Seven Effortless Ways To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Knowing how to prolong the lifespan of your clothing is crucial when aiming to create a more sustainable wardrobe. We've all experienced the frustration of ruined garments due to improper washing or storage methods. I've been there myself and quickly learned my lesson because each piece of clothing holds sentimental value for me. If something gets ruined, it can leave me feeling disappointed for a long time.

When we neglect to take care of our clothing, we contribute to the growing waste problem, as discarded clothes end up in landfills or are incinerated worldwide. This not only harms the environment but also wastes our hard-earned money since many of these pieces have value, even if purchased from a thrift store.

To address this, it is crucial for both ourselves and the environment to ensure our clothes have a long lifespan. Here are six effortless ways to achieve that:

1. Invest in High-Quality Clothing

Purchasing higher-quality clothing significantly impacts the lifespan of your garments. Quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive. That's why @zeesbudget_store is here for you, offering affordable yet well-crafted pieces. When shopping, pay attention to the seams—intact and non-fraying seams are a good indicator of quality.

2. Protect Your Clothing

Take proactive measures to prevent stains on your clothes. Wear protective garments when engaging in activities that could potentially soil your clothing. For example, wear an apron while cooking or engaging in painting or gardening activities. Stains can be detrimental to the longevity of your clothes, so prevention is key.

3. Avoid Over-Washing

In general, clothes last longer when they are not overwashed. Unless a garment is noticeably soiled, it can typically be worn multiple times before needing to be cleaned. Hanging your worn clothes to air out between uses can help keep them fresh.

4. Zip and Button Up to Prevent Damage

Before tossing your sweaters and jeans into the washing machine, zip them up to reduce the risk of damage. The same goes for clothing with buttons—fastening them minimizes the chance of tangling or snagging, which could lead to irreversible harm.

5. Follow Washing Instructions

Laundry instructions provided on clothing tags should not be ignored. Take the time to read and understand these instructions to ensure the longevity of each garment. Some clothes may need to be hung to dry, while others may require gentle machine drying or hand-washing. Avoid the disappointment of shrunken, faded, or damaged clothing by adhering to the recommended washing guidelines.

6. Sort Laundry Properly

After familiarizing yourself with the laundry tags, sort your laundry accordingly. Sort by colours, delicate items, and other specified categories. This practice prevents colour bleeding and minimizes damage caused by different washing requirements.

7. Know Your Fabrics and Iron Them Appropriately

Ironing can be a tricky task, but understanding the fabrics you're dealing with will help you avoid mistakes. Pay attention to the ironing guide to ensure you select the appropriate settings for each fabric type. This will prevent creases on your cotton sheets and weird sheen on polyester tops after ironing.

Taking care of your clothing through proper washing and storage practices is an effective way to extend the lifespan of your garments. By following these tips, you contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe and embrace the principles of slow fashion.

P.S. This article was written by Edu-uwem, the CEO of Zeesbudget store. Are you planning your thrift wears business, call her on (+234) 0810 362 3318