Taking Care of Your Clothes

5 Ways to Prolong the Quality and Life of Your Lovely Clothes

A lot of energy and natural resources are invested in the production of clothing. The fashion industry is the second largest user of water worldwide and produces 10% of global carbon emissions. However, many clothes are discarded without being worn or very soon after being bought. Some estimates suggest that annually, 85% of all fashion produced, ends up in landfills. This equates to a huge amount of waste and unproductive use of natural resources.

One way to avoid a personal contribution to global fashion waste is to take care of each item of clothing for as long as possible. This starts at the purchase phase with intentional wardrobe choices that are high quality, like our styles, and that you can see yourself enjoying for several seasons. Once you have the perfect wardrobe, there are a few ways to take good care of it. Here are a few tips to get started.

1. Wash Less

Clothes probably don't need to be washed as often as most people wash them. Furthermore, many fashion companies recommend that clothes should be washed as infrequently as possible. This is because each wash has the potential to damage clothes through rubbing, ringing, as well the possibility of the dye washing out, leaving some items with faded colors and a washed-out look. To extend the life of your clothes, try to wash less frequently than you currently do. 

We suggest to wash garments with synthetic fibers using eco friendly wash bags to prevent plastic emissions. They also result in less fibre loss which protects your garments thus extending the lifetime of your clothes. A great option for everyone who wants to do their bit to prevent plastic emissions and promote environmental friendly living.

2. Wash with Cold Temperatures

There is not a good reason to use hot water to wash clothes unless you want to sterilize some items. Hot water is very energy-intensive and also damages clothes. Natural fabrics are particularly sensitive to hot water - as they may not have been chemically treated and a hot wash may cause them to shrink. When using a washing machine, choose cold or warm water. This will not only save you money on electricity, but it will also be more gentle on your clothes.

3. Ensure Optimal Wardrobe Conditions

To eliminate the chance of mothballs, humidity, and mold, store your clothes in a cool, clean, dry, and dark place. Be sure to clean out your wardrobe regularly. Regular cleaning helps to get rid of any dust and potential critters hiding around. Instead of mothballs, cedar balls or dried lavender are a beautifully smelling, natural alternative to combat moths, if they are a problem in your home and closet.

4. Care and Repair

Keep your clothes in good condition for as long as possible with DIY repairs. This is especially easy for a button that falls off or a pocket that needs a little reinforcing. If you are unsure how to do a simple repair, check out the Love Your Clothes website for tips and tricks on how to keep your clothes looking sharp - when they start to come apart.

5. Let Others Enjoy Your Clothes

If you don't want to wear an item anymore - before you throw it out remember that someone else may still enjoy it. Check out our blog article on how to do a sustainable wardrobe clean-out and let other people love your clothes for another season or two. Sending your clothes to landfill should be a last resort.

Remember, only buy quality styles in good fabrics that can last you more than a season.