Sometimes when I clean out my closet (ok, every time), I find a bag of “fix it” things. Pants that need a hem, shirts that need a button, dresses with small holes in the seams, things like that. They often linger there until I decide to just get rid of them because they no longer fit or aren’t really my taste anymore.
This is a complete waste.
Taking care of your clothes is one of the most important things you can do to build and maintain your ethical wardrobe. It not only extends the life of your clothes, but also limits the environmental impact. There are a handful of things that you can do to easily do to take care of what you own to make your loved items last.
For more, take a look at my resource guide on how to take care of your clothes. There are pretty detailed instructions for many of the stain removal, minor clothing repair and maintenance questions you might have, from experience and expert advice!
Here are 8 ways to take better care of your clothes to help them last longer, look better, and maintain a more ethical wardrobe:
1. Hand wash
There are a handful of things that really should be hand washed. Your bras, some of your underwear, any delicate silks or things with a lot of detail or embellishments. Go easy on these things, and they elastic, embellishments, color and shape will all last a lot longer. Wash them in the shower if you’re short on time.
2. Use cold
Cold water is better for the environment. It takes a lot of energy to heat up the water. But, we aren’t talking about the environment (for once), we are talking about taking care of your clothes.
Cold water is easier on your clothes.
Hot and warm water are more likely to fade and shrink your clothes. They also are more likely to break down the fabric. Use cold water, and your clothes should wear better. If you are using hot for the antibacterial effects, try adding vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil to your laundry instead. For stains, pre-treatment should usually work just as well as a hot wash.
Obviously, there are some times when only hot will do (sick kids, for example) but making cold your regular preference will lower your energy bill, while also keeping your clothes in better shape.
3. Find a good tailor
And cobbler. There are some repairs that most of us just can’t do or can’t find the time to do. Finding a good tailor that is close to your home or work is one of the best things you can do to extend the life of your clothes or give new life to something that is a little dated or ill-fitting.
Think of the bag of fixit items in your closet. If you spend a little time looking for a good tailor, you could bring that bag in, get that zipper fixed, and start wearing those jeans again (Can you tell, I am giving myself a to-do list here?).
4. Find a good Cobbler
And then resole your boots, especially if you live in a cold, wet climate. Repair the heels of your favorite pumps. Finding a good cobbler can extend the life of well-loved items giving them many, many more wears, keeping them out of in the landfill, and preventing you from having to replace them.
5. Wear your clothes more between washes
Most of us probably over-wash our clothes. I was definitely guilty of this before I had kids (now, I need to wash most of my clothes after each wear because who know what a tiny face or a little hand has smeared on me). But, most things can be worn more than once or twice between washes.
Two things that most of us are especially likely to be over washing are our bras and our jeans. Bras should be worn 3 to 4 times between washes, alternating days to allow the elastic to reset. Jeans should be worn almost endlessly (there are many people that think you should never wash your jeans, and should freeze them to get rid of odors). The CEO of Levi’s has famously never washed a pair of ten year old 501s, and Levi’s recommends never washing, just spot treating.
Maybe you don’t want to go ten years, but try out ten wears. And then hang dry.
6. Air dry
Almost everything can be air-dried. This should not only lower your environmental laundry burden, but also extend the life of your favorite jeans. Clothes will pill less, fade less, and definitely shrink less. Colors will stay brighter and clothes will generally wear better.
7. Use dryer balls
If you must dry, use dryer balls. I will admit that some things that are ethically made are either more expensive, less convenient, or don’t work as well. When I find something that is better for the environment, more convenient, and works better I want to shout it from the rooftops. Dryer balls are that thing.
Add dryer balls to your laundry routine. Today. They are one of the best things you can do for your laundry. They help separate clothes in the dryer, creating less friction between items, which helps minimize pilling. They also allow the air to get in between the items, which lowers your drying time. This helps minimize energy consumption, but also helps your clothes last longer because they are exposed to less heat and motion.
8. Organize your closet and drawers
Yes, we’ve talked about this before. A better organized closet helps you minimize purchases, see what you already own, and appreciate what you have. It helps you dress better and shop more ethically. But, it also helps your clothes last longer. Fold your knits and t-shirts and they will keep their shape better. Don’t cram too many of anything so they are less likely to wrinkle and crease.
Taking care of what you already have (and of anything you are about to purchase) will help it last longer.
For more on how to build an ethical wardrobe, take a look here:
How to Build an Ethical Wardrobe When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Step 3: Find your personal style
Step 4: Assess what you already have (and love)
Step 5: Consider a uniform or capsule wardrobe
Step 6: Clean out your closet responsibly
Step 7: Take care of what you have, You’re here!