There’s always that one piece of clothing that you wear to death and just can’t bear to get rid of. Whether it be a flattering pair of jeans or an expensive designer top, you definitely want to keep it around for a long time. Not everyone can afford to buy multiple pieces of the same type of clothing, and it might even feel silly to do so. Instead of spending tons of money on new clothes or back-ups of your favorite pieces, it’s better to preserve your wardrobe as long as you can. These practical tips will help you do just that.
Launder your clothes correctly
Your clothes are at the most risk of getting damaged when they’re being cleaned. It’s best to take more expensive and valuable pieces of clothing to the dry cleaners to have it professionally cleaned. They’re skilled at handling all types of fabrics and materials, so you can minimize the risk of having your favorite piece of clothing destroyed. Besides that, you should familiarize yourself with garment laundry instructions which are there to make sure that your clothes remain in great condition.
Keep a stain remover pen with you
A stain that just won’t disappear is often the reason behind someone chucking out their most treasured piece of clothing. To avoid this dilemma, it’s helpful to carry around a stain remover pen with you at all times. This allows you to get rid of a stain while it’s still fresh and easy to eliminate.
Invest in sturdier clothing
If you aren’t willing to put in the time and effort into washing your clothes properly, steer clear of clothes that need special care. There is plenty of stylish clothing that is made out of much sturdier and less high-maintenance materials. This doesn’t mean you need to blow all your money on expensive designer items, though. It just means that you should check the garment laundry instructions on the tag carefully to see if you’re willing to follow those directions. If not, then it’s best to pass on it.
Air dry your clothes
Dryers can wear out or even shrink your clothes if you aren’t careful. You’re better off investing in a durable drying rack or clothesline to dry your clothes instead. Not only is this a gentler drying method, but it will also help you save on your monthly energy costs.
Washing clothing with metal in a separate area
When you mix clothes with metal zippers and buttons with your regular load, you could risk damaging your other clothes. Separate any clothing with metal components and wash them in a separate area, particularly away from delicate fabrics like knits and silk.
Turn your clothes inside out when washing
If you own any dark-colored clothing or clothing with prints, make sure to turn them inside out before you wash them. This makes any dye or print last much longer than if you were to wash them as is.
Teach yourself how to repair your clothes
There’s no need to toss out an otherwise perfectly serviceable piece of clothing if all it’s missing is a button or if it’s got a tear. All these clothes need is a little TLC, and learning how to repair your clothes yourself will do the trick. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of sewing — such as replacing a button or patching up a hole — can already do wonders for your wardrobe.
Keep these handy tips in mind and you won’t have to part with your favorite garments so soon.
