Have you ever thought about how much money you spend on clothes each year? If you do the math, you’ll see that it’s actually a small fortune! In other words, all of the attire that you own deserves the proper care, so that you can preserve it and keep it fresh, new-looking. Go through the bad habits below to find out the unexpected ways you ruin your favorite clothing pieces.
Fold Or Hang?
What most of us don’t even know is that some clothes are meant to be hung, while others should only be folded. The way you store your favorite garments affects their longevity. Keep all of your sweaters folded, and you can say thanks later! Everything that is big, heavy, or bulky, shouldn’t be placed on a hanger. The weight will pull pieces of clothing down and eventually change their form.
You’re Not Selective With The Dryer
The dryer is definitely one of the most commonly used household devices. But, what you really have to learn is that not all clothes should be placed in the dryer. Make sure that you check the tags of your pieces to figure out which is the best way to dry them after washing. Some fabrics can easily shrink when exposed to high temperatures, so air drying is the best and safest option for them.
Bad Hangers
Bad hangers can really ruin your favorite clothing! Don’t be cheap when buying them, because they can make a huge difference in the way your garments look. Those weird shoulder moments, when the fabric becomes bulgy, are all a result of cheap hangers. You can save yourself from hours of ironing by simply investing in more expensive and quality versions.
You Don’t Alter Clothing
Not all clothes are made to fit you perfectly. Have you just now noticed that your favorite pair of jeans are a bit too long and that’s the reason why you’re ruining them? Well, the answer is very simple. Getting pieces trimmed or tailored is something you should do right away. If you ever need to alter clothing, you can try it at home by following some tutorials but, if you don’t own the proper equipment, you can always hire a professional tailoring and alteration services and get your clothes looking great again.
You Use Too Much Detergent
The easiest way to destroy clothes is with too much detergent. There are instructions on every single packaging of detergent, so don’t ever use more than you should. The residue of it will remain in the fabric of the garments and that will definitely show in time. If you use more than advised, the washing machine will not be able to rinse it all off with water and you end up shortening the lifespan of attire.
You Don’t Treat Stains Properly
Staining your best top leads to an instant state of panic! At that moment none of us think straight, and that’s when we make the biggest mistakes. There isn’t a single person in the world who is not clumsy at times, which means this is a bad habit we all need to break. The first instinct that appears is rubbing the stain with a towel, sponge, or paper. It can really damage the fabric and end in a disaster. The chances are it will take you three times longer to later remove the stain.
The thing you should do is simply go lightly over the it and wash the garment as soon as possible. If you leave it for a longer time, the chances are you will never remove the stain.
You Wash Denim Too Often
Throwing your jeans, denim jacket, or skirt in the washer too often will change the way the fabric looks. This will also alter their shape, which is something anyone would regret, especially if it’s a flattering piece. Avoid washing denim too much and you’ll notice that it will keep the same design and color for a very long time.
Our favorite clothing pieces are often delicate and need proper care in order to have them last longer than one season. Avoiding these habits will make your clothes last a bit longer and look great even after a lot of wears.
Tony Kantzavelos is the owner of LoveYourTailor. Specializing in clothing alterations and tailoring since 1986. He loves customizing his relatives’ clothes and enjoys sharing his knowledge with anyone interested.
lmao im guilty of most of these. Thanks for the advice!!! Pinning it for when we move in together in a year!