We live in a world of fast-moving consumer products. The focus is often on quantity rather than quality. In recent years, thousands of on-line clothing stores have opened. Their business model relies on large volumes of cheap garments and a quick turnaround. This provides us with choice and competition. It also makes clothing affordable for everyone. However, you could argue that low-quality products won’t last. Therefore, the initial saving is a false economy.
There are several steps we can take to look after our clothes, save money, and always look out best.
First things first. Shop thoughtfully. Instead of purchasing cheap, bulk clothing, opt for few garments of better quality. Style is not about following the latest trends. It’s about cultivating your own. Paying more initially for an item of well-made clothing will save you money in the long-term.
Storage
After purchasing clothing make sure they are stored properly. This will preserve their life. If you’re storing clothes for the season, ensure they are preserved in breathable bags. Buy quality clothes hangers and ensure they are not stretching your garments. Never hang woolen or heavy items. The weight will weigh them down, and they will lose shape.
A Stitch In Time
If an item becomes damaged or torn, mend it straight away. Remember the adage. “A stitch in time saves nine.” Mending items immediately will prevent worse wear. A Janome sewing machine with a variety of stitches may be a good investment. If items are damaged beyond repair, look at ways they could be recycled.
This is also true of shoes. When your shoes need a new heel, take them to be repaired straight away. If you leave them, the heel will wear down and damage the shoe.
Make Your Own Clothes
Making your own garments is an inexpensive way of wearing unique clothing. Be your own designer and sew your own outfits. This will also give you full control over quality, and you can ensure that each piece is well-made. It may also save you some money if you shop around for fabric.
Washing
Always check the labels before washing clothes. Don’t just take a guess. Even if garments seem okay after going through the hot wash, they will degrade over time.
If many of your clothes need to be dry cleaned, it is a good idea to invest in a steamer. This is less damaging than harsh dry cleaning chemicals. At a pinch, you could hang them in a steamy bathroom between dry cleaning visits.
If items contain graphics like t-shirts, turn them inside out before washing. The same is true for jeans. Wash rough items separately. Always wash delicates on their own.
If possible, avoid using a tumble dryer to dry your clothes. The heat can shrink and fade garments. Ideally, hang them out to dry in the fresh air. Take care when hanging wet clothing. Some items may need to be dried flat to avoid losing shape.
All of the above are simple to execute. Unless you’re making your own clothes, they are quick to put in place. Taking these simple steps will preserve the life of your clothes and help you to save money. You will also look your best whenever you leave the house.
About Jammie Morey
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