Do your bank account and closet a favor by taking the time to take care of your clothes. If you run to the store anytime your shirt has a hole or salt stains ruin your boots, then it’s time to put down the credit card and think about how you’re caring for your wardrobe. Chances are, there are some tricks you can follow to keep your clothes in good condition for longer. Learn how to prolong the life of your wardrobe, here!
Follow Proper Washing Protocol
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the lifeline of your clothes is by washing them incorrectly. If you just throw all of your clothes in the washing machine in warm or hot water, then you’re going to have a problem maintaining clothes. The first step in learning how to prolong the life of your wardrobe is washing them correctly.
Make sure to check the tags before you wash them, and actually follow through on the pieces that say to hand-wash. Ensure that zippers are zipped and unbutton buttons to keep from snagging on other clothes or pulling on threads. In the simplest sense, wash like colors together. Following through on proper washing protocol will immeasurably prolong the life of your wardrobe.
Skip the Dryer
Similarly, if you toss everything that was in the wash straight into the dryer, you’re going to run into problems. Jeans should never really be washed, as it damages the denim. Most sweaters should be laid out to dry, and not to mention, dryers will often lead to shrinkage. Do yourself a favor and cut out the dryer all together!
Don’t Forget About Your Shoes
Your shoes are a key aspect of your wardrobe—don’t leave them out of the equation. If you’re a shoe lover or even if you just have a few staples, you need to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep them in good form and solid condition. There are a few different shoe accessories you can keep on hand to protect the shoes and keep them looking brand new!
Organize Your Closet
Another key aspect of a prolonged wardrobe is making sure that your closet isn’t a mess. If you’re just shoving clothes into drawers haphazardly and letting long dresses get trampled on by shoes tossed on the ground, then you’re not doing anything to help your clothes. Do what you can to organize your clothes—make sure there are specific areas for specific clothing items, so you’re never tempted to throw the boots into the scarf bin.
Swap Out Seasonal Clothing
Additionally, help out your closet storage space and clothing maintenance by actually swapping out seasonal clothing throughout the year. You’ll provide more space for the current season’s clothes and give your most-worn pieces a break from daily wear and tear. However, if you’re going to store the clothes somewhere, make sure they’re in properly labeled air-tight bins. You don’t want to ruin the clothes by improperly storing them!
