After a lot of thought, I couldn't come up with a more fitting title than this. Today, we’re talking about how to extend the lifespan of your clothes - an essential topic for anyone who truly values their wardrobe.
You’ve spent time and money curating a collection of clothes you love, so it only makes sense to care for them properly. In my opinion, a well-dressed guy should also be good at looking after his clothes. Why? Because these are the pieces you wear every day! Don't just toss everything in the washing machine, or worse, think that laundry is a task for someone else. These easy-to-apply tips will help you keep your wardrobe looking fresh for longer. Let’s dive in 😀.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s simple: having a few well-made, high-quality items beats owning tons of cheap, fast-fashion clothes that lose their shape and fall apart quickly. Investing in versatile, high-quality basics ensures your clothes will last longer, and they’ll be easy to mix and match for different occasions. You get more bang for your buck and your wardrobe stays looking sharp.
Limit Washing
This might sound a little... odd, but trust me on this one. Detergents are packed with chemicals that can break down fabric over time. I’m not saying you should never wash your clothes (gross!), but aside from essentials like T-shirts and dress shirts, you should know when not to throw items in the wash. For instance:
Jeans: Wash every 5-7 wears. Minimizing washes keeps them from losing shape - especially if you love raw denim like I do 😀.
Khakis/Chinos: Every 3-4 wears.
Dress Pants: Every 2 wears.
Sweaters: Every 3 wears.
Machine-washable jackets: Every 5-6 wears.
The key is knowing when your clothes actually need to be washed to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Wash the Right Way
Every garment has a care label - follow it. It’s also smart to sort your clothes to avoid color mishaps. For example, jeans should always be washed separately. Use dedicated detergents for sweaters (or even shampoo), and if you're washing wool, make sure to use the wool setting on your machine. Personally, I hand wash T-shirts and light-colored dress shirts for peace of mind, especially since the humid Vietnamese climate leaves collars dirty after just one wear. Pro tip: scrub those collars before tossing them in the washer..
Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothes—hot water can weaken the fibers and shorten their lifespan 😀.
Drying Your Clothes the Right Way
How do you hang your T-shirts? If you’re pulling them by the collar over the hanger, stop right there. You’re stretching them out. Instead, insert the hanger from the bottom to maintain the elasticity of the collar.
Sure, high temperatures and sunlight help clothes dry quickly and kill bacteria, but leaving them in the sun too long can make the fabric brittle and fade the colors. One more tip: always turn your clothes inside out when drying them.
Properly Hanging Clothes
Some items, like sweaters, can stretch out and lose their shape when hung. These should be folded and neatly stored in your closet. Dress shirts benefit from a light ironing before being hung, and buttoning up the top two or three buttons helps keep them wrinkle-free.
When it comes to hangers, avoid the cheap, thin metal ones - those are notorious for causing stretching and sagging at the shoulders. Plastic hangers are a more affordable, gentler alternative. But if you’re looking for the best option, invest in wooden hangers. They provide sturdy support, maintain the shape of your clothes, and even absorb a bit of excess moisture after drying.
Following these tips can keep your wardrobe looking its best for longer. And hey, taking care of your clothes is just another way to stay sharp.
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