Dressing is not only about choosing the best outfit, it is also important to know how to take care of the clothes and even more if we are trend lovers. It is likely that we spend more than we think. While it is true that we have clothes that go out of fashion. There are some that are basic in the closet, which can be kept for a long time, allowing us to save money.
Taking care of clothes can help to significantly increase their useful life. And not only that, it is also very positive for the environment. Since keeping your clothes longer can help to drastically reduce the emissions that occur during their life cycle – amazing, don’t you think! So, we’ll share some tips to learn how to take care of your clothes and keep them looking great for as long as possible. Read on!
How to take care of clothes to make them last longer?
How we wear, wash and store our clothes will determine how long they will last and the impact they will have. Let’s look at some ways to care for clothes to make them last longer.
1. Choose quality garments.
This does not mean that they should be too expensive. But, you do need to invest in quality clothing that will last longer. Also, spending more on quality pieces that never go out of style will help us create a solid foundation closet that will last.
When budgeting for clothes we must decide very well. It is best to set aside some money for fun and trendy items, and some for pieces that are sure to stand the test of time. It is better to invest in one quality item than in five poorly made pieces that may need to be replaced in a few months.
When we go shopping, we will look to see if it is a garment made to last, and remembering that price is not the only indicator. We should pay attention to the details, as well as to the seams and tight buttons. If the material is too thin, or you see loose threads, buttons or snags, those are indications that an item may not be very well made.
2. Pay attention to laundry labels when caring for your clothes.
This label provides washing instructions for the garment, designed to ensure that it stays in excellent shape. Information such as washing temperature, types of products to use or not to use, or even the type of cleaning, are essential to know how to take care of your clothes.
While you should always check the instructions on the label, there are some basic laundry tips that can help keep your clothes in good condition:
Prepare clothes
- Check pockets and remove anything we may have left in them.
- Sort clothes by color: darks with darks, whites with whites.
- Turn dark clothes inside out. Sorting and turning inside out will preserve their colors and keep them looking bright.
- When placing garments in the washing machine, close zippers and other fasteners such as Velcro. This will prevent snagging and snagging during washing.
- Place delicate clothes in a laundry bag. Fasteners have many parts, such as the hoop and hooks, which could deform or snag other garments in the agitation process.
- Do not overload the washer. Clothes need space to release bacteria and dirt. Too many clothes can be damaged by constant rubbing.
Caution with detergents when caring for clothes
It is advisable to use a mild detergent and not too much. We tend to ruin our clothes with excessive amounts of strong formulas. Too much detergent ends up saturating the fibers and leaves the clothes dull.
Allow to air dry
The dryer is one of the main causes of clothes deterioration. Therefore, it is preferable to let clothes dry in the open air as it is better for the clothes, and even for the planet. Excessive energy consumption and damage to garment fibers is avoided.
Washing clothes less
The washing process can be very hard when caring for clothes. Agitation, tumbling and contact with other garments can leave them discolored, stretched, pilling and damaged. Unless the garment is visibly soiled, we probably don’t need to wash it after every wear. To make this possible it is important to maintain good personal hygiene.
3. Practice good personal hygiene
It may seem simple and obvious, but practicing good hygiene, such as showering daily, using deodorant and wearing appropriate underwear, can help keep your clothes cleaner and in better condition. Remember, less washing, less deterioration. Don’t forget that sweat also causes stains.
See also Tips when wearing women’s underwear
4. Learn basic repairs when caring for your clothes
This can make them last longer and save you a lot of money. Even if we are very careful with our garments, loose hems and popping buttons can put shirts and pants out of commission.
Simple sewing kits can be very inexpensive and contain scissors, a variety of needle sizes and thread. That will be enough to make some basic repairs to your garments.
5. Iron with care
Using too much heat on delicate fabrics can ruin them completely, so be sure to always use the appropriate heat level for the type of fabric you are ironing.
As a general rule, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool and rayon use more heat (higher temperatures). Synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and lycra use less heat, so the iron should be set at a lower temperature.
6. Rotate clothes
It usually happens that we have a favorite piece of clothing that we wear all the time. It is an endless cycle of wear, wash and wears again, so it ends up wearing out faster. And we leave other garments in our closet in oblivion.
To avoid this, we should rotate our clothes in the closet so that they have less wear and tear. So, after laundry day, clean clothes go to the back. While those still in the closet move to the front, where they are easier to see and grab. Finally, our favorite clothes will gradually rotate from the back to the front of the closet, where they can be seen and worn again.
7. Practice good storage habits when caring for clothes.
Whether you have a walk-in closet or a couple of racks, the way you store your clothes can make them last for years or, alternatively, leave them looking misshapen and damaged in just a few months. Here’s how to store clothes to make sure they last as long as possible:
- Fold heavy sweaters on a rack: you shouldn’t hang heavy wool or knit sweaters on hangers because they can stretch. Your best option is to stack them folded on a rack so they keep their shape.
- Close buttons with buttons and zippers: this will prevent them from snagging or scratching each other’s fabric while hanging garments in the closet.
- Invest in good hangers: hangers with wooden or plush arms help garments keep their shape. Wire and plastic hangers can stretch the shoulders of your garments and compromise the fabric structure.
- Give clothes space: this will allow clothes to air out between wears, prevent snagging or discoloration with other garments and wrinkling.
- Keep cool and dry: excess moisture and heat can stimulate the growth of mildew, even on clothing.
8. Dressing at the end
When we are getting ready, we should first comb our hair and apply make-up before getting dressed. Hair spray and other cosmetics can stain and fade clothing. Likewise, we must make sure that the deodorant is completely dry before getting dressed to avoid stains on the clothes.
Likewise, it is recommended that as soon as we get home we change our work or going out clothes. This reduces the risk of accidents, wear and tear and gives your clothes time to air out before the next day or the next wear.
ALFA