The Pre-loved Atelier believes in the ethos that we build a carefully curated wardrobe of garments that are made to last. Garment care goes hand in hand with slow fashion.
Having a clothing care kit at home, can help you extend the life of your garments. For help in making your clothes last longer, these are the items we always reach for again and again.
Before you start, you should get to grips with what fabrics your garments are made from. Check the clothing care label, what the fabric composition is. Make sure you understand the washing instructions. I have this poster up in the studio to remind me.
Here are our top 5 clothing care essentials.
- Sewing kit – An absolute essential for even the most novice sewer. Repairing items can significantly prolong the life of a garment. Whether it’s or a button or a small hole, saving a wardrobe malfunction or making an alteration to suit your shape, repairing rather than no longer using it, will give your garment a longer lifespan.
For larger alterations, it’s always helpful to have the number of a good seamstress handy.
- Steamer – When an iron just won’t fully get the creases out or your item is too delicate to iron, this is when a steamer comes in handy. I use a handheld Steamer from Steamery, that can be easily transported. There are plenty of options currently available on the market. Most fabrics can be steamed but avoid steaming leather, suede or plastic garments. Steaming can also reduce wear and tear on the garment.
- Knitwear Fabric Shaver (De-bobbler)
To revive worn out knitwear, I have found that an electric fabric shaver is so much more efficient and time saving than a manual one. Piling can make the item appear more worn that it is. I use the Steamery Fabric shaver, but again, plenty of other options are available.
- Bicarbonate of Soda
An absolute hero of a product to have handy at home. Bicarbonate of soda is great for removing stains AND smells. It is a great non-toxic ingredient to use as an alternative to stain remover or odour remover.
To use, create a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of water, add to the stained area and leave to soak for a few hours. Then wash as per the instructions and you should have the item looking bright and free of stains.
- Clothing spritz
Washing your garments too frequently can shorten the lifespan of your garments, so a clothing spray can be a great alternative. Clothing sprays are great at neutralising odours and smells, freshening up an item to wear again before needing to wash it. It is especially good on dry clean only items. Clothes doctor have specialised sprays for different fabrics. Another day spray has a great fragrance and great for spritzing on when wearing.
Further tips for making your clothes last longer….
Clothing storage - I recommend using Vac packs bags (I’m aware they are plastic but you can reuse them year after year) for out of season storage to truly keep the moths or damp at bay. It also means that only having current season clothing in your wardrobe will give you have a clear idea of what you can wear for the season you are in.
Leaving cedar blocks & lavender bags in your wardrobe can be helpful for keeping away moths.
Separate out your dark colour garments and white items.
Acting quickly to remove a stain can significantly increase the likelihood of it disappearing.
Washing too frequently can wear out your garments, jeans for example can cope with at least 3-5 wears before you need to wash it.
Air dry when you can. - What with the British weather being unpredictable and outside spaces sometimes being at a minimum but air drying your garments can significantly lengthen the life of your garment. Sunlight also naturally disinfects and deodorizes garments.
Was this helpful to you? Do you have any other clothing care essentials that you swear by?
We’d love to hear them.
Chloe x
*** None of these products are endorsed or being advertised on behalf of the companies by the Preloved Atelier. They are products that we have purchased and used ourselves.
