This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Having a fantastic wardrobe doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. As a matter of fact, some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe are the pieces that have truly stood the test of time. They didn’t last that long because they were million dollar pieces, but I learned the tips and the tricks that I’m about to share with you on how to make them last longer and care for them properly.
Buy Higher Quality Clothing
This first tip is probably the most obvious. If you’re starting out with higher quality clothing then it will last longer. Remember, quality over quantity! Start by investing in basics like a nice fitting pair of jeans or a blazer. These are closet staples that can be worn multiple ways, which will ultimately get the best return on investment. For example, if you invest in a good quality black blazer, it will last you for years. If you decide to go for a piece that has a lower quality, it may only last you a season. With that being said, just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it’s better quality. If you’re on a tight budget, but still want to invest in some better quality pieces, try thrifting. You can go the traditional route by going in store, but I hate sifting through racks. I like using Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari. You can still buy a quality piece, but at a fraction of the original price.
Protect Your Clothing
I invested in one of the greatest things this year…an apron. I always thought aprons were silly and I didn’t really think I needed one. However, I was also constantly cleaning grease stains out of my clothing from cooking, so I definitely needed one. Protecting your clothing is going to help prolong the life of it. You can also do this by changing into what I call “house clothes” when you get home instead of lounging around in your nicer pieces. If you have to do something messy or be in the kitchen with your nicer pieces on, put on the apron!
Immediately Treat Your Stains
You don’t have to leave work or anything, but treating your stains as soon as possible gives you the best chance at recovery. The longer a stain sits and seeps into the fabric, the harder it is to get out. Pro tip – blue Dawn dish soap is the absolute best for getting out grease stains. Unfortunately, I would know. I also try and carry a stain removing pen in my purse or in my care for quick access.
Don’t Overwash Your Clothing
You do not have to wash your jeans every time you wear them! There, I said it. Pieces in your closet like denim, sweaters, and coats don’t have to be washed every wear. Now, don’t get carried away. If you spill on them or if they’re sweaty or stinky, you obviously want to toss them in the wash. If they’re still looking good after a day of wear hang them up to keep them fresh to wear again and don’t leave them balled up on the floor or in the hamper. Washing your clothing wears out the fabrics in your clothing quicker and can make colors fade faster, so be mindful of when you can wear a piece again!
Don’t Overstuff Your Washing Machine
When your washer is filled to the brim with clothing there’s no room for it to properly agitate and get soap between each piece, so nothing is actually getting washed. It’s just a very hopeful rinse cycle.
Button And Zip Pieces Before You Wash
Unzipped zippers have caused many casualties in my laundry over the years. When you leave things unzipped they are much more likely to snag on your delicate fabrics and possibly ruin them. The same goes for leaving buttons unbuttoned. I can’t tell you how much of a pain it is when smaller straps get looped and tangled around buttons. Both of these mishaps can ruin your clothing by snagging and stretching pieces out. Take the extra couple of minutes to button and zip pieces up as you throw them into the wash. You can also help to remedy the snagging of your more delicate pieces by putting them into a mesh laundry bag.
Wash Your Clothes Inside Out And On Cold
Both of these are major when doing laundry! Washing your clothes inside out and on cold helps to preserve colors over a longer length of time. Washing your clothes on cold also helps to prevent shrinking and helps your clothes maintain their original shape. This is one of the easiest tips and one that will definitely make your clothes last longer.
Hang Your Clothes To Dry
There is one exception to this rule, but we’ll get to that in a second. The tumbling process in a dryer is rough. It often dulls the colors and changes the original shape of your pieces over time. If you don’t have the space to hang your clothes to dry, try investing in a drying rack. They’re super affordable and fold up for easy storage when you’re finished. If you’re in a pinch and have to dry your clothing in a dryer, try changing the setting to a lower temperature.
Fold Your Heavier Pieces
Heavier pieces like sweaters and sweatshirts need to be laid flat to dry to prevent stretching. The same goes for when you store them. Hanging those heaver pieces on a hanger will stretch the neck and shoulders out over time.
Shop My Laundry Essentials
Here’s the video version!
Click here to see the best places to buy plus size clothing!
Leave a Reply