We’re all rushed with every day tasks, and laundry takes up too much of our time. Most of us are also on some sort of budget when it comes to fashion.. whether it be $50 or $500 a month. But.. what if there’s a way to take better care of your clothes without wasting more time on laundry, and actually saving more money? I’m here to tell you that there is, and it all starts with learning a few tips and tricks.
Why Should You Take Better Care of Your Clothes?
For one, because they’ll last longer, and you’ll end up saving money instead of having to buy new all the time. This goes for most things. Swimsuits, bras, t shirts, jeans, etc. For example, have you ever washed a t shirt, and after a few washes.. it’s too small? Then, sooner than you need to, you have to spend another $20 on a t shirt. Here’s another good example- bras. If you dry a bra in the dryer, it’s eventually going to start curving outwards at the top V, and will begin showing through your shirts. Time to buy a new one!
The second reason, is because people notice the small things, and it shows a lot about you. Showing up to work with a wrinkled shirt? I guarantee you, your coworkers will notice- and it won’t be a good impression for you. Same with that T shirt. Your friends will start noticing that your boyfriends t shirts are looking a little tight.. Has he been gaining weight? Or just not taking care of his clothing?
These are just a few reasons why it’s so important. So let’s begin.
Buying high quality:
Buy higher quality clothes. Does this mean spending more money? Yes, it does. (Check out my post on how I save money shopping). Please note- I definitely don’t have an unlimited amount to spend for shopping. And I wouldn’t recommend it unless I believed in this method.
Just recently I went through my closet, and I noticed that the clothing that I’ve kept for years are the ones that were on the pricier side. Why is this? Because the cheap tank top I had from forever 21 eventually got holes in it while my more expensive one never did. The $10 sandals from Target were peeling on the sides while the more expensive sandals are still in great shape.
By buying higher quality, you will save yourself money in the long run.
How to Find High Quality Clothes:
- Learn a bit more about fabrics. For example, Polyester is much more durable than Cotton. It washes easier, and is very comfortable. As you begin to look at the fabrics as a habit, you’ll start to learn what’s the better buy.
- Look for clothes at nicer stores. Instead of Forever 21, start through Nordstrom. They have some great sales too.
- Buy clothes made in USA. When buying clothes made in China, the quality is noticeably cheaper. You’ll often find clothes made in China on Amazon. Though it is not ALL bad, it’s important to pay attention to the reviews. But overall, as a general rule, buying clothes made in the United States tends to be better quality.
Washing Your Clothes:
This one is especially important.
Rule #1) Don’t mix colors with whites. This rule goes above all else. Do NOT mix whites with colors. Here’s what happens if you do:
P.S – If you’re looking for some new great towels, I highly recommend these (as seen on the left):
Rule #2) When you do have a bunch of colors in the load (especially with lots of red), make sure you wash with COLD water. This will prevent the colors from bleeding and mixing.
Though clothes do wash better in warm water, I typically only do this with my whites. Cold water will still give it a good wash, so I’d prioritize not ruining the color over getting a deeper clean to an already good clean.
Rule #3) Pay attention to the garment’s tags. If they’re not at the normal top of the garment (where your neck is), you’ll find it on the side of the inside. Read what the tag says to do. Some clothing shouldn’t be put in the dryer at all. Some need to be washed by themselves. Some need to hand washed. Pay attention to the labels. At first, it may feel time consuming, but you’ll quickly begin to understand which collard shirts to not put in the dryer, and which jeans you want on high heat.
Rule #4) Don’t put your bras in the dryer. I mentioned this one earlier, and it can really do some damage. It can ruin the elasticity, make them start curving out, and can also be harmful to the underwire. Just don’t do it. Instead, after washing, hang them on a hanger, and let them air dry. This will help keep it’s parts and pieces in good shape and in place.
Rule #5) Make sure to wash your bathing suit out with water immediately after using. Chlorine and saltwater both break down the materials in your swim suit. If you want them to last longer, make sure you do this first.
After Care
- Make sure you put your clothes up immediately. When the clothes are still warm, you’ll be able to prevent those wrinkles you’ll have to later get out. If you let those 10 t shirts sit in a basket all week, you are creating more work for yourselves later.
- Use a Clothing Steamer over an Iron. We have all heard of the traditional iron and ironing board. And chances are you’ve heard of a steaming your clothes, yet you don’t do it. Here’s why you should: it’s super easy and super quick. It makes up a lot less time than using an ironing board. The only downside to steaming instead of ironing is that it won’t give you those deep crisp lines you may want for your pants. On the other hand, you won’t get those deep crisp (impossible to get out) lines in clothes you don’t want them in.
Overall, you just have to start taking the baby steps in the right direction of taking better care of your clothes. Overtime, you’ll start to notice a distinct difference in the length of time you’re wearing your garments. You’ll notice your clothes are looking nicer, and you’ll start feeling better about the clothing you have.
I’d love for you to comment and tell me, what other tips and tricks have you learned for keeping your clothing in pristine condition?!
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