Ways to make your clothes last longer

WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY unsplash.com

As consumers, we are increasingly aware of the terrible impact fast fashion has on our planet. That is why many of us are now shifting towards high-quality items, which will serve us for years to come. However, is there anything you can do to help your clothes stand a better chance of survival, before they fall apart or out of fashion? Absolutely! This article will give you some helpful tips on how to preserve your favourite clothing pieces for longer.

Buy smarter

The journey to long-lasting clothing starts at the shop checkout. If you want things to last, buy pieces that are higher quality. This does not necessarily mean spending a load of cash on designer brand items. Simply check the materials, picking ones that tend to be more durable. For instance, cotton, wool, and linen are all known to last longer than synthetic materials. The same goes for jewellery – silver or gold accessories are always worth investing in, as they will last years.

Checking the care instructions is also important, since some items can only be washed by hand or require dry cleaning. This would make them a lot less practical for frequent wear.  Moreover, before buying a new item, check for seams and stitching – any loose threads or gaps are good signs of poorly made clothes.

Of course, the style and colour you choose will make a big difference in how much wear you get out of a clothing item. It’s always better to avoid buying temporarily trendy things, which will most likely be out of fashion within a month. Try to limit these statement pieces to a minimum, primarily investing in timeless styles that you can style for years to come.

Wash and care with caution

Proper care of clothing can significantly extend their life. Most garments, such as jeans, don’t need to be washed after every single wear. If there are small marks, you can clean them individually, reducing the need for constant washing. The less frequent the washes – the fewer chances of fading or shrinkage your clothes have.

When you do wash, using colder water (30°C) is gentler on fabrics, which also prevents any unnecessary damage. Turn your clothes inside out and close any zips during washing, to protect the surface of your fabrics. Skip the dryer when possible, as it can also result in shrinking. Instead, air dry your clothes handling on a clothesline or a drying rack.

Repair, maintain, upcycle

Don’t discard clothes at the first sign of wear. Many issues can be easily fixed with basic skills and a bit of creativity! For instance, learn simple sewing techniques, like attaching buttons or fixing small tears, which will be useful in extending the life of your clothes. Fabric glue can also be perfect for most repairs, without the need for sewing. This can include repairing loose hems or small holes in delicate fabrics.

When your clothes are beyond repair for their original purpose, use it as your chance to be creative and think outside the box! You can give them a new life with some DIY tactics. For example, an old white t-shirt can be revived with fabric dye. Experiment with fun colours and make it into a completely new, stylish look. For items with large rips, you can try patching them up with fun pieces of fabric or beautiful crochet details.

If a garment is beyond repair for their original purpose, consider giving them a whole new life as a different item. You can transform old t-shirts into shopping bags or jeans as a material for cushion covers. You may also crop and customise clothes to refresh them if you’ve grown tired of them. For example, long-sleeved tops can be turned into short-sleeved cropped versions. The possibilities are endless!

Protect from external factors

Sometimes, clothes get ruined without any wear, simply from external factors. For instance, the way you store your out-of-season clothes can impact their longevity. Make sure your clothes are fully dry before storing, to prevent any moisture or mould growth. You can use moisture-absorbing sachets in your wardrobe, if dampness is an issue.

If you use hangers, use sturdy, wooden ones that support your garments properly. Wire hangers can stretch and misshape clothes beyond return. For heavy knits, folding and storing on flat surfaces is the best idea to prevent damage.

Other external factors, such as sun exposure or rain, can also damage your clothes quickly. If you dry your clothes outside, don’t keep  in direct sunlight for too long, as it can get faded. Additionally, if a jacket is not suitable for rainy weather, avoid wearing it without an umbrella or other protection.

Stains are one of the most common reasons for ruined clothes. Familiarise yourself with different types of stains and learn about the different methods to clean them effectively. You may also want to carry a stain-remover pen in your bag, for an immediate action in case of spills when you are out and about.

Final word

Increasing the longevity of your clothing is a process that requires time and thought at first. However, if you want to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle, it can quickly become a usual, everyday practice in your household.