Trends shift faster than the speed of light, and our clothing shows off our ever-evolving style in response to ever-changing trends. Being able to shop online has revolutionized the way we shop, making it super easy for us to find on-trend and affordable clothing at our fingertips. Yet amidst the undeniable allure of seasonal sales and new arrivals, you might be wondering how your wardrobe can stand the test of time. According to Cosmopolitan, there are some key ways to help make your clothing last, including the proper methods of washing your clothes, taking care of your clothing, and properly storing your clothes. Take a look at our list of six tips for making your women’s clothing last.
Layer Your Clothing — Your clothes aren’t meant to be worn just for this season and be over and done with. Extend the life of your spring clothes by learning how to wear them year-round. How, you might wonder, can I wear that same floral dress that I wore in the spring in the fall? It’s simple: It’s all about how to layer clothes. Layering your clothing adds style and versatility while promoting longevity. Strategically layering allows you to create a buffer that shields your outerwear layers from direct contact with your skin, reducing the wear and tear that comes from body oils, perspiration, and friction. Too frequent washing can weaken fabric over time. Invest in layering pieces to enhance your fashion options and preserve the lifespan of your wardrobe.
Buy Quality Clothing — In a world so focused on whatever’s trending right now, it can be tempting to buy a dozen new pieces at low prices here and there instead of just a few really nice $50-$100 pieces each season. The reality is that buying quality clothing is better for the environment. High-quality pieces last longer since they’re made from better materials. Instead of just investing in what’s trendy now, invest in wardrobe staples that will last for years to come. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more money on a piece you’ll really love time and time again. You’ll value those pieces more, and they’ll last much longer than a cheaper item that’s more trend-focused.
Hand Wash Your Clothing — Instead of waiting until the end of the week to throw a big load of laundry in the washer, try to schedule a few days a week to hand wash your clothes instead. Delicate fabrics like sportswear, denim, and swimwear benefit from the delicate touch of handwashing. When materials gather together in the washing machine, they’re all rubbing together and can lead to faster fading and damage. Hand wash your clothes in cold water to prevent shrinkage and fading. Handwashing can preserve your clothing. If you pay for water and electricity, it’s much less expensive than hand washing and air drying your clothes! Make sure to read the instruction labels on your clothes to keep the fabric intact.
Use Environmentally Friendly Laundry Detergent — If you do decide to wash your clothing in the washer and dryer, use a smaller amount of detergent. Too much detergent can make your clothes stiff and lose their color. Use half of the suggested amount of detergent with ½ a cup of baking soda to boost the detergent. It’ll keep your clothes just as clean as regular detergent while lowering your home’s environmental footprint.
Wash Your Clothing Less Often — As you’re deciding whether or not you want to hand wash your clothing or just use less detergent in the washer, also think about washing your clothing less often. Not every piece of clothing needs to be washed every day. You can wear jeans more than once before throwing them in the washer. Pajamas can be worn for a few days before you need to wash them as well. Washing your clothes right after every time you wear them will drain them of their color and elastic stretch. Unless your clothing is visibly dirty or has an unfortunate smell, challenge yourself to wear your clothing at least three times before washing it.
Invest in Wardrobe Staples — Cute jeans are one of those wardrobe staples that can be worn again and again because they’ll never go out of style. Buy clothing staples that are high-quality, like classic white shirts and blazers, so they’ll withstand trends and repeated wear. After multiple washes and wears, your garments will stay intact thanks to their superior design and materials. Prioritize wardrobe staples to build a foundation of style that endures, helping you save money in the long run.
You don’t need to do it all at once. Use any of the tips on this list and start small. It could be buying more quality pieces that last longer instead of buying dozens of less expensive ones that will only last a few months. It may mean using dry cleaning less or reducing the amount of detergent you use. As you get better and better at embracing the power of longevity, it’ll become clear that style and longevity need not be mutually exclusive.
