Know How To Make Your Clothes More Durable

Buying clothes built to last is one thing — but there's a lot you can do to make them endure. Here are some tips for wearing, storing and even cleaning your clothes correctly to prolong the life of your favorite items.

Buy fabrics that are durable

If you have a choice, buy fabrics that are naturally durable and require very little care.

Wash less frequently

Try to wash your clothes as less frequently as possible, not that you should wear dirty clothes, but the more you wash them, the more they lose their quality. Fold clothes along the seams to avoid unwanted creases and to maintain the shape of the item.

Let everything air out

The elastic needs to relax. In general, no matter what you do, elastic has a shelf life, but the better you take care of them the longer they will last.

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 tonne of money.

Avoid ironing

If you don’t have time to iron, steam your clothes by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.

Empty your pockets

Empty out pockets of tissues or other odds and ends which can make a mess of your laundry. Close zippers and other fasteners to prevent snagging. Also, loosely tie strings and sashes to prevent tangling.

Denim

To get rid of odors: hang jeans in the bathroom before a shower (the damp steam will keep them fresh between washes), or freeze them in a plastic bag for two days.

Avoid the dryer when you can

Researchers found that repeatedly drying cotton garments led to cracks in the clothing, which reduced fabric strength by 25 percent or more and also caused pilling.