If you care about the way that you look and feel (and the natural world around you), then you might take a particular approach to the way you shop for clothes. You might favour high-quality items that will last for years to come – even if that means spending more in the short-term.
But ensuring the longevity of high-quality clothing tends to mean caring for it in the right way. Let’s explore what that really means.
Washing with Care
Just about every item you buy will come with a garment care label. This is a valuable source of information when it comes to washing machine settings. Sometimes, the label might recommend hand-washing only. Generally speaking, you’ll get better results by turning you clothing inside out before you wash it, as this will reduce mechanical wear on printed elements. It’s better to err on the side of a colder, gentler wash, as this will minimise the likelihood of shrinkage and fading.
Mending and Repairs
Sometimes, you might need to perform basic sewing. This is a skill that can be picked up relatively quickly, and it’ll allow you to fix problems that occur in the future, too. Reacting to a loose button by replacing an entire coat isn’t just costly – it’s also environmentally irresponsible. You’ll feel better about yourself, and enjoy lower bills, if you can carry out basic repairs yourself. If you veer out of your comfort zone, you can always seek professional help.
Drying and Storing Clothes Properly
When you dry clothes in a tumble dryer, you risk damaging the fabrics. For certain delicate items, it’s always better to air-dry. You can do this effectively indoors, even during winter, if you have a sufficiently powerful dehumidifier. Learn to hang your clothing properly, too – you’ll get fewer creases, that way.
Of course, you might need to fold certain items and keep them in a drawer, for the simple reason that you lack the wardrobe space to hang them. That being the case, you might consider expanding, investing in bespoke storage furniture, or even re-purposing a spare room as a walk-in wardrobe.
Using Tools to Refresh Clothes
You don’t need to wash and iron clothes as frequently as you think. If you wear a t-shirt, or one of your selection of women’s dresses, for two days in a row, you’ll hugely reduce your workload when it comes to laundry. You can also make use of specialist tools, like steamers, to keep everything crease-free and fresh.
Of course, not every tool that you might consider will be worth buying. You’ll want to reflect on the challenges you face, and shop for those items that will really make a difference.
