Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash
Fashion is addictive, there’s no denying that.
However, while it’s understandable to want to keep up with the latest trends that grace the magazines (or your social media feed), you should avoid fast fashion, as much as you can, for numerous reasons.
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, fast fashion is bad for the environment. In fact, “10% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the textile industry – that’s more than international aviation and shipping combined.” Secondly, the quality of these clothes is often not up to scratch, they’re made cheaply for quick distribution, meaning you won’t get as many uses out of them as you’d like.
Finally, fast fashion falls out of favor quickly, too, as they tend to focus on microtrends that explode in popularity one moment and vanish the next.
As a result, those looking to remain effortlessly stylish should focus on curating a capsule wardrobe that contains several high-end but well-maintained pieces of clothes instead. With that in mind, here are some simple ways to keep your clothes in good condition.
How to keep your clothes in good condition? Keep them clean!
One of the easiest ways to keep your clothes in good condition is, unsurprisingly, to keep them clean. As such, you should reach each label carefully to ensure you use the right settings on your washing machine.
If your washing machine is broken, or you find that clothes aren’t cleaning properly, ensure that you resolve this issue sooner rather than later, as it could otherwise get expensive to fix (or damage your clothes). Thankfully, you may be able to resolve these issues yourself as opposed to hiring a repairman. For example, here’s how to fix a washing machine that won’t spin.
Wash on low temperatures to keep your clothes in good condition.
Many studies have found that washing clothes at low temperatures is another great way to help them stay in good condition. This is because avoiding high temperatures will help clothes retain their vibrancy and color for longer, which is great news for people whose clothes are bright and bold or those who like to add a pop of color to their outfits. This comes with the additional benefit of being good for the environment, too!
Use fabric-friendly cleaning products.
Sometimes, the cleaning products you use may be damaging your clothes, especially if they contain harsh chemicals. As a result, you can make your clothes last for longer by using more sustainable, natural products.
Furthermore, there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to get rid of stains on your clothes, instead of covering them in bleach or similar products. For example, a mixture of lemon juice, water, and baking powder is an effective remedy for removing juice (or similar) stains from your clothes.
Hand wash when necessary.
As mentioned above, you should always check the label carefully when washing clothes to ensure you are cleaning them correctly. This means you should not ignore the guidance when encouraged to clean things by hand, even if it takes up more of your time. This is because the fabrics, such as silk, are often too gentle to survive a cycle in your washer/dryer.
Your clothes will thank you for the extra effort you undertake here!
Washing on low temperature is a good way but I prefer to wash with my hands generally esp when the material is delicate.
http://www.melodyjacob.com
Thank you so much for writing this. You have provided so many useful tips here. I am sure this is going to help many.
Yep great advice here. I hang sweaters on hangers like you but have been told that is wrong!
I’ve been washing my clothes on low temperatures for years, and I’m also using wash bags for any delicate items, unless I’m hand-washing them. Sometimes, though, I’ll spot clean and air a garment after just one wear, unless it’s something which has been next to my skin. xxx
Most people wash their clothes too often – many garments don’t need to be washed every single time you wear them, but can be aired out before being put away or hung back up. I have dresses, skirts, blazers, etc. that I have NEVER washed (I do not dryclean).
Hi, Nancy – I’m happy to see that I can check all the boxes on taking good care of my clothes. I always check every care tag. I still love fast fashion. But I am in a time of my life where I can afford to get more valuable things of high quality. I also have accumulated so many clothes by now that I easily pass by most trends. Great post! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
I rarely wash most of my clothing. I have sweaters that are decades old that have never been washed. I wear a layer (or two) under them so they don’t touch my skin. I also wear my jeans several times before washing because they’re not dirty (or stinky). My only problem is we have really icky water. I can’t wash anything white and expect it to come out white. It will come out a dingy grey even the first time!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
These are great tips Nancy! I have hand washing clothes but it’s a must to keep them in good condition.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Washing your clothes less often also gives them a longer life.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi! Here from this week’s link up :)) I love the topic of keeping your clothes looking their best. I think handwashing is definitely something that can help so much as well as not washing them as often, like you said keeping them clean is great! I have been looking to changing detergents to an eco-friendlier kind, I think it will take trial and error though.
Cheers,
Tania
https://inspiremyfancy.com/
These are great tips! Washing in cooler temperatures really makes a difference. I try to wash things every few wears too.
Jill – Doused in Pink
Careful washing is important of course but another major factor is making sure your clothes look good on your body! So few people sew these days therefore a good fit and regular maintenance of hems and buttons etc. is something that’s often neglected. When they look good we will continue to love our clothes and not discard them!
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing!
This is where I fail so many times. Especially with furry sweaters. I never think to hand wash them and then they get ruined. At least I’m getting better,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I feel what helps me the most is I will hang dry any pieces I really love and then iron them and they seem to stay in really good shape. Hand washing is def. a must sometimes!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
These are great tips. But over-washing clothes is bad for the clothing and the environment, too. Now if I could get that through to my kids who keep throwing perfectly clean clothing into the dirty laundry! I generally only wash my top-most garments after 3-5 wears or if they get visibly dirty or stinky before that. And when the weather permits, I hang everything outside to dry. Also better for the clothing and the environment!
Shelbee
Author
That’s good thinking Shelbee!