If the most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own, then knowing how to make them last longer is one of the best things you can learn

Taking care of your clothes properly sounds like a chore but actually it’s one of the best habits you can get into. Not only is it great for the environment but it means that the things you love get to stay in your wardrobe longer, it’s a real win-win. You don’t need to become a seamstress overnight to improve the longevity of your clothes, there are plenty of simple things you can start doing right now. 

Improving the longevity of your clothes doesn’t need to be time consuming or expensive . In fact, the best things you can do actually come from making tweaks to your current routines or habits. This not only makes it much simpler but also means you’re more likely to stick these new ways of doing things and reap the benefits sooner. 

Wash things properly

Sounds basic doesn’t it, but how often do we actually check the labels of what we’re washing? We’re all busy but taking a moment to check before you just throw everything in on the same wash cycle can make a huge difference. Some fabrics, particularly natural ones like silk, wool and cashmere, need some extra TLC to keep them in the best possible condition. Wash these on a cool, delicate wash with a detergent designed for delicate items. Put underwear, particularly lace and bras, into a small separate wash bag to protect it from getting caught on anything and reshape all knitwear as soon as it comes out of the machine to keep things looking fresh. 

Buy a de-bobbler

The Minky debobbler is hands down one of the best things I’ve ever bought. It gently removes any bobbling or pilling from your clothes (you know those pesky little balls that appear along the seams) and leaves everything looking neater in a matter of minutes. It’s even gentle enough for cashmere and other delicate fabrics, and avoids the tugging that the traditional cashmere combs require. No matter what your favourite jumper is made from or how much you pay for it, pilling is still likely to happen. So instead of despairing or just replacing it get out your the de-bobbler, throw on MAFS Australia (or whatever floats your boat) and get de-bobbling.

Store everything correctly

How you store things can make a big difference to how long something will last. It sounds obvious and a bit boring but realistically your clothes will spend longer in your wardrobe than on you, so it’s important we get it right. Folding heavier knitwear (if you have the room) and hanging coats and blazers on thicker hangers will help to keep the items in shape and ultimately mean they fit you properly for longer. Make sure your wardrobe, chest of drawers and any extra storage is cool, dry and clean to prevent any damage. Make sure you clean it out regularly and also get yourself some moth balls. Not sexy, no, but prevention is far better than a cure. Trust me. 

Learn some basic sewing

Being able to sew up holes, take up a pair of trousers or replace a rouge button are all skills that will help you extend the life of your clothes. With a little practice they’re simple enough to do yourself and make your clothes much more sustainable. Instead of throwing out the t-shirt with the small hole because it’s ‘only a few pounds to replace’ pick up a basic sewing kit and stitch that hole up. It’s better for the planet and you’ll be able to get back to wearing your favourite things in no time. 

Find a good dry-cleaner

Some things need out-sourcing, simple as that. Dry cleaning, re-soleing shoes or repairing specialist items like leather require someone who really does know what they’re doing. Check out some reviews or even your local high street and find someone who will be able to help. Make sure they’re either near your home or near your place of work so it’s convenient for you and you actually remember to drop things in and pick them up. These types of repairs can cost a bit more and it’s tempting to just replace something instead but if you can afford to repair then it’s always the better option. Not only is it better for the planet but it means you get to hang onto your favourite jacket/go-to jeans/boots that you’ve finally broken in again and don’t have to try and find the perfect replacement.

We’ve all got into the habit of thinking “oh but I can just replace it” if something goes wrong with our clothes, and while that’s true, it’s not a sustainable approach. It’s much better for our own budgets and the environment if we take better care of what we already own. Sure, sometimes there will be exceptions and things will need to just be replaced or will be beyond repair but generally speaking these are easy ways to make a difference. The tweaks to your routine don’t have to take a lot of skill, time or money, but these are good starting points. Even if you get a handful of extra wears out of something, it all adds up to a positive impact.