© 2022 Nick Hems Style. All Rights Reserved.

10 Simple Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

This guide is designed to help you change the way you treat your clothing forever. Not only that, it aims to help you guide your clothes purchasing to, so that you get more out of your clothes and always feel your best in them.

It may also help you to do your bit for the environment by not over washing them or sending them to landfill early. You’ll save yourself money and effort too.

Before I begin, the biggest piece of advice I would give anyone caring for their clothes is also my biggest style tip. Invest in better quality clothing that fits you well, both of these factors will aid clothing longevity.

Here though are my 10 top tips.

Tip 1: Buy good quality clothing

Better quality clothing is made from stronger fabrics that will also typically look better on you. These fabrics are less likely to tear or pill, meaning they’ll last longer.

Secondly, the construction of the clothing will be more durable, so the seams and stitching are stronger preventing the garment from fraying or falling apart. Buttons will often be more secure and any hardware on the clothing will also be of higher quality and less likely to break or get damaged easily.

Another major benefit is generally higher quality clothing is made using better-quality dyes. Items that fade over a short period of time look well worn quickly and we often lose the desire to wear them because we don’t look as good in them anymore.

Tip 2: Check the labels before buying and washing

The first step in caring for your clothing is to consult the care labels. These labels will tell you how to wash, dry, and iron your clothing in order to protect it from damage. Follow these labels, that’s what they’re for. This same label will help guide your decision on whether you want to commit to buying also. ‘Dry clean only’ may put you off for example.

The same label or another one will tell you the fabric used. 100% cotton is great, but there are different types of cotton and the quality, durability and look and feel can vary greatly. For example, one of my favourite brands Sunspel sell their famous quality basic t-shirt in 100% cotton at £85. They also make a Sea Island cotton t-shirt which has the advantage of a longer staple fibre. Same cut, looks very similar, but is priced at £155.

Better material will naturally help your clothes last longer and look better on you.

Tip 3: Wash your clothing in cold water

Unless your clothing is heavily soiled, don’t wash it in hot water. Hot water can damage the fibres in your clothing and shorten its lifespan. It can also shrink certain clothing, which I am sure we’ve all experienced to our pain before. 30 degrees is great and it’s also kinder to the environment.

 

Tip 4: Use the correct detergent


Matching your detergent to the fabric of your clothes

Different fabrics require different types of detergent. For example, cotton fabrics should be washed with a mild detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, can be washed with a regular detergent. Wool and silk should be hand-washed with a mild detergent specifically designed for these fabrics.

Using the wrong detergent can damage your clothes. For example, using a harsh detergent on delicate fabrics can cause them to shrink or fade.

Matching the detergent to the colour of your clothes

White clothes should be washed with a detergent that is specifically designed for whites. Fairy non-bio is a good example of this that won’t break the bank. If you add in whitening booster like Vanish’s Oxi action, then you really will make your whites stay true to their freshness.

Supermarkets are awash (sorry, pun intended) colour capsules and liquids These detergents are formulated to be gentle on colours and prevent them from fading.

As a side note realise if you live in a hard water area, you’ll need a detergent designed for hard water. Hard water can cause detergents to not dissolve properly, which can leave residue on your clothes.

Tip 5: Wash your clothing inside out and less often

Ok, so this is a bit of a two in one. Washing your clothing inside out will help protect and preserve the colours and textures of your clothing, i.e., reducing piling (the tiny balls of fibre on the surface of clothing). It will importantly also help prevent buttons and zippers from damaging other clothing.

The washing and drying process causes premature wear, fading, shrinkage and impairs the inherent elasticity of tapes and mixed materials. Because of this, items like your slim fit jeans will begin to wrinkle over time. In general, most garments can be worn multiple times before washing. As a result, appearance and strength are better preserved and you’ll use less water too.

Tip 6: Air dry your clothing whenever possible


Whilst using a tumble dryer might be convenient and time-saving, it’s a massive cause of shrinking and damaging clothes. It certainly reduces the lifespan of a lot of clothing. If you must use a dryer, choose a lower setting to reduce heat exposure. Exceptions are underwear, socks, sportswear, towels and bedding: Higher temperatures kill germs better on fabrics that adhere directly to the skin.

Tip 7: Hang your clothing instead of folding them


Hanging your clothing will help it retain its shape and prevent wrinkles. To prevent shoulder bumps caused by the end your clothing draping awkwardly over the end of the hanger hang your clothes following the simple instructions below.

Folding your jeans and some of your trousers won’t always cause an issue, but certainly try and hang your best clothes to preserve their appearance for when you put them on.

Tip 8: Iron Less

Ironing also shrinks clothes and can leave shiny stains on clothes, a sign of overheating. To remove wrinkles,  use a lower setting or steam the garment – this can be done with a handheld device or by hanging the garment in the bathroom the next time you shower.

When you are not wearing your clothing, store it properly to prevent it from fading, shrinking, or becoming damaged.

Tip 9: Store clothes smartly

In general, avoid storage conditions where garments are exposed to direct light, this will make them fade quickly. Packing your clothes into tight spaces can create wrinkles not easily removed, will increase friction and wear, and could even make them susceptible to mold.

Moth balls are a common problem with stored clothes and there is plenty on the market that you can hang in wardrobes or place in draws. Cedar blocks, balls or even hangers can be placed into wardrobes easily, lavender sachets, moth proof garment bags. If the problem is bad then moth repellent sprays can also be used.

