The chances are that you or your kids have a wardrobe bursting with clothes even if you are not a complete fashion queen. The average family spends a couple of grand a year on clothes, and when you’re paying that kind of cash, you want them to look good and last as long as possible.
While it can be tempting to shove them all in the washing machine and let that do its thing, it’s essential to take care of your clothes and treat them with the respect that they deserve. In this article, we look at a few ways to keep them looking perfect for longer.
1. Buy quality clothes.
We aren't talking about expensive, brand name garments, but if you want your clothes to last longer, make sure they aren’t rubbish quality in the first place. Buying less, but better can save you money in the long run and save you time and space when it comes to laundry. Spend your money on classic, well-cut garments that aren’t going to be out of fashion the next year. Every woman needs a good coat, a smart suit, comfortable and well-made shoes, a good pair of jeans and some crisp shirts. If you have those as a base in your wardrobe, you’ll always have an outfit. When shopping, check for the smaller details like the seams, buttons and look for any loose threads or snags. This can be an indicator of whether you’re going to be throwing it away or fixing soon, or whether you’ll still be wearing it in a few years.
2. Launder your clothes carefully
This is incredibly important. Most of us have access to washers and dryers, and it is essential to keep the insides of these clean and maintained - loose bits or grime can come off and spoil your clothes. Check the labels on clothes before washing - does it need to be washed on a delicate setting, or do they need to be separated from anything? Do not make the mistake of throwing something in the washer if it needs to be dry cleaned, and certainly don’t put clothes made from wool in the dryer!
3. Store your clothes correctly
When you’re trying on outfits for that night out, it can be tempting just to throw them on the floor or leave them draped over the chair in your closet or bedroom. Putting your clothes away and storing them properly can help extend their lifespan. Make sure you have a wardrobe with plenty of hanging and folding space - check Tylko's wardrobes if you need a new one.
Fold sweaters and t-shirts where possible, rather than hanging them up to avoid them being pulled out of shape and invest in some good quality hangers for clothes that do need hanging. Wood ones and ones covered with plush material are the best ones. Don't pack them in too tightly either - clothes need room to breathe and will just crumple if too many are packed in.
What are your tips for extending the life of your clothes?