Whether you’re doing your bit for sustainability, or whether you just need to save money, finding ways to make your clothing last longer is a great idea. Luckily, there are many things you can do to prolong your clothes’ lifespan and keep them looking great for a long time to come. 

Wash Your Clothes Correctly

If you don’t wash your clothes properly, they won’t last for long. Here are some steps to follow to make sure you’re getting the job done correctly:

• Sort laundry properly with white and dark garments separated. Separate light fabrics from heavy ones and lightly soiled items from heavily soiled ones. Remember, too, to wash towels separately. 

• When you’re washing jeans, turn them inside out. 

• Hand-wash your delicate items or put them in a mesh bag and wash them in a cool machine wash.

• Tie drawstrings and fasten zippers before washing. 

• Treat any stains immediately with cold water. 

• Wash your sweaters as infrequently as possible.

• Only dry clean infrequently. 

Treat Your Clothes Well

Once your clothes are washed, you need to treat them right. Follow these steps:

• Air-dry clothing rather than using a dryer. 

• Dry dark colors indoors and white clothing outside.

• Steam clothing whenever possible instead of ironing.

• Use a fabric shaver to remove bobbles from sweaters and knitted items.

• Clean and waterproof leather accessories regularly.

Clothing Storage Solutions

Keeping your clean and dry clothing in good condition requires proper storage. Just follow these tips:

• Keep your purses and shoes in pillowcases or dust bags.

• Avoid wire hangers. Opt for wood or plastic instead. 

• Put cedar wood or lavender in drawers to keep bugs and moths away.

• Give clothing room to breathe in your closet by storing items that are out of season elsewhere. 

• Never hang up your sweaters. Fold them and put them in a drawer instead. 

• Make sure all your accessories and clothes are stored in a cool, dry place, and away from sunlight.

• Never keep dresses or suits in a plastic dry cleaning bag. Use a canvas garment bag instead.

• Stuff purses and shoes with balled-up socks or tissue paper so they stay in shape.

Preserving Your Clothes

Finally, it’s time to make sure your clothing stays looking its best for years to come. Here are some top tips to make sure your clothes last as long as possible as well as some tips to fix common clothing problems that would otherwise result in your having to go out and buy new:

• Unshrink wool garments that have shrunk in the wash with hair conditioner.

• Avoid damage to your pantyhose by soaking them in water and popping them into the freezer before you wear them for the first time.

• Use pliers to fix broken zipper teeth. 

• If black clothing has faded, re-dye it instead of purchasing new. 

• Choose hard-wearing, long-lasting clothing when you’re shopping for items in the first place. For example, rubber shoes like Crocs have a long lifespan and can be worn for many years without any signs of damage. You can save on your Crocs with this promo code.

Although your clothing can be put through the mill when you wear it every day, if you follow the tips that we’ve suggested here you’ll find that your favorite garments last a lot longer than they would otherwise. With proper washing, drying, and storage, your dresses, skirts, shirts, and sweaters will all stay in top condition for many years to come. 

Doing your bit for sustainability will also help you to save money in the long run, and will maximize the value and lifespan of your items.