Make your clothes last longer with these simple tips

In a world of fast fashion and throwaway culture, taking care of our clothes is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to live more sustainably. That’s why we’ve compiles some of our favourite tips on how to care for your fabrics, so they stay looking great and last for years to come. 

1. Wash less, wear more

Overwashing can cause fabric fibers to break down faster, shortening the life of your garments. Unless your clothes are stained, starting to smell, or visibly dirty, consider airing them out or spot cleaning instead of automatically tossing them in the wash after every wear.

Bonus tip: Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are more breathable and tend not to trap odours as quickly as synthetic fabrics like polyester. Polyester holds onto sweat and bacteria, making it more prone to becoming smelly after a single wear, especially in warm or active conditions.

2. Wash smarter

When it’s time to wash, a few small tweaks make a big difference:

• Use cold water:

  It saves energy and is gentler on fabrics.

• Use a gentle, natural based detergent:

  Harsh chemicals can damage fabric and pollute waterways.

• Wash a full load:

  Small loads can causes unnecessary friction that wears down clothes faster. At the same time, it's important to avoid overloading the machine as that can decrease cleaning efficiency or cause damage to clothes and the machine.

• Utilise the different wash cycles available:

  Use delicate or wool wash on your machine when relevant.

Before putting your garments in the wash:

• Turn clothes inside out: This protects colours and reduces abrasion.

• Do up zippers: This prevents damaging the zippers and the zipper teeth from snagging and damaging other garments.

• Unfasten buttons: This prevents the tugging at the button and seams.

• Stick velcro together: Prevents damaging other garments.

• Keep drawstings tied: Prevents them from tangling with other clothing or getting pulled out from their casing.

Image: Person putting clothes in the washing machine

Bonus tip: Keep dry cleaning to a minimum. Typical dry cleaning processes use harsh chemicals that can degrade fabrics. If the garment is not visibly dirty, you can consider getting it pressed instead so it gets a refresh without the harsh cleaning process

3. Air dry your clothes

Dryers are convenient, but they’re also one of the biggest culprits in damaging fabric. High heat weakens fibers, causes shrinkage, and fades colours. Instead, air dry your garments. A drying rack or clothesline not only preserves your clothes, but also cuts down your energy bill.

Letting them dry out in the sun also helps disinfect your laundry and gives them a nice fresh smell. It is important to note however, that sunlight can also fade colours, particularly red and black garments and delicate items made of cotton and silk. So, for those items, it’s best to dry them under the shade or indoors.

Bonus tip: Clothes hanging inside without any fresh air circulating can smell musty and too unpleasant to wear. A good way to avoid this is to add laundry sanitiser into the washes you plan to hang your wash indoor.

4. Read the care label

Each label includes symbols and instructions specific to the fabric type and construction, guiding you on how best to wash, dry, iron, and store your item. Learning to understand these symbols helps you avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging your clothes unintentionally.

Here’s what to look for:

Washing instructions:

Drying instructions:

Ironing instructions: 

Dry cleaning instructions:

Why it matters:

Different fabrics have different needs. Washing wool in hot water, for example, can cause shrinking and felting, while ignoring the "no tumble dry" symbol on delicate items like lace or silk can lead to irreversible damage.

Understanding care labels also helps you plan your laundry better — grouping similar care items together saves time, energy, and water.

Bonus tip: If you’ve cut out the tag because it was itchy (we’ve all done it!), look up care instructions online based on the fabric type or refer to similar garments you own. Natural fabrics like linen and wool usually require gentler care than synthetics like polyester or nylon.

5. Repair, don't replace

A missing button or a small tear shouldn’t mean the end of a garment’s life. Basic mending skills or a trip to your local tailor can give your clothes a second chance.

Image: Person hand stitching on a button

6. Store with care

Proper storage keeps your fabrics in top shape:

• Fold knits like sweaters to prevent stretching.

• Hang structured garments like jackets or blazers on padded hangers.

• Keep your closet cool and dry to prevent mold and moths.

• Use lavender or cedar sachets as a natural moth repellent.

Bonus tip: Investing in good hangers can help your clothes stay in shape and last longer. Thin metal hangers can warp over time and potentially snag and tear your clothes.

Image: Folded knitwear in a drawer 

Choose to cherish

Sustainability isn’t just about what we buy, it’s about how we treat what we already have. By caring for your clothes thoughtfully, you’re not just preserving fabrics, you’re preserving stories, resources, and the planet.