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On the JJ Barnes Blog, with both the environmental and financial impact of buying new clothes being a concern, I check out top tips for making clothes last longer so we can reduce our impact and save money.
In today’s fast-paced fashion world, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the latest trends. However, the constant cycle of buying and discarding clothes has significant environmental and financial consequences. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by extending the lifespan of our garments.
Recent data paints a stark picture of the unsustainable nature of the fashion industry. In the UK alone, approximately 30% of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills annually, amounting to a staggering 300,000 tonnes of textiles discarded in household rubbish bins each year. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for sustainable fashion practices
In this blog post, with the help of experts at clothing brand Superdry, I’ll share some practical tips to help your clothes last longer. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money, and build a more sustainable wardrobe.
 The emphasis on sustainability in the fashion industry has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader concern for personal environmental impact. These simple tips highlight a few easy ways to keep your favourite clothing items in good condition for longer, minimising the need for replacements. Â
By incorporating simple strategies such as air drying, spot cleaning, and garment repair, individuals can actively contribute to mitigating fashion’s environmental impact. What’s more, caring for your clothes and extending their wear time helps to both save you money and keep your favourite items of clothing looking good for longer.Â
-Denise Posner, Marketing Director from Superdry
Top Tips For Making Clothes Last Longer
1. Wash smart, not often!
One of the most common mistakes we make in caring for our clothes is overwashing. Excessive laundering can lead to premature wear and tear, including stretching and fading. By rotating your wardrobe and allowing garments ample time between uses, you can significantly extend their lifespan. This simple practice not only saves money but also encourages you to rediscover forgotten favorites, reducing the need for impulse purchases.
For delicate items, experts in the costume industry often swear by a surprising secret: a gentle spritz of vodka. This unusual method can effectively eliminate odors and help preserve the fabric’s integrity, especially for dry clean only items that cannot withstand traditional washing. By using vodka, you can freshen your garments without risking damage, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Using a cheap brand of vodka is generally sufficient for cleaning clothes. The main purpose of the vodka is to act as a natural deodorizer and fabric freshener, not as a high-quality alcoholic beverage.
*Know Your Fabrics*
Remember, fabrics can vary in their reactions to different treatments. Before applying any product, it’s essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment. This will help you identify any potential issues, such as color changes or damage.
When using a spray bottle, avoid holding it too close to the fabric. A gentle mist is sufficient to freshen and deodorize without saturating the material.
2. Make the most of cooler washes
By embracing cooler wash cycles, you can enjoy a triple win: energy conservation, color preservation, and a reduced risk of shrinkage. This simple switch can significantly lower your energy bills while safeguarding your favorite garments.
To ensure optimal care for your clothes, always consult the care label for specific washing instructions. Many delicate items require gentle handwashing to prevent damage. Modern washing machines often offer specialized ‘Hand Wash’ programs that combine lower temperatures with a gentler agitation and spin cycle, mimicking the care of a delicate handwash.
If you choose to handwash, opt for a specialized detergent formulated to be kind to both your clothes and your hands. After washing, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, and gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as these actions can cause damage to the fabric or distort the garment’s shape.
3. Let nature do its work
Embrace the power of nature by opting for air-drying over tumble drying. By hanging your clothes on a line or drying rack, you can significantly extend their lifespan. Heat exposure from a dryer can contribute to wear and tear, while sunlight offers natural antimicrobial properties and acts as a gentle bleach for fabrics.
To enhance the whitening effect of sunlight, try lightly spritzing your whites with white vinegar before hanging them outdoors. The vinegar will help to break down any stubborn stains or discoloration, allowing the sun to work its magic.
*Know Your Fabrics*
While air-drying is generally beneficial, some fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton, may become stiff if dried entirely in the sun. To avoid this, consider partially drying outdoors and then finishing the process in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting.
To minimize wrinkles, gently shape your garments before hanging them out or placing them on the drying rack. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of ironing needed.
When using clothes pegs, be mindful of their placement. Avoid using them on delicate fabrics, as the pressure can leave marks. Instead, opt for gentler methods like hanging by the shoulders or using padded fabric hangers.
4. That’s the spot!
By prioritizing spot cleaning, you can effectively target stains and spills, minimizing the need for frequent washing cycles and extending the life of your garments. Overwashing can contribute to shrinkage, color fading, and premature wear and tear, so it’s essential to adopt a more targeted approach.
If you notice a small stain or mark on your clothing, try spot cleaning it with a suitable stain remover before washing it in its entirety. This can help preserve the fabric’s integrity and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
*Know Your Fabrics*
Tailoring your stain removal approach to the specific fabric and stain type is crucial for optimal results. Choosing the right product and following the instructions carefully will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Before applying any stain remover, it’s essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment. This will help you identify any potential issues, such as color changes or damage, ensuring that your chosen method is safe for the fabric.
5. Bag it up
Protect your delicate garments, such as lingerie and knitwear, by washing them in mesh laundry bags. These bags provide a protective barrier, shielding your items from stretching and snagging during the wash cycle.
Washing your clothes inside out offers an extra layer of protection. This simple practice helps to minimize friction and abrasion, prolonging the lifespan of your garments and reducing the risk of damage
6. Be extra careful when ironing
Ironing with care is essential to preserve the quality and appearance of your clothes. Always select the appropriate temperature setting based on the fabric type and use a clean, damp pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics from heat damage.
Proper ironing techniques can significantly enhance the look and longevity of your garments, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Professionals often recommend ironing natural fibers like cotton and silk while they are still slightly damp, as this helps to smooth out wrinkles effectively.
For synthetic or delicate fabrics, consider investing in a detachable Teflon plate cover. This special coating helps to diffuse heat, preventing scorching or burning. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your clothes look their best for years to come.
7. Bin your old wire hangers
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the shape and condition of your clothes. Knitwear, for example, should be folded and stored on a shelf to prevent stretching. Hanging knitwear can cause it to lose its shape over time.
When storing your clothes, it’s crucial to use hangers that are designed to support the weight and shape of each garment. Cheap wire hangers can distort the shape of expensive items like blazers. Investing in proper hangers, such as padded hangers for jackets or velvet hangers for delicate fabrics, will help preserve the integrity of your clothing.
Always utilize the hanging loops provided inside your garments. These loops are designed to support the weight and shape of the garment, preventing stretching and distortion. By paying attention to these storage tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your wardrobe.
8. Revive and thrive
Adopt a mindset of repair over replacement. By learning basic sewing skills or seeking the help of a tailor, you can mend damaged garments and significantly extend their lifespan. From reattaching buttons to darning holes, simple repairs can dramatically reduce waste and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.
Investing in higher-quality clothing not only offers superior durability but also makes repairs easier and more effective. This long-term investment can help minimize your environmental impact and save you money by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Conclusion
By implementing these practical tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your wardrobe, reduce your environmental impact, and save money. Remember, sustainable fashion is not just about buying fewer clothes but also caring for the ones you have.
Let’s make a conscious effort to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion. By adopting these practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
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