10/06/2016
LAUNDRY TIPS
How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer - PART 2:
6 simple ways to take better care of your wardrobe — which will save you money in the long run.
1. Give Your Clothing a Rest
It's basic advice, but it makes sense to rotate your shoes, suits, and other apparel so that they're not in constant use or get prematurely worn out. "Rotation is key across your whole wardrobe. You don't want to wear the same suit two days in a row" says one clothing expert. Trousers get twice the stress of wear and tear that jackets do, and should be kept in the closet more often, he also advises. Shoes should be given time to air out, too.
2. Store Everything Properly
If you're not going to wear an outfit for a full season, then you should store it with care. Suits that are being put away for the summer, for example, should be hung on a suit hanger in a canvas bag that's breathable. And it's best not to jam your closet full of items, either.
It's important to also consider how you're storing your clothes. Cheap plastic or wire hangers will stretch out the shoulder of a garment while wooden hangers are best for men's suits or heavier items. The styles and prices run the gamut. And remember that knit fabrics shouldn't be put on hangers at all because the weight of the item will stretch it out over time.
3. Don't Use Dry Cleaning Too Much
Not only is dry cleaning (the process of using only chemicals to clean clothes) expensive, but harsh chemicals such as starch, will harm fabric. It's better to steam your clothes at home with a steamer or in the bathroom during a shower, in between dry cleaning visits. If you do take them to the cleaners, ask that they be laundered i.e. washed and aired to dry, which is a less stressful option if the tag on the clothing says it can endure it, and have them ironed without starch.
4. Take Care When Washing
The easiest way to prevent clothes from fading or wearing out is to wash them with cold water and use less detergent. You can also turn shirts with graphics inside out before washing; wash jeans separately so the rough denim doesn't rub shirts raw over time; and wash delicate clothes on their own.
5. Avoid the Dryer When Possible
High heat fades and shrinks material. In fact, the balls of lint you remove from your clothes dryer are actually fibers from your wardrobe. It's therefore advisable to use a dryer sparingly, and when possible line dry your clothes, says Linda Arroz, a former Hollywood stylist and co-author of Affordable Couture. What's more, heat breaks down the elastic fibers in clothes — especially intimate apparel — Arroz says, causing breakage and stretching. It's better to dry-flat or hang-dry such items.
6. Refresh Clothing With a Dye Bath
If you like to wear a lot of dark clothing, you may sometimes notice your blacks appear, well, not quite black. You can restore the colour to ur clothes by using a simple black cloth dye to give your items a dye bath. It's relatively simple to do and makes your apparel appear new again.
With these simple care instructions, you'll find that your favorite shirt and your perfect pair of pants can withstand longer wear. And with the money you'll save on not buying replacement T-shirts, you can invest in finer fabrics and higher-end wear knowing you will get the most out of each item.
