The most sustainable fashion is wearing what you already have, so we’re sharing some ways to make your clothes last longer. According to Elizabeth Cline in the book The Conscious Closet (see my review here), on average, people only wear a garment 7 times before discarding it. My guess is that it would be even less these days. We live in a culture of disposable fashion.
Why? Because these days fashion is so cheap and readily available, that we always want something new. However, having a closet full of cheap and poorly made clothes is ultimately unsatisfying and will cost you more in the long run. So what’s the solution? It’s simple. Build a wardrobe that is intentional by buying better quality clothes and taking care of your clothes to last longer.
6 Clothing Care Tips
Here are six basic clothing care tips that should help make your clothes last longer.
1. Read Your Care Labels
They are put there for a reason. Follow the care instruction on the label. If you’re more skilled with fabrics, you’ll know when you can deviate, but until then, follow the instructions.
2. Learn How To Handle Minor Stains
Stains will happen, so instead of instantly tossing that piece into the trash, try to get the stain out. There are plenty of stain removers available on the market, as well as stain removing hacks that can be found on Pinterest. The best thing is always to tackle the stain immediately.
3. Wash Your Clothes Less
I know this sounds odd. However, each time you wash your clothes reduces the life of each item. Colors fade, fabrics get misshapen, threads come undone. Use your best judgment on when a wash is needed or not. When you do wash them, try washing them in cold water.
4. Store Your Clothes, Accessories, and Shoes Properly
If you throw your clothes and shoes in your closet, they’re more likely to get damaged. By immediately putting them in their place, you’ll keep them looking fresh, and they will last longer. This means put your clothes on their proper hangers, put your shoes back on the shelves or in boxes, untie your scarves, etc.
5. Learn Basic Mending
Learn how to sew a button, seam, spot clean suede, etc. Knowing how to do quick repairs will save you money and keep your clothes wearable for longer.
6. Invest In Larger Repairs
If you’re unable to do clothes and shoe repairs yourself, find a good sewist, tailor, shoe repair. They can help extend the life of your favorite pieces.
Our Favorite Clothing Care Products
Closing Statement
By taking care of your clothes, you’ll be able to get more use out of them. We at TRC challenge you all to wear each of your clothes at least for 30 wears rather than for only 7 wears. Our goal is to be more sustainable and conscious with our wardrobe without having to sacrifice style.
If you want to learn about Cost Per Wear for your clothes, check out this article >>here<<.
Any of the brands mentioned above does not sponsor this article. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.
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