8 Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer To Practice a Sustainable Lifestyle
The rampant destructive and degrading effects of fast fashion have given rise to the need for sustainable living. The unethical practices of the fast fashion industry are being exposed daily. This has made consumers aware of the true ecological, economic, and societal cost of their shopping lists. People have started making conscious and eco-friendly choices when it comes to buying clothes.
More and more customers are shifting towards living a sustainable lifestyle. Apart from buying sustainably produced clothes, they have also started following slow fashion and choosing long lasting clothes. Making clothes last longer not only reduces waste but also helps in tackling the environmental impact of our fashion choices. It minimizes our carbon footprint. If you are looking to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, you might be wondering – how to make clothes last longer. Read on to find out a few practical and easy-to-follow tips on how to look after your clothes and make them last longer.
How to Make Clothes Last Longer
Building a sustainable wardrobe does not only involve buying from sustainable brands and designers but also requires you to give a second chance to pre-loved clothes. Living sustainably means making the most of what you already have. Thus, it is vital to take good care of all the clothes that you own. This will extend the lifestyle of your outfits and also reduce their carbon, waste, and water footprints. Although there are no clothes that last forever, we can make a few simple changes in the way we care for our clothes to make clothes last longer. Here are some good and fresh habits to incorporate into your lifestyle for making clothes last longer.
Shop for Quality Over Quantity
One of the first steps in making clothes last longer is buying good-quality clothes. High-quality styles might be a little costlier than fast fashion picks, but they are made to stand the test of time. They are designed using strong fabrics and materials like organic cotton and linen. So, they can also withstand multiple wears and washes. Make it a point to choose better-quality wardrobe staples as you will be wearing them regularly.
Follow Care Instructions
All garments must be produced with wash care instructions. You can find these washing tags on almost all of them. However, these care instructions are often ignored. If you are thinking about how to make your clothes last longer, start following the wash-care instructions of the clothes you own. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the lifespan of your pieces. These instructions are carefully decided, keeping the fabric and construction in mind. They list out all the best practices for washing, drying, and ironing your clothes. So, take a look at the wash care tag before putting your clothes in the washer and ensure that they retain their quality for longer.
Less Washing Will Go a Long Way
Your clothes don’t need to be washed after every wear. Washing your clothes too frequently causes abrasions and weakens fibers. It also accelerates color fading. So, to make clothes last longer, it is best to avoid washing them regularly. Air them out between wears and sport clean stains and odor stains if needed. It will not only protect your clothes but also conserve water and energy.
Let the Air Dry it Out
Air Drying your garments is a simple and eco-friendly way to make your clothes last longer. Saying no to the dryer is not only kinder to your clothes but also to the environment. Heat and tumbling can shrink, wrinkle, and stretch fabrics, causing them to lose their shape and become unusable. Hanging your clothes out in the open, on clotheslines, or drying racks, will extend their lifespan.
Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Make your clothes last longer by ditching chemical detergents and going for natural and eco-friendly ones. They make a big difference in increasing the lifespan of your clothes. While the harsh chemicals in commercial detergents weaken fibers and cause color fading, eco-friendly detergents are much gentler on your clothes. Synthetic fragrances, brighteners, and dyes in chemical detergents can damage delicate fabrics. Go for milder detergents that are free of them and enjoy long lasting clothes.
Store your Clothes Properly
The way you store your clothes also plays a big role in making them last longer. It is important to know the properties of your fabrics to store them properly. Delicate fabrics can be hung on padded hangers to prevent stretching while heavy materials like knits and fleece can folded to retain their shape. Don’t stuff your drawers and racks if you don’t like wrinkly and scrunched-up clothes. Also, don’t store your clothes in direct sunlight if you don’t want their color to go away.
Wash your Clothes Inside Out
Washing your clothes results in pilling and linting. To avoid this, wash your clothes inside out, so that abrasions happen on the inner side, while the front side remains unaffected. Thus, your clothes will remain fuzz-free and new-looking for a longer time.
Learn to Repair Rather Than Replace
There’s no need to toss away your favorite pieces when there is a small tear, unraveling, or missing buttons. It's quite easy to learn basic sewing skills and mend your clothes right at home. A small sewing kit can help you with quick fixes and save your clothes from ending up in landfills. And, apart from being a great contributor to making your clothes last longer it also helps you to save money.
Conclusion
If you know how to look after your clothes you can easily make your clothes last longer. These practical tips, although simple, will go a long way in helping you live a sustainable lifestyle. So, make the conscious decision to take good care of your clothes and make them last longer while also reducing your carbon footprint and protecting the environment.
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