10 Easy Tips to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.”
Have you ever felt like you just found the perfect outfit, only for it to wear out after a few washes? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We all have those favorite pieces of clothing that we just can’t seem to part with. Whether it’s a cozy sweater or a stylish dress, we want them to last as long as possible.
But the truth is, with regular wear and washing, clothes can start to fade, lose their shape, or even get holes. It’s frustrating when your go-to items start looking tired way too soon. That’s why taking care of your clothes is key. With a few simple steps, you can keep your wardrobe looking fresh and make those favorite pieces last a lot longer. If you’re looking for a way to put off saying goodbye to your go-to item, let’s explore some easy tips that help you do just that.
Let’s go: here are some tips to help you keep your clothes in top condition:
Read the Care label (I mean it):
You might think it’s a hassle, but reading the care label can save you a lot of trouble later on. I get it—those tags itch, and you probably want to just cut them off. They’re there for a reason, though, so if you’re gonna remove them, at least take a quick look first. The label tells you how to wash and care for your clothes so they don’t shrink, fade, or get ruined. It’s a little extra step, but it’ll help your favorite pieces stay in good condition and last longer.
Personal Tip: To make sure I don’t ruin my clothes by not paying enough attention when doing laundry, I have a separate hamper with clothing that needs “special care.” That way, I won’t ruin my cashmere sweaters again by washing them together with my other laundry. (Trust me, I learned the hard way when my favorite sweater came out in my cat’s size)
2. Sort your laundry like you sort your friends:
Just as you wouldn't drag your introverted friend into a noisy bar, you shouldn't wash your delicate fabrics with heavy-duty clothes. Sort them by color and fabric type to avoid any mishaps. Trust me, no matter how careful you are, it can easily happen that you get distracted and throw in your silk blouse with your cotton sweaters (I speak from experience), so don’t take the risk and invest in a hamper with built-in sorters.
Personal Tip: There are many laundry baskets on the market that already have built-in sorters (Check out Ikea & Amazon). By purchasing these, you’ll save time (and your clothes) when laundry day comes around.
Joseph Joseph
Laundry Hamper
To keep colors and fabrics easily sorted
3. Wash your clothes in cold water
Cold water isn’t just great for cooling you down—it’s actually awesome for your clothes, too. Washing with cold water is way gentler on fabrics, which means less shrinking, stretching, and fading over time. Your favorite shirt or jeans will thank you!
Plus, washing in cold water can help you save a bit on your energy bills since your machine doesn’t have to heat the water. Unless your clothes are super dirty or have stubborn stains, I’d always recommend going for the lowest temperature setting you can. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference in keeping your clothes looking fresh and lasting longer.
4. Choose a gentle detergent
Harsh detergents might get your clothes clean, but they can also be pretty tough on the fabric itself. They can wear down fibers over time, causing your favorite pieces to lose their shape and softness. Plus, strong detergents can make colors fade faster, which means those bright shirts and bold patterns won’t stay vibrant for long. To keep your clothes looking fresh and feeling comfortable, it’s worth switching to a gentle detergent. These formulas clean just as well, but treat your clothes with a lot more care, helping them hold up wash after wash.
Personal Tip: Some fabrics are more fragile than others. Fabrics such as silk, especially, can benefit from special detergents. I hand wash all of my silk items (pillowcases, pajamas, and blouses) and use a detergent specifically made for Silk.
The Laundress Delicate Wash
Detergent for delicate fabrics to keep your special items last longer.
5. Avoid overwashing
Washing your clothes too often can wear them out faster than you’d like. Every wash puts a bit of stress on the fabric, so only toss your clothes in the machine when they really need it. And remember, not all fabrics need frequent washing. Take cashmere—this soft, cozy material can stretch out and lose its shape if you wash it too much, even if you’re hand washing it carefully.
Jeans are another good example; washing them too often can fade their color and break down the fibers, making them lose that perfect fit and worn-in look. Instead of hitting the wash cycle every time, try airing out your favorite cashmere sweaters and jeans between wears. Just a little fresh air can work wonders and help keep those pieces looking great for way longer.
6. Be careful with fabric softener
Fabric softener can be great for making your clothes feel soft and cozy, but use it sparingly. Too much fabric softener can damage the fabric and make it lose its shape. Plus, fabric softener is best avoided for specific fabrics and colors altogether. Activewear or performance fabrics with moisture-wicking or stretch properties don’t get along well with fabric softener because it can clog the fibers and reduce their effectiveness.
Towels are another example; fabric softener can make them less absorbent over time. And if you’re washing dark or bright colors, fabric softener can sometimes cause fading or leave a residue that dulls their vibrancy. So always check the care label and when in doubt, use fabric softener sparingly or try alternatives like white vinegar to keep your clothes soft without risking damage.
7. Air-dry your clothes
Tumble drying can be really tough on your clothes because it can shrink them, lose their shape, or just generally wear out faster. Whenever you can, air-dry your clothes instead to help keep them looking fresh and fitting just right. Plus, air-drying is better for the environment since it uses zero electricity, and it’s easier on your budget, too, because you’re saving on energy bills.
Personal tip: Circling back to cashmere (yes, again), air-drying your cashmere on a regular drying rack can actually stretch it out and change the fit. To keep your favorite cashmere piece in perfect shape, lay it flat on a mesh knitwear drying rack. Also, avoid putting your cashmere in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators, because that can cause fading or damage the delicate fibers.
Sweater Drying Rack
Keep your sweaters in shape and prevent stretching.
8. Store your clothes properly:
Hang your clothes on hangers or fold them neatly to avoid wrinkles and damage. It might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in keeping your clothes looking fresh and lasting longer. Plus, when your clothes are stored properly, they’re easier to find and grab when you’re getting dressed.
And don’t forget about the power of a good steamer or iron — a quick touch-up can instantly make your outfit look polished and well cared for.
Portable Steamer
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and looking sharp, wherever you go.
9. Mend and repair your clothes
Instead of tossing out clothes just because they have a small tear or a missing button, try mending and repairing them—or get creative and turn them into something new. A little stitch here or a new button there can give your favorite pieces a new lease on life.
Not only does this save money, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce waste. Plus, there’s something satisfying about fixing your own clothes or giving them a fresh twist to keep them going strong.
10. Invest in quality clothes
Investing in quality clothes that last longer is always a smart move. Sure, they might cost more upfront, but they save you money over time because you won’t need to replace them as often. Plus, you get to keep your favorite pieces for years instead of just a season or two.
When shopping, focus on timeless basics rather than chasing trendy items. It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something just because it’s in style, only to realize later that it doesn’t really fit your personal vibe, and then you barely wear it. Classic pieces like a great pair of jeans, a simple white tee, or a well-made winter coat will never go out of style and fit seamlessly into your wardrobe no matter the season.
Personal Tip: Before making a big purchase, try to figure out how many times you’ll realistically wear the item and divide the price by that number. This “cost per wear” helps you see if the investment is worth it. For example, a quality winter coat might seem expensive, but if you wear it for years, it’s actually a better deal than buying a cheaper coat every season. Timeless basics and quality pieces keep your closet versatile, practical, and stylish for the long haul.
There you have it - 10 easy ways to make your clothes last longer. Remember, when you take the time to show your clothes some love, you'll find that they'll love you back by staying in top condition for years to come.
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