3 Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
CLOTHING CARE TIPS
Clothes are expensive. Sure, it’s important to be able to buy new clothes when you need to, but you want to get the most out of those clothes when you do buy them. While the quality of the clothes that you buy does contribute to how long they’ll last, how you take care of your clothes is what really counts when it comes to expanding their lifespan.
Take a look at some tips that will help you learn how to make your clothes last longer so that you know you’ll get your money’s worth out of your wardrobe.
Protect Off-Season Clothing
Your wardrobe changes with the seasons – sweaters in the winter, sundresses in the summer. Storage can be tough on your wardrobe. How do you protect clothing that you can’t wear for months at a time? Garment bags can be a helpful way to store delicate clothes that need to be kept safe. If you don’t have a surplus of garment bags in your closet, don’t worry; there are ways to improvise.
Old pillowcases can be a great option for protecting out-of-season clothing. Instead of throwing away pillowcases that you’re not planning on using anymore, clean them and cut a small triangular-shaped notch at the top for a hanger to go through. Add some Velcro strips inside the hem at the bottom of the pillowcase so that you can keep it closed around the clothing that you’re hanging.
Line-Dry Your Clothes When Possible
Sure, line-drying takes longer than just throwing your clothes in the dryer, and it may not always be practical, such as when it’s raining or snowing outside. However, if you’re doing laundry on a bright sunny day, take advantage of the weather and hang your clothes outside to dry instead of using the dryer.
Not only will your clothes get that fresh outdoor scent – from the real outdoors, not from a can or a bottle – this method of drying will also help keep fabrics from breaking down. The intense heat of a dryer is hard on fabrics, especially stretchy elastics or delicates like silk or lace. Even on a delicate cycle, the dryer can hasten the end of this type of clothing. Not only will line-drying your clothes help preserve your wardrobe, but you’ll also see nice savings on your electric bill.
Use Wooden Hangers
Wire and plastic hangers are inexpensive, but they also tend to stretch your clothing out of their original shape. The shoulders in your shirts, jackets, and dresses need support if they’re going to stay in the shape in which they’re meant to be.
Investing in sturdy wooden hangers may cost a little more, but it’s worth it if it helps your favorite – and most expensive – pieces of clothing last longer. In the long run, you’ll save more in repair and replacement costs than you’ll spend on new hangers.