How To Get The Most Out Of Your Clothes
After writing about fast fashion last week and why it’s so hard to quit it made me think all about everything that comes with buying and owning clothes. Specifically getting the most out of your clothes even when they do come from a fast fashion brand because even if you haven’t spend hundreds of pounds on something that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t last with the right care. There are some pieces in my wardrobe that I’ve had for nearly 10 years that are from the likes of Topshop and H&M that have still got a few years left in them despite being worn and washed hundreds of times they’ve still stood the test of time and here is how I get the most out of my clothes.
READ THE LABEL
I’ve been doing my own washing for nearly 10 years now but something that I’ve only just started doing is reading the label on my clothes thoroughly. Which I have to admit, I’m slightly embarrassed to say as the only reason I’ve not done this before is down to sheer laziness and that’s not ok. Once I started reading the label on my clothes I realised just how many different requirements I had in my wardrobe and I didn’t even realise. As well as reading the label on the pieces that I already owned from now on when I’ve looked at purchasing an item I’ve either looked at the label or looked at the product description properly. This is one for reason only, to make sure the things that I’m planning to purchase are not dry clean only as that isn’t something that I want to have to faff around with. There are exceptions to this rule of course, like my waxed Barbour coat but in general, I stay away from things that are costly to wash or cannot be washed at all.
avoid washing as much as possible
Something that my mum taught me when I was younger is that just because you’ve worn something that doesn’t mean it automatically needs washing as not only does it cost more money, use more electricity and water but it chips away at the lifespan of any item of clothing. There are certain items of clothing that I rarely wash for example my thick jumpers, coats, and jeans. I know some people reading this are probably going to find that statement somewhat disgusting but if they’re not dirty or smell then what is the point of washing them? There isn’t any to me. Naturally, in the winter I find myself washing a lot less than I do in the summer but to prolong washes in the summer I’m going to utilise my Day 2 Spray (I created photographs for their social media just for clarity). I’ve spoken about this spray a lot before but it’s almost like a dry shampoo for your clothes and it works so well at removing any odours or even light stains.
MAINTENANCE
Any item of clothing whether it’s from a fast fashion brand or sustainable eco-friendly brand can get a little hole in or tear. Far too often things are given away because they’ve got a small fault and the vast majority of things are easily fixed. Learning to sew might not be on the top of everyone’s agenda which is understandable but I can’t even begin to explain how many times I’ve saved an item by giving it a few quick stitches. As well as fixing little holes something else I depend on to help prolong the life of my clothes is my debobbler. I’m sure we all know how frustrating it is when an item starts to pill up but a debobbler can fix all of that and there is nothing more satisfying then seeing them all disappear.
GOOD HABITS TO GET INTO
Wash dark colours separately and inside out.
Invest in a woollen detergent.
Avoid tumble drying when you can, not only does it save money but it’s much better for your clothes.
Keep your clothes out of the sun as much as possible and in a somewhat cool environment.
If you can, fold your jumpers and in general invest in your hangers. Personally, I really like velvet hangers as nothing slips off and they look nice too.
Polish leather goods, especially winter boots.
