14 tips to make your clothes last longer

Anyone who buys a new piece of clothing certainly expects it to be worn more than once. Otherwise, the purchase, regardless of the cost, would not be worth it.

And, although there are different types of fabrics, pieces with more or less quality, the truth is that daily care with clothes makes all the difference in terms of durability. For example, if you wash a delicate blouse very often, and even in the washing machine, it tends to last a few days.

So, if you expect your clothes to last longer, pay attention to the tips below, which range from the moment of purchase to the act of storing the pieces properly.

1. Read the label and rate your purchase

If the idea is to acquire pieces with good durability, “buying on impulse” is not a good time! It is important to know exactly what you are buying and what types of special care the piece may require. Of course, she can, for example, be super delicate, but even so, you “take the risk” and want to take her home. However, the point is exactly to be aware of it!

Image consultant Roberta Carlucci explains that the composition of a piece weighs heavily on its durability: fabrics that contain more natural fibers, such as cotton, linen and silk, usually have greater durability; while synthetic compositions tend to bubble, fade, fray or wrinkle more easily. “White or other light-colored items tend to need more washing, while darker or patterned items are more resistant to visible dirt,” she says.

And, within the idea of ​​conscious purchase, it is essential to read the label of the pieces. “That way there are no surprises when you wash them”, highlights Roberta.

2. Follow the instructions

It’s no use reading the tag of the piece at the time of purchase and then never seeing it again! “It is necessary to respect the washing instructions and temperature for ironing, which are contained in the label”, recalls Roberta.

Therefore, those who have the habit of cutting labels should, first of all, make sure of all the care that a particular piece requires.

3. Store clothes properly

Roberta explains that it is essential to store clothes properly in the closet: pieces that stretch – such as knits, lurex and knits – should be folded, while flat fabric items – such as tricoline and silk – can be placed on hangers.

4. Remove stains as soon as possible

“Never store stained items and/or items that may contain some dirt for long periods: stains can become permanent and dirt tends to attract moths or yellow the item over time. The ideal is to remove the stains as soon as they happen and always keep the pieces very clean and in dry places, protected from light”, explains Roberta.

“Some guidelines for suitable products to remove stains: red wine goes well with white wine; lipstick goes well with toothpaste and I really like a stain remover pen, the Tide – it can be bought abroad and go in the bag for any unforeseen event”, adds the image consultant.

5. Don’t wash too often

Do you have the habit of wearing a piece and then putting it in the wash?! This is not the best way.

“Parts that have not been in direct contact with the skin or that have been used for a short period can be hung on coat racks or hangers to ventilate, to be reused one or two more times before washing”, explains Roberta.

“Heavier coats, capes and blazers can be worn up to 4 or 5 times before they need to go to the laundry. The more you wash and iron, the less time your piece will last,” he adds.

6. Do not machine wash any type of garment

As much as it is a great ally, the washing machine is not suitable for washing certain types of clothes. “Pieces made of fine, delicate fabrics and pieces with very intense prints or colors, which can fade, should not be machined. The ideal is to always respect what is written on the label, both in terms of washing modes and temperatures”, highlights Roberta.

7. Properly separate the parts that will go to the machine

According to the consultant, the tip is to separate by color and type of wash: more delicate or normal. “I recommend washing all garments on the delicate cycle of the machine and color items always without temperature so they do not fade”, she says.

8. Do not batch the machine

“Avoid the machine being too full: the more the parts rub, the more they may fade or have those famous balls”, emphasizes Roberta.

9. Check the parts before putting them in the machine

Button up, close the velcro, remove the pieces from the inside out… Finally, leave them suitable for the washing machine, otherwise they will be more prone to spoiling and/or harming other fabrics that will be part of the same wash.

10. Use protective clothing bags

Protective garment bags help protect delicate machine-ready garments such as lingerie, socks and baby clothes.

11. Use suitable products and don’t overdo it

If the idea is to guarantee greater durability to the pieces, according to Roberta, the tip is not to exaggerate the washing powder and fabric softener, which can leave the pieces stained or whitish over time.

Choosing good products also makes a difference. Roberta indicates liquid soaps for delicate clothes or the famous coconut soap, which are ideas for washing clothes by hand.

12. Put it to dry with certain care

The specialist teaches that both white and colored pieces should never be dried in the sun: this is because it yellows light pieces and fades dark pieces. “Prefer ventilated rooms with indirect light,” she says.

“Avoiding the use of clothespins is also highly recommended, as they create horrible marks on clothes, which require more strength and temperature when ironing to get them out of the garment. Use them only for underwear and, if necessary, attach them to the garment inside out or in parts that will not be visible on the body”, he guides.

13. Pass carefully

Roberta recommends using an iron protector to iron all the pieces. “That way you won’t risk burning any fabric,” she says.

“Arrange the pass-through stack in order of temperature, from the part requiring the lowest temperature to the highest. Start with the iron at the lowest temperature (usually silk) and increase as the pieces allow, preferably keeping the iron lower than recommended on the label”, guides the consultant. “When in doubt, test with the iron on a part of the piece inside out to make sure it won’t burn. And avoid pressing the iron on the pieces!” she adds.

14. Have some “stay-at-home pieces”

You don’t have to wear your best clothes to stay at home, do you? Have some older pieces, which are naturally more “worn out”, just for that.

Of course, no one should “have pity” and stop wearing an outfit they bought for fear of ruining it! But, certain care makes the difference and will ensure that your piece – even if it is very dear and, therefore, widely used – lasts exactly as long as it should!