Skip to content
All guides

Your wardrobe

How to make your clothes last

Clothes that are looked after last longer, and they’re worth more when you pass them on.

Wash less, and gently

Check the care label first, since it’s written for that fabric. Most clothes don’t need a wash after every wear, so air them out and spot-clean small marks. When you do wash, turn pieces inside out and choose a gentle cycle.

Go easy on the heat

Heat is hard on fabric. Dry knits flat, put shirts and dresses straight on a hanger, and keep the dryer for towels.

Store it well

Fold knits rather than hanging them, so they keep their shape. Give your wardrobe a little breathing room, and keep clothes out of direct sun.

Fix small things early

A loose button or a small split seam is a quick fix today and a bigger job later. A basic sewing kit, or a local alterations shop, is worth knowing about.