Making Your Clothes Last for Years

Recently I've found that my wardrobe is starting to look more like the business section in a department store compared to my usually overstocked sundress collection. I've learned (the hard way) that I cannot just throw all my clothes in one large lump into the washer like I once could back in my college days, or I'll end up with shirveled, shruken, wrinkled, distroyed piece of garments. Reading over Real Simple Magazine last week in the doctors office I came across some more then helpful tips on how to care for my clothes and make them last longer then one wash.



1. I own a few cahmere sweater, all which have been gifts. To make cashmere last years of use, you're better off hand washing. Repeated dry cleanings can lead to fiber breakage. A good old-fashioned hand washing surprisingly leaves the cashmere considerably softer. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as the Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo and lay flat to dry. Remove excess water by rolling the garment in a towel―never wring it(you'll ruin the shape forever).


2. Kathy-lee and Hoda were discussing the other day that women shouldn't drive drive in good heels. The floorboard scuffs the heel, and the pedal scratches the toe. Drive in simple flats, or try heel protectors by Smart Heel, which are plastic coverings that slide over high heels. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the smart heel, but give it a shot.


3. Never hang pearls, apparently this weakens the silk threads that hold the necklace together. Lay them in your jewlery box.

4. I have a terrible habit of overwashing my darks and killing the color. Black pants, in particular, can be worn several times before laundering. For best results when you wash, run darks on a short cycle in cold water and let them air-dry. Blot any stains with a tide pen, since rubbing will create a lighter spot.


5. With the above said, beware of the dryer. Excessive heat makes fibers brittle, causing the fabric to break down. Combat this by removing lightweight garments, like T-shirts and camisoles, and anything containing spandex (which can lose elasticity over time when exposed to too much heat) ten minutes earlier than heavy garments, such as jeans and sweatshirts. Most of the damage is done in the last ten minutes of drying.

6. Iron clothing inside out. Ironing can fade dark colors as well as create shine marks on fabrics with sheen, like gabardine, acetate, and polished cottons. Avoid damage by using the appropriate heat setting and pressing the item on the reverse side. Never iron a crease on a black garment―it can leave a permanent line, a difficult lesson I learned this week.