How to Care for Your Clothes So They Last

Most clothes are destroyed in the laundry. Here is how to stop killing your wardrobe.

Wash in cold water. Hot water shrinks and fades fabric. Cold water cleans just as well.

Air dry. Dryers are brutal. The heat damages fibers and elastics. Hang your clothes or lay them flat. They will last significantly longer.

Wash less often. Jeans do not need to be washed after every wear. Spot clean when possible. Over washing is the most common cause of wear.

Read labels. They exist for a reason. Some fabrics need special care.

Store properly. Hang coats and dresses. Fold knits. Use wooden hangers for suits. Plastic hangers distort shoulders.

The goal is to make your clothes last. Not to wash them as often as possible.