5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Clothes
Did you know that the average fast fashion article of clothing is designed to fall apart after only five washes and wears? Clothing giants like Forever 21 and H&M make their money off of cheaply producing clothes that aren't designed to last and selling a lot of them. They're also designed to go out of style within a week after you buy, but that's a story for a different day...
Ethical fashion brands, on the other hand, design their pieces to last. The only problem is, you have to take care of them, to ensure they live the fullest life they were designed to. If you've been shopping with more intention and adding investment pieces into your closet, it's so important to know how to properly care for them.
No matter where you shop, a few basic tips for prolonging the life of your clothes will save you lots of money in the long run, and make sure the closet-staples you've fallen in love with stay in the same shape they were when you bought them.
1. Wash Less
If you're used to wearing something for a few hours and then tossing it in the dirty clothes hamper to be washed, you're probably in the majority. However, most clothes (especially denim) can last FOREVER between washes. Unless something is really dirty, or stinks, you should be able to get at least 3 wears out of it before washing.
2. Hang To Dry
Dryers are convenient, but at a price to our clothes. While most labels say "tumble dry low", if you have the space, hang dry as much as you can. Not only is it much more eco-friendly, it will preserve the feel, shape, and fabric of your clothes much longer. And, as a rule of thumb, NEVER dry your delicates in the dryer.
3. Buy Versatile Pieces
Everyone has those pieces that you can only wear a certain way. The shirt that only goes with a certain skirt....you know what I'm talking about. When you buy pieces that are more versatile, meaning they can be worn in multiple different ways and with multiple different outfits, it allows you to extend the use of the item and save money in the long run. The Sotela Shift dress from IMBY is one of my FAVORITE versatile pieces.
4. Don't Let Stains Set
If you spill something on your clothes (it happens), don't let it set or dry. Clean it up as soon as you can, and use a natural stain remover to get the job done before adding any harsh chemicals to the fabric.
5. Know Your Style
If you're in the habit of buying things you don't wear often, getting to know your personal style will be one of the hugest favors your do yourself and your wallet. Not only will you feel better in the clothes you buy, you'll invest in pieces that you love and naturally want to take care of. It really is a win/win.
If you're not sure how to define your personal style, sign up to receive updates on our course launch which will give you every thing you need to create a wardrobe you love.
