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Thou Shalt Avoid Washing Too Often
The fact is that most of us in the industrialized world with easy access to laundromats and in-home washer and dryers wash our stuff way too often. We wear it once, throw it in the laundry basket and forget about it until laundry day. It’s one way to keep our overstuffed closets and drawers more manageable. But it’s also a way to wear out your things unnecessarily fast. Unless it’s denim you’re dying to have that worn-in look, smell it, inspect for stains. If it looks all right and doesn’t reek, put it back amongst your clean clothes.
Thou Shall Wash Like You Mean It
Once upon a time a responsible adult might have a sewing kit and some extra buttons stored away to mend a lose hem, replace a button or adjust a strap. Nowadays, it’s another excuse to toss. Seriously?! Cobblers and tailors still exist for a reason. They’re there to replace zippers, hooks, fix holes so they’re barely detectable, patch and, in general, fix. Incredibly, many of these mom and pop shops charge very little for their handiwork. Don’t fall into the “I got it cheap, so it’s not worth fixing” trap, either. It may have come from Forever 21, but that doesn’t mean an inexpensive fix or alteration will somehow negate its usefulness in your wardrobe. Think about it. Start saving up your extra buttons, and feel free to ask mom or grandma how to sew one on (if you don’t already know how).
Thou Shalt Layer
Layering is useful for multiple reasons. It can help you regulate your body temp in unpredictable weather, it can prove sartorial savvy and it can save your heavier outer garments from smells and stains that force them to the laundromat sooner, thus wearing them out faster. It’s simple really, for any of your sweaters, blazers and jackets (especially if the look calls for all three), start with a basic tee underneath. Much better to sweat and absorb perfume on an easily washed garment than one that could be ultimately ruined by too many trips to the cleaners.
Thou Shalt Know How to Hold ‘Em (And Fold ‘Em)
No more wire hangers! These days you can get velvet covered hangers in packs of 10 at most drug stores. Use them. They won’t stretch out the items you hang, nor will they insert unnecessary creases that you then have to iron out. Keep storage bins and racks out of direct sunlight, which fades colors. Avoid plastic garment bags for storing clothes. The chemicals in the bag leach into the fabric and can discolor or wear down fibers. Hang what you don’t want to wrinkle (suits, blouses, button-ups, dresses, etc). Fold what you don’t want to stretch out (T-shirts, sweaters, knit scarves).
Bottom image via IMAXtree
