Have you made any resolutions for 2025? More exercise or more sleep, less procrastination or less sugar? One resolution worth considering is to take better care of your clothing! Why? Because with the proper attention, you can extend the lifespan of your garments—and that means you can keep them longer and upcycle them more easily. Your actions will also have a positive impact on the planet: you’ll consume less water and less electricity while generating less waste. To learn a few simple, sustainable ways to prolong the lifespan of your wardrobe, read on.
Tip #1: to clean or not to clean
Do you wash your clothes after every wearing? You probably don’t need to. Over-laundering is one of the surest ways to accelerate garment aging. Whether your clothes need cleaning or not depends on their type and usage. For example, your socks should be washed after one wearing, but outerwear like sweaters can be worn several times before needing to be cleaned.
Tip #2: take it easy
Some clothing, such as athletic wear or heavy-duty work clothes, need deep cleaning. But for everyday items like shirts and jeans, the 30°C gentle cycle is the best choice if you want to keep your clothing as shapely and colorful as the day you bought it.
Tip #3: go for the flip side
You may know that clothes with decorative elements like sequins or printed designs should be washed inside out, but what you may not know is that all clothing benefits from this technique. By flipping your clothes inside out, the front surface experiences less friction, which goes a long way toward prolonging your garment’s life.
Tip #4: roll up your sleeves
For your more delicate items, prefer hand washing. Lingerie, hosiery, and fine fabrics should be kept away from the washing machine in order to avoid being stretched, shrunk, or damaged. Just fill your sink or a similar container with cold water, add gentle detergent, and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Rub gently, rinse well, and roll or pat with a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Hang to dry.
Tip #5: play it cool
The heat and friction of tumble drying may shorten the lifespan of your clothing due to fading, pilling, or shrinkage. Even if your clothes label indicates that machine drying is a possibility, try to use it sparingly. A more sustainable option is line drying outdoors in the sun, or indoors on a drying rack. Bright colors and a preserved shape will be your reward.
For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.