Simples habits for preserving your clothes
Prolonging the life cycle of your clothes brings many benefits not only to you but also to the planet.
The longer you wear your clothes, the more you save time, money and effort. At the same time, you are saving the planet by reducing the fashion industry waste which accounts for 20% of water waste globally.
Here are some tips that will help you make sustainable choices and prolong the life cycle of your clothes.
1. Start from quality
The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, and as consumers, we need to be more responsible in our consumption habits.
High-quality products last longer and you will actually save money if you buy sparingly and don’t spend on fast fashion items.
High-quality clothes are recommendable for basic items, your never-out-of-style pieces. The quality of clothes depends on the thickness of the fabric and construction. Therefore, don’t judge the item based on the price, check the details such as tight seams and buttons.
Choosing the right material of your clothes is critical. It is preferable to buy items made out of single fabric components (100% cotton or 100% wool etc). natural fabric is a better choice compared with synthetic fibres. Avoid microfiber which is plastic-based and ends up in the oceans.
Learn more about the type of fabrics here
2. Master your washing skills
A simple way to make your clothes last longer is to do the laundry correctly. Follow the washing instructions on the tag on the neck or down the side seam of your item, sort out the clothes properly and know the settings of all your devices: washing machine, drier and iron.
Learn more details about this here.
3. Good habits for preserving clothes
Practice Good Hygiene.
- Use proper undergarments – keeps your clothes cleaner and in better condition.
- Wear the right clothes for the right events.
- Do your hair and makeup before you get dressed,
- Wear old shirts when you dye your hair at home.
- When you apply deodorant or antiperspirant make sure it’s completely dry before putting on a shirt.
Learn Basic Repairs
Learning to complete basic repairs on your clothing – such as replacing a loose thread or a missing button – can make them last longer and save you a lot of money. Online videos can teach you everything you need to know, all you need is a simple sewing kit.
Rotate Your Clothe
We all have a favourite pair of jeans that are snatched out of the dryer as soon as they’re clean, but rotating your clothes means less wear and tear.
One way to track your garments is by rotating them in the closet. After laundry day, the clean stuff goes to the back, while the items still in the closet are moved forward where they’re easier to see and grab.
References and more details here
4. How to store clothes
The way you organize your wardrobe helps you keep track of your clothes and you’ll end up wearing them all. Start from cleaning your wardrobe, then decide which items you want to keep and fix if you find damage or give away your unwanted items.
Making an inventory of your clothes helps you know what you actually need when you go shopping next time. This saves you money and effort because you’re not investing in unnecessary items.
A digital wardrobe management tool such as Lagoom is a great way to get organized: you can check immediately what you have stored.
5. “Emotional durability,” or the attachment to your most beloved clothes
The most sustainable item in your wardrobe isn’t always the one that is ethically produced from non-polluting fabrics. It is the one you love and will wear your whole life.
Reference and more details here