words Alexa Wang
We are becoming increasingly aware of living a more sustainable lifestyle and getting out of any habits that hinder this. One of the best ways to do this is by looking at the things we buy. This is particularly true when it comes to clothing choices.
We know that fast fashion is bad for the planet, but it’s also bad for your wallet. The more clothes we buy, the more we spend – and the less likely we are to wear things multiple times. There are lots of ways to make sure the clothes you’re buying last longer without having to sacrifice looking and feeling great.
How quality can increase your clothes life span
One of the best ways to ensure your clothes last as long as possible is to make sure you’re buying good quality clothing. You want to avoid any materials that are flimsy and aren’t going to stand the test of time.
This is particularly important when buying items that are worn in bad weathers such as puffer jackets. You want to make sure items of clothing that are worn in the winter or any kind of rainy weather are of the best quality to ensure you stay warm and dry. There’s nothing worse than stepping out on a cold wintery day and feeling like you’re not being kept safe from the elements by your clothing.
How washing things correctly can increase the longevity of your clothes
Once you’ve got your good quality clothing, the last thing you want to do is ruin it by not washing it correctly. One of the worst things you can do is chuck everything in together without looking at the label. The symbols on your washing labels might appear confusing at first, but once you know what they all mean, you’re good to go.
Keep track of what clothes have the same washing requirements so you know to wash those items together. You should also try and wash your clothes as little as possible. Of course, if they’re dirty or are starting to smell, you shouldn’t sacrifice the noses of those around you to avoid a wash. But if they don’t need to be washed, it’s best to leave it until they do. Using a good quality detergent that’s kind on skin and the planet will give your clothes the longest life possible. All it takes is a little research and care to give your clothes the life they deserve.
Another great way to ensure your clothes last is to let them air dry. This is the best way you can avoid any nasty accidents in the dryer as it’s easy to shrink clothes without realizing it. It’s also a great way to be more sustainable as you’re using less energy. If you live somewhere cold and it’s difficult to get things dry, why not try using a de-humidifier? It’s a great way to suck all the excess water out of the clothes and allow them to dry quicker.
You always want to wash items such as jeans or any clothing with writing on it inside out. This will keep the color of the jeans looking fresh and neat. Any clothing with writing on it should be washed inside out as this will ensure you don’t get any cracks in the printing. This will also have your clothes looking good as new even if they’ve been washed fifty times.
Trying to make our clothes last as long as possible requires some research, love and attention. It doesn’t take long to learn these helpful hints and it will not only save your favourite items, it will also help save you money as your clothes won’t need replacing as often. All of these hints and tips will also cut down on your energy use and will minimize waste, all of which are great ways that you can help the planet stay healthy too.