Tip 10: Repair small tears and holes and treat stains immediately

Small tears and holes can quickly become larger if they are not repaired right away. Repair them as soon as you see them to prevent them from getting worse.

Act on any stains immediately by blot or rubbing them before washing them ASAP. Two common ways to do this are as follows. Pre-treating your clothes with a stain remover, dish soap or laundry detergent can act as viable alternatives to a stain remover. Use a stain remover pen, these are a good alternative because they can easily be carried around with you during the day, especially if you have children that choose the ‘messy play life’ when you’re out with them.

In summary

By following these 10 top tips, you can help your clothing last longer and potentially add years to the life of your clothing.

So, allow these tips to influence the treatment of your clothes moving forward, not just the clothes you have but also in your buying decisions when shopping.

Nick Hems is a leading UK based independent men's personal stylist, blogger and style lecturer. All views expressed are his own and he is unaffiliated with any brands. Nick spent the formative years of his career working in corporate sales and marketing and has a Marketing & Advertising degree along with also studying Personal Styling and Fashion Psychology. He is particularly interested in how we use the way we dress and our appearance to create opportunity in our lives and communicate to our intentions and personality.

Outfit creation

Pulling your purchases and existing wardrobe together and creating outfits to give you a stress-free reference to the clothes that work well together. Choose outfits for face-to-face meetings, summer parties or an upcoming holiday, whatever works best for you.

Wardrobe cataloguing

Capturing all of your wardrobe on my app, labelling and categorising each piece for your reference.

Wardrobe edit

A 3-hour-long cleanse of your wardrobe. We look at what is working well for you currently clothing and accessory-wise and build towards having a functional and easy-to-maintain wardrobe that you enjoy opening daily. This is where we concentrate on restyling/reusing, repairing/altering or recycling what you currently have.

Shopping concierge

No need to leave your accommodation, I will bring my hand-picked selections across London’s best shops to you.

Personalised picks

Key capsule wardrobe pieces hand-selected for you taking into account your style, skin tone and budget.

Anytime messaging

Get your questions or queries answered via WhatsApp across the week. Not sure what to wear for an upcoming wedding or corporate event, let me help. Need a last-minute suggestion for a linen shirt, just message me.

Outfit shop

Need an out for a specific occasion, let me source every item for you and provide you with the links for each one to purchase.

Online shop

An agreed amount of items shopped for online via my wardrobe app giving you options with each item and more flexibility on your purchases. Online try-on session included.

Personal shop

A 4-hour personal shop with me within a private shopping suite* to help update your wardrobe. All purchased items will be updated and styled on my wardrobe app for your convenience.

*where available

What happens within 7 seconds of meeting someone

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Chantelle Znideric

Chantelle is an Award-Winning Personal Stylist and Shopper, with over 15 years experience. She specialises in working with ambitious female leaders and entrepreneurs, in the UK and overseas, to elevate their personal brands with success, build a capsule wardrobe with ease and rediscover their style and confidence.

Clients will learn the best colours that complement their natural colouring, to choose flattering styles for their body shape and how to shop more efficiently, which guarantees to save time and money. They will also achieve an effortlessly stylish yet functional capsule wardrobe, bursting with outfits they will love to wear! Additionally, this will have a hugely positive outcome and long-lasting results when it comes to managing their businesses and families whilst succeeding in their everyday lives.

If you feel stuck in a rut with your style and overwhelmed by your existing wardrobe, or you’re lacking in confidence with portraying a personal brand, that reflects you and your true authentic values, Chantelle would be delighted to have a chat to discuss your styling requirements.

Katy Terrashenko

Katy strongly believes that when you look good, you feel good. She has a diverse client base and loves working with busy individuals needing simple formulas to create outfits that fit impeccably and flatter their unique skin tone, body shape, lifestyle and personality. She teaches time-saving tools to shop efficiently and save money in the long run.

Specialising in Colour Analysis, Katy is passionate about teaching her clients the power of Colour Psychology and how wearing the right shades of colour will not only enhance their appearance but can also improve confidence, energy levels, productivity and communication. Katy knows first-hand how this has a hugely positive impact on confidence, mental health and overall well-being. She believes that every one of us deserves to look and feel amazing.

 

Katy has worked in TV, Fashion and Beauty for 15 years and is an Award-Winning Producer having worked on shows such as Bafta ‘Live from the Red Carpet’ as well as luxury brands including Chivas Regal, and designer brands Felder Felder and Styloko, plus beauty brands Josh Wood & V05. Katy retrained following her third baby, graduating with a Distinction from the London College of Style in early 2021.

Jessica Rea

Jessica is an award winning stylist that has Designed, Styled & Consulted – over 8,000 individuals. 

Her specialist field is in Millinery and she was trained by the UK’s leading milliners and designers who count the Royal Family and high-end Fashion Houses as clients.

From hats, Jessica’s skills naturally led her to successfully put together entire outfits for her clients. Being recognised for her work led Jessica to become Racing TV’s, Race Day in-house Fashion Expert and now and regular stylist on shopping channel QVC.

Jessica’s trusting approach and knowledge allows her to work with women to help them to feel confident in their clothes, uplift their image and re-discover their style from a professional woman, a mum as well as women in the Media Industry having her fashion styling looks appear across National TV such as ITV, Sky Sports, Discovery, Euro Sports to the BBC.