How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

With clothes these days being practically designed to fall apart it’s hard to build a mindful wardrobe on a budget.  I mean ideally we’d all like to be in a position to drop hundreds on consciously made items.  But let’s be real, that’s not happening anytime soon.  Especially for those who live and die by staying current.  So in the meantime it’s important to learn how to make your clothes last longer.  And it’s surprisingly easier than you think:

  1. Choose well constructed clothes.  I cannot stress the importance of this enough.  Well made clothes will last much longer.  All the details, from material quality to how it was put together play a huge factor in how long your clothes will last.  It can be the difference between a pair of $30 pants that last 4 years or $100 pants that barely last 9 months.  So do your research on how to identify well made clothes, which can even be found a fast fashion stores.  I found this article on choosing quality garments very helpful!
  2. Wash with cold water.  Not everyone knows this but washing your clothes in cold water can make your clothes last longer.  Warm water breaks down dyes and causes shrinkage.  That means your clothes lose shape, their color and break much quicker.  But be sure to buy detergents designed for cold water use as most detergents are made to break down in warm water.
  3. Avoid using the dryer if possible.  Just like with warm water, drying clothes can weaken the fabric causing it rip much sooner.  Plus it can also cause your clothes to lose their shape and shrink.
  4. Take your clothes to a tailor.  If they’re slightly damaged or you’re bored with the style, a tailor can breath new life into your clothes.  By fixing simple problems, like broken zippers, you can get more wear rather than throwing them out and shelling out big bucks for a new piece.  You can also turn a pair of older flair jeans into flattering skinnies.  And some clothes can be better reinforced, let out or taken in so they always fit like a glove.

While it is important to try to buy clothes that are made ethically, unfortunately it’s not always an option.  That makes it equally important to take care of the items we do have.  Taking the time to learn how to properly care for items can make your clothes last longer.  This means less money spent, less stress shopping, and more time enjoying your favorite pieces.  If you found this useful, make sure you check on my post on how to prevent your pants from ripping in the crotch?

Are there specific pieces you’d be interested in learning how to properly care for?  Comment below and let me know!

Making Your Clothes Last Longer 

The Real Way to Make Clothes Last Longer

The Trick to Make Your Clothes Last LongerThis post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small monetary incentive that is of no charge to you.

 Lulu’s Coat (Similar Coat)|Vera Moda Turtleneck (Similar Turtleneck)|ASOS Jeans (Similar Jeans)|Sam Edelman Slip Ons

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Makng Your Clothes Last Longer

 How to Make Clothes Last Longer

How to Make Clothes Last Longer

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10 Comments

    • Jordan Blackwell

      I’m so glad you found my tips useful Patti.

  1. Becca

    This is so helpful! I’ve found my ripped jeans don’t last for more than 6 months, no matter how expensive they were. Do you think a tailor could help with that?

    • Jordan Blackwell

      Yea ripped jeans are definitely not always well constructed. I think it depends on where they rip if a tailor can be able to fix it, unfortunately something like a rip in the crotch isn’t easy to fix.

  2. Lanae Bond

    Great tips! Most of them my grandmother and mom taught me. The only tips I don’t do is have a tailor (there are non in this area). As far as ethically fashion I mostly find them online!
    https://modestbudgetbelle80.blogspot.com

    • Jordan Blackwell

      See I wish my mother and grandmother had told me this kind of stuff sooner. I’m glad you were so fortunate Lanae. That sucks you don’t have any tailors near by, I definitely can’t live without mine. Where do you suggest looking for ethical fashion?

  3. Ruth

    Yes! I do all these things! The dryer is so hard on clothes. I almost never dry anything in them. Great tips and I love your slides!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    • Jordan Blackwell

      Yay! Glad you like my tips.

  4. Jennie

    I enjoyed reading these great tips. Also your jacket and shoes are Amazing. Thanks so much for linking up, Jordan!

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