Timeless Threads: A Guide to Making Your Favourite Clothes Last

The worst feeling is when your go-to sweater is out of commission, and you don’t get enough time with it. Ending your journey with a piece of clothing sooner than you thought is heartbreaking but luckily preventable. Understanding how to properly take care of your clothes is crucial to ensure that they last as long as possible, and this not only keeps your favourite pieces around longer but also minimizes the amount you consume. Purchasing quality pieces and taking good care of your clothes means that you don’t have to keep re-purchasing similar pieces every season. Clothing comes in so many materials with particular care-taking instructions, and it can be tricky to keep track of. Here is a guide to keep your favourite items last longer than you would expect!

Step 1:

The first step is to find out what materials your clothing is made of. This can be done by looking at the tag either behind the neck or along the seam on the inside. This is important to find because sometimes clothes can be deceiving and feel different from what they are made of. Once this has been figured out, follow this guide to understand how to properly wash, handle, and store the item. If you’re looking for long-lasting clothes, a good tip is to find this tag on pieces in-store; keep an eye out for natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool to get the most bang for your buck!

Wool, Wool, Wool!

Wool is a super durable yet delicate fabric, and it’s important to pay extra attention to how it is taken care of. Amazingly, it’s anti-bacterial, naturally repels dirt, and self-cleaning, so ideally – and weather permitting – simply leave it to air out outside, and it’ll be good to wear again. It will be time for a full wash at one point or another, but try to resist washing more often than every five to ten wears. When being put in the washing machine, ensure that it is washed on a gentle cycle and in cold water, and never tumble dry it, or you’ll be seriously risking your lovely wool clothes shrinking. Instead, lay the item on a towel to dry. In terms of storing it, keeping your wool hanging can stretch it out and morph the shape of the clothes, so try to fold the item instead.

Did you know that linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics and has the magic power of having biodegradable properties? It must be properly cared for to maintain its great quality and keep it lasting long. Although many linen articles are white, never use bleach as it can strip away its sustainable properties. Whether it's your favourite pair of summer pants, or your nice and light button-up, there is no denying that linen is notorious for wrinkles. Sometimes in the summer, the humidity naturally unwrinkles them as you wear them which is amazingly convenient, but if you need to take measures into your own hands, that is perfectly O.K. Ensure that the steam setting on your iron or a full steamer is used to get them nice and crispy flat without damaging the fabric.

A leather jacket is a staple in anyone’s wardrobe. What is amazing about anything leather is how durable it is, and oftentimes, the more worn in it is, the better it looks. Although it is extremely long-lasting, if you want to be extra careful with one of your favourite pieces, conditioning the leather keeps it feeling soft and prevents it from drying out or cracking. Make sure that if your leather gets wet, you immediately dry it so no damage is done, and be careful of too much sun. Direct sunlight can cause the colour to fade, making your leather pieces lose their rich, deep tones.

The key to keeping your wardrobe in tip-top shape is washing and storing it. Some general rules for sustaining the quality of your clothes are to wash them as little as possible (be mindful of odour!), air dry them as much as possible and make sure you are aware of the material and type of clothing you’re dealing with. Clean and store it according to its blend.

Treating your clothes carefully allows you to wear them for years to come, saving you money and creating a more sustainable wardrobe. Whether it’s choosing high-quality material, washing with care, or storing your pieces correctly, these small efforts can make a big difference. By making these conscious choices, you are extending the life of your clothes while consuming fashion more responsibly; what’s better than that? Keep yourself looking timeless and sustainable, and feel free to refer to these tips and tricks whenever they are needed!