Just imagine how much cash you’d conserve if your garments didn’t shrink, pill, tear or stain. Fortunately, it’s simple to care for your clothes in ways that extend their lifespan — and no, this doesn’t require hand washing everything.
“We live in a time of fast fashion, meaning clothing is released at such low prices that it can be difficult to see why we should try to make pieces endure,” says Aya Bradley, a DIY editor at Boureston Media Inc.
“Still, understanding how to prolong the life of your clothes can cut your expenses and also help reduce the pollution produced by the fast fashion sector.”
Here’s How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
Try these straightforward tips to help your wardrobe hold up for longer.
1. Separate Clothes by Fabric
You likely already separate garments by color — but you should be sorting by fabric type too, says Beth McCallum, a Scotland-based writer for Oh So Spotless, a site focused on cleaning.
“Avoid washing cotton and polyester together,” McCallum advises. “They need different temperatures and spin settings. Plus, when they rub against one another, they can get damaged.”
Always check fabric care labels so you choose appropriate temperatures and spin cycles for each fabric before laundering.
2. When It Comes to Detergent, Less Is More
Using less detergent is better for your clothes. In fact, you can usually use about half the recommended quantity, McCallum says. Excess detergent can leave residue on fabrics, which makes them wear out sooner.
The same goes for fabric softener — you may want to skip it and try wool dryer balls instead.
3. Use a Delicates Bag
Rather than tossing delicate pieces — like underwear — directly into the washer, place them in a delicates bag. This helps prevent tearing and snagging.
It’s also helpful for baby clothes and socks, and it will extend the garments’ life, says Azza Shahid, a digital marketer with Gigworker.
4. Skip the Detergent Altogether
Yes, that’s an option. You can purchase a laundry egg, which uses natural mineral pellets to lift dirt rather than conventional detergent.
An approximately $35 laundry egg will last for around 720 washes. For a typical family, that’s roughly three years of laundry, working out to about $0.05 per load.
That way you’re helping the planet, your clothing and your budget all at once.
5. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Cramming the washer might seem like a time-saver, but it can harm your clothes.
When overloaded, items don’t have room to move, so they won’t be as clean. Plus, fabrics rubbing together can cause pilling and wear, Shahid notes.
6. Wash Your Clothing Inside Out
Yes, even T-shirts. Turning garments — especially dark ones — inside out before washing helps maintain deep colors, says Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home. It also helps prevent graphics from cracking or peeling over multiple washes.
7. Look for Cotton Blends When You Shop
If you’re buying new pieces and want them to endure, opt for cotton blends with a low polyester percentage, Stark recommends.
Also, tighter weaves and denser knits hold up better than loose ones.
8. Wash Your Clothing Less Frequently
The most effective way to extend clothing life is to launder items less often, says Emily Deaton, a financial journalist who spent years working at a dry cleaner.
“Jeans are a prime example,” she explains. “They aren’t intended to be washed after every wear — that’s how they fade quickly.”
Deaton recommends washing jeans at most twice a week to keep them in good condition. Ensure you use the correct temperature, since washes that are too hot or too cold can damage them.
Nicole Romano, a private stylist and founder of Let’s Get You, a fashion blog, lives by the rule: “If it doesn’t smell or have a spot, don’t wash it.”
The less you wash items, the better — especially pieces with any elastane (stretch). Washing subjects clothing to stress, and each cycle breaks down fibers, says Romano.
“Whatever you do, steer clear of hot water washes, and never, ever tumble-dry things — particularly your stretchy favorites,” she warns.
You might think you’re restoring their fit, but you’re actually harming the fabric and construction. That’s partly why jeans lose their elasticity, leading to sagging or the need to constantly pull them up.
9. Store Your Clothing Correctly
Clothes are susceptible to cramped conditions and too much sunlight, Bradley notes. She recommends avoiding storage spots where garments could get moldy or be exposed to direct sun.
Give your clothes room to breathe in closets and drawers so they don’t fade, crease or rub against other items, Bradley advises.
And avoid storing them in places where bacteria might grow.
10. Get Better Hangers
Most hangers, particularly wire ones, will eventually distort the shoulders of your garments, Bradley explains.
Wooden hangers are pricier but investing in them can help your clothes maintain their shape and last longer. The savings you get from preserving clothing mean wooden hangers will pay for themselves over time.
Danielle Braff is a contributor to Savinly.
