Superdry explains how incorporating simple strategies can prolong lifespan of garments
Clothing brand Superdry has offered advice on prolonging the lifespan of your favourite items, maintaining their quality (which means they’ll last longer) and saving you some cash in the process.
With approximately 30% of unwanted clothes finding their way into UK landfills annually, this equates to 300,000 tonnes of clothing disposed of in household rubbish bins each year.
“The emphasis on sustainability in the fashion industry has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader concern for personal environmental impact,” says Denise Posner, marketing director at Superdry.
“By incorporating simple strategies such as air drying, spot cleaning and garment repair, individuals can actively contribute to mitigating fashion’s environmental impact.
“What’s more, caring for your clothes and extending their wear time helps to both save you money and keep your favourite items of clothing looking good for longer.”
Wash smart, not often
Over-washing your clothes can lead to unnecessary stretching and wear. Instead, consider rotating the clothes you wear, allowing your garments ample time between uses. This simple tip not only prolongs the lifespan of your clothing, but also encourages you to rediscover items tucked away in the back of your wardrobe, reducing the temptation to make unnecessary purchases.
For delicate items, some professionals in the costume industry go as far as recommending a gentle spritz of vodka to eliminate odour and help preserve the fabric’s integrity by avoiding unnecessary washing. This method freshens the garment without risking damage and is perfect for dry clean-only items that cannot be washed in a machine.
Make the most of cooler washes
Embrace the benefits of cooler wash cycles, which conserve energy, preserve the vibrant colours of your clothing and reduce the chances of shrinkage. This tip is a great way to save even more money and massively reduces the chances of accidentally ruining your favourite outfit.
Furthermore, be sure to consult the washing instructions on the label for temperature recommendations for your clothes, as many delicate items will need to be hand-washed only.
If you opt for traditional hand-washing, always use a specialist detergent which will be kinder to your clothes and your hands. Rinse thoroughly to rinse residual detergent away and squeeze firmly to remove excess water — but never wring or twist as that can cause damage to the fabric or distort a garment’s shape.
Let nature do its work
Harness the power of nature by ditching the dryer in favour of a clothesline or drying rack. This helps extend the lifespan of your clothing by minimising wear and tear caused by heat exposure. Sunlight offers natural antimicrobial properties and acts as a gentle whitening agent for fabrics.
Additionally, you can enhance the whitening effect by lightly spritzing clothes with white vinegar before hanging them outdoors, helping the sun to keep your whites looking fresh.
Bag it up
Safeguard your delicate items, such as lingerie and knitwear, by washing them in mesh laundry bags, which provide an added layer of protection against stretching and snagging during the wash cycle.
Additionally, many clothes will benefit from being washed inside out. This offers further defence against friction and abrasion, prolongs garment lifespan and minimises damage.
That’s the spot
Prioritise spot cleaning to target stains and spills, reducing frequent wash cycles and extending your clothes’ lifespan.
Over-washing contributes to shrinkage, colour fading and premature deterioration of your favourite items. If you spot a small mark or stain on your clothing item, try spot cleaning before washing it unnecessarily.
Be extra careful when ironing
Always take care when ironing your clothes; this is an easy way to ruin your favourite item. Make sure to select the appropriate temperature setting and use a clean, damp pressing cloth for delicate fabrics to prevent heat damage and preserve garment quality.
Proper ironing techniques make your clothes look their best and contribute to their longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Professionals always iron items made from natural fibres, like cotton and silk, while they are still damp as it helps deal with creasing.
And invest in a detachable Teflon sole-plate to use on synthetic or delicate fabrics — this diffuses the heat and prevents scorching or burning.
Bin wire hangers
Always store your clothes correctly to maintain their shape and condition. For example, knitwear should be folded and stored on a shelf instead of hanging to prevent stretching.
Also make sure you use hangers that are designed to properly support the weight and shape of each garment. For example, using a cheap wire hanger for your expensive blazer is going to ruin its shape. Instead, consider investing in a proper jacket hanger that will keep the correct shape.
And always make use of the hanging loops that you find inside your clothes, which help keep garments in the right position when they’re on the hanger, supporting the weight and stopping fabrics from stretching and distorting.
For more on Superdry, see www.superdry.com
