31 Days

Make Your Clothes Last Longer

When we talk about buying quality clothes, we often refer to them as “investment pieces”, right? But investments, to really yield their worth, must be managed and maintained. And we don't always treat our clothing in this way. Think of how your grandparents' generation treated their clothes. They bought less and often paid more for pieces since there was no fast fashion around. So they were forced to care for their garments—they'd wash them with care, mend and repair holes or lost buttons, and eventually pass it down to another person.

As you move away from a disposable wardrobe towards one that makes you look and feel great, you'll want to care for your clothing to ensure they stay in peak condition. It's sustainable, sure. But it's also a way to get the most for your money.

However, ensuring a long life for your clothes isn't just about caring for them once they start showing their age. It's about proactive care, regular maintenance and buying the right garments to begin with. You want to purchase timeless pieces with the intent to wear them for a long time. Look not only for quality materials but for pieces that fit your lifestyle—are you're willing to hand-wash a fine sweater or frequently clean light-colored or suede footwear? Great clothes can and should become cherished items that you create a relationship with over time. Here's how to extend the life of your favorite clothes.

Wash Less
(and More Intentionally)

Think about what you do most days. Your clothes don't get all that dirty. Unless you get particularly sweaty or spill something, most garments can withstand up to three wearings before needing to be laundered. Because the washing machine can be tough on clothes—you dump them into a big drum and slosh them around with detergent and a bunch of other clothes. Stuffing your washer with too many item can lead to damage and fading. Add too much detergent and your clothes will come out dull and stiff. Your best bet is to never overload your machine, turn clothes inside out for further protection and use a gentle detergent on a cold water cycle.

Brookstone Two-tier collapsible drying rack

Dry Gently

Electric dryers suck all the humidity from clothing, and the fabric—especially cotton—becomes stiff, brittle and weak. Its these broken fibers that lead to the washed out, dull appearance, along with holes or rips. And as the fibers tighten up, your garments shrink. Not to mention, the heat often chips and cracks mother of pearl buttons. You're better off air drying clothes. You don't need a dedicated laundry room or clothesline, just a simple folding drying rack. Look for a sturdy rack with plenty of surface area to lay some pieces flat while hanging others.

Two-tier collapsible drying rack,
$59.99 by Brookstone

Care for
Knits Properly

Even though stores are guilty of this, don't hang heavy sweaters at home in your closet. The knit will start to stretch and you'll be left with sad, droopy shoulders that won't look right. Always fold your sweaters. And in the offseason, seal your knits in airtight bags or boxes to avoid moths. And if you start to notice pilling, that's not a sign of poor quality. It's simply unavoidable with wool fibers. Use a fabric shaver to easily remove the little balls and refresh the knit.

Use Better Hangers

Invest in a proper set of wooden hangers. Most plastic and wire hangers will end up stretching out the shoulders and collars of your garments and leave you with saggy, sad looking clothing. Despite being a little more expensive, wooden hangers will last much longer and take much better care of your clothing over the long run. And bonus, they make your closet look so much more polished.

Wooden hangers,
$32.99 (for a 30-pack) by Utopia Home

Clean Shoes Proactively

When you come back inside after walking in inclement conditions, wipe your shoes with a damp, clean cloth. Removing surface dirt before it has a chance to dry on your footwear is the best way to minimize abrasion and staining—especially on leather. Use cleaning cloths or a cleaning spray to treat stains and clean up the soles of sneakers. Always allow footwear to air-dry after becoming wet. Never store until the leather or fabric has completely dried. When storing leather shoes, use wooden shoe trees or stuff with acid-free tissue paper.