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Making clothes last longer

Wearing what you own for longer costs less than buying better clothes. Where the damage happens.

โฑ About 2min read ยทInformation updated 2026-09-21

๐Ÿ“‹ Key facts

Key
Washing less often makes the biggest difference
Drying
Tumble dryer heat shortens life the most
Storage
Fold knitwear rather than hanging it
Decluttering
Removing what you never wear reveals what you do

Clothes are not worn out by wearing

Garments suffer more during washing and drying than during wear. Machine friction, hot water and dryer heat shave away at the fibres a little at a time. Rather than washing everything after one wear, outerwear and jeans often only need airing out.

How washing can extend life

Temperature and drying make the largest difference. Cold washing and air drying alone extend the life of clothes noticeably. Washing inside out reduces surface friction and colour loss, and a mesh bag prevents tangling and stretching.

  • Cold water, turned inside out
  • Knits and delicate items in a mesh bag
  • Air dry rather than tumble dry
  • Use only as much detergent as needed โ€” excess leaves residue

What to hang and what to fold

Hanging knitwear and heavy jumpers stretches the shoulders and pulls the whole garment out of shape. Anything that cannot carry its own weight should be folded. Shirts and jackets, by contrast, crease when folded and are better hung. Wide-shouldered hangers leave fewer marks.

Storing between seasons

Anything going away until next season must be stored clean. Invisible marks and sweat discolour over time and attract insects. Sealing in plastic traps moisture, so a breathable cover with a desiccant inside works better.

A smaller wardrobe is easier to look after

The more clothes you own, the worse the care each one gets. Anything unworn for a whole season will probably go unworn next year too. Removing them makes what remains visible and leaves less to maintain, which is what actually extends their life.

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