hot. This method helps the garments keep their shape and shrink less — and you'll be cutting down on your energy usage.
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Dry garments inside-out - Flipping your clothes inside-out before you put them in the dryer can help maintain their color and longevity. Even better, dry out your clothes on a drying rack or a clothesline to save even more energy.
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Prepare for small repairs - Some practical sewing knowledge is always helpful when wanting to extend the life of well-loved pieces. It pays off to learn how to sew on a button or patch a tear — these small repairs are much cheaper than buying a replacement! Get creative by repurposing old, worn clothing into something new, like a quilt, cleaning rags or a rug.
- Store clothes in the right environment - Keep clothes looking and feeling fresh by storing them in a cool, dry location. Give them space to breath on the rack as this prevents wrinkling and fading. We love using wood hangers that don't leave marks and help keep the fabric smooth. Additionally, avoid storing them in damp places (like bathrooms) to avoid mildew or mold.
That's it! You're good to go. Here's to a much happier and durable wardrobe for seasons to come.