Taking care of your clothes 101
Investing in high quality, handmade clothing means you’re getting pieces designed to last. But to keep them looking and feeling their best, you have to take care of them properly. In this blog I will share all my tips & tricks to keep your clothes in the best shape!
1. Read the care labels carefully
An obvious but necessary one, follow the care instructions on the label. These labels provide specific guidelines, such as recommended washing temperature, drying methods, and whether a piece should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Following the directions keeps your clothing from shrinking, fading, or stretching.
Tip: Cut the tags out and can’t remember what it said? Washing inside out on max 30 degrees with similar colors is good for almost any type of clothing item, for extra care put it in a mesh laundry bag.
2. Wash in cold water to preserve the fabric
Hot water can be harsh on fabrics, especially on delicate materials like cotton, linen, or natural fibers that are commonly used in handmade clothing. Washing in cold water reduces the risk of shrinkage and fading while using less energy, great for both your clothes and the planet.
Tip: Choose a gentle cycle with mild detergent to avoid wear and tear on the fabric. Handwashing is also a great option for extra-delicate pieces!
3. Air dry instead of using the dryer
I would ALWAYS air dry your favorite pieces instead of putting them in the dryer. The high heat of a dryer can weaken fibers, cause shrinkage, and reduce the lifespan of your clothing. Air drying, on the other hand, is gentler and can help your garments keep their shape. Hanging clothes on a drying rack or laying them flat can prevent stretching. For items that may stretch, like sweaters, lay them flat on a towel to dry and you’re good to go!
4. Store your clothes properly
This may seem like overkill, but you can store your clothes in a ‘‘wrong’’ way, storing clothing the right way is half the work of keeping the quality. Use padded or wooden hangers for heavier garments, as wire hangers can stretch fabrics or cause shoulder bumps. For pieces that might lose shape on a hanger, such as knits, fold them neatly and store them in a drawer.
Tip: Keep your storage space clean and dry. Adding a lavender sachet can keep clothing fresh and naturally repel moths. Don’t hang clothing in direct sunlight for long periods of time, this will fade the fabric.
5. Turn your clothes inside out before washing
Turning clothes inside out before washing helps protect colors and delicate details, like stitching or embellishments, from friction. This is especially important for darker or printed items, as it can help prevent fading and preserve the vibrant colors!
Tip: Always secure zippers and buttons to reduce snagging.
6. Avoid overloading the washer
An overloaded washing machine can cause much more friction between clothes, leading to pilling and stretching of your favorite items, and we don’t want that! Giving clothes space in the washer makes sure they’re cleaned well without getting tangled or damaged.
7. Refresh between wears
Instead of washing clothes after every wear, try refreshing them. Hang them in a well-ventilated area or use a fabric refresher spray. This can keep your clothing smelling fresh and reduce the number of washes, which helps extend the life of each piece!
8. Repair and maintain
Taking care of minor repairs early, like sewing a loose button or mending a small hole, can prevent bigger issues down the road. Simple mending techniques help keep your clothing looking its best and can prolong the life of pieces that might otherwise end up discarded. Learn it yourself or bring them to a professional/sewing bestie/ family member that knows how!
Whether it’s washing gently, storing mindfully, or making small repairs, every step you take to care for your clothes is a step toward a more mindful, conscious wardrobe. Take care of your clothes to make them last longer and keep your favorite items looking as good as new!