Amelia Yeomans
The arrival of spring means it's finally time to get our warm weather clothes out of storage - but a reset doesn't always mean buying new. Sometimes all you need to fall back in love with items already in your wardrobe is to give them a little TLC.
While it may sound simple, investing in good quality items and looking after them can significantly impact the way you shop. The unfortunate truth is that clothes are being disposed of prematurely. We've probably all made the mistake of shrinking knitwear or parting with a bobbling jumper. With many clothing care tools and mending businesses to lend a hand, this doesn't need to be the case.
Sometimes all it takes is patching up a moth hole, taking trousers up a hem or two or simply getting your much-loved Prada flats a resole. When it comes to taking care of your clothes there are so many tips available: always fold knitwear (as opposed to hanging), air dry denim (to retain the shape) and store pieces inside out (to keep things from snagging).
Invaluable as they are, these passed-down learnings will only get you so far, sometimes leaning into modern technology - and gadgets - can make your life easier. From the best hand held steamers and crease releaser sprays to jewellery cleaning machines, these are the useful tools from my personal wardrobe (and other editors) that will help increase your clothing's life span - and handy details on how to use each item.
Shop Our Top Clothing Care Tools
Steamery's offerings are one of the most aesthetically pleasing and effective in the clothing care market. I moved countries and this gadget followed suit. If you find ironing time and energy-consuming, look no further than Steamery's easy-to-use technology.
Penny Goldstone, Marie Claire UK's Contributing Fashion Editor, has spoken about her love for this particular machine to get her wedding rings looking brand new, and often says that this is "the hardest working gadget" in her household (her partner uses it to clean his glasses too).
This season suede is having a moment so if you buy nothing else, make it Scotchguard. Lighter shades of suede such as camel or grey can easily mark - especially on trousers or on the sleeves of jackets. Spray your jacket in advance of wearing it a few times and you will find your suede clothes or accessories will last a lot longer with less wear and tear.
Brabantia's steaming board will ensure your steaming job is crisp and crease-free. Place the board underneath your clothing and let the steaming process begin.
Clothing care can be luxurious with Diptyque's scented ceramic ring, featuring a lingering rose and fruity blackberry. Pop it into a clothing drawer or a hanger to keep your clothing fresh and avoid overwashing.
Run this pilling comb over your cashmere pieces to loosen bobbling threads.
You'll be surprised just how much a buffing brush can restore the appearance of footwear.
While it may not be the most exciting, never underestimate the power of a lint roller.
The purpose of mesh laundry bags is to prevent microplastics from polluting our streams which is incentive enough, however, the guppy bag also helps to reduce pilling. It's a very worthy investment.
Sunil Makan, Marie Claire UK's Editor, professes his love for this nifty gadget at least once a week - a sentiment shared as an owner of this device. It's a satisfying gadget that will help you refresh bobbled knitwear pieces.
Don't let the odd perforation or snag make you part ways with your favourite clothing. Instead, opt for a sewing kit to make and mend your clothing with ease.
Another pick from Sunil, who says, "You don't always have to wash everything, sometimes a spritz is all it takes to refresh a piece of clothing. With notes of lavender, eucalyptus and orange rind, this fabric mist from The Lab Co keeps your knits smelling great."
How do you keep clothes in good condition?
How you care for an item depends entirely on the fabric. However, the first crucial step is storing all your clothes appropriately. Knitwear should be folded, never put on a hanger, to prevent it from stretching. You can also use garment bags for particularly precious items or delicate fabrics like silk. Suede items should be treated with a fabric protector where possible, and keeping on top of mending holes and re-soling shoes will extend their lifespan.
How can I prolong the life of my clothes?
You can prolong the life of your clothes by following care instructions carefully, particularly when it comes to washing. Opt for spot cleaning where possible, limit machine drying and hand wash delicate items, keep on top of mending, and store everything appropriately.
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