Clothes are important. What you wear says something about you, what you do and what you stand for. The clothes you wear affect how you feel. So cherish your clothes! How you take care of your clothes will help keep them looking good. With these practical tips, your clothes will last longer.
Tip 1: Wash your clothes with care
Most of us do our laundry too frequently. I’m not saying you should wear dirty clothes. But the more you wash your items, the faster they lose their shape, fade and wear out. So when washing, do it properly. Choose lower temperatures, use less and natural detergents and don’t overfill the machine.
Pour vinegar into the washing machine (about 125 ml white vinegar). This enhances the action of the detergent and protects against color fading. If you have a small stain on your garment, it’s best to remove it by hand with Marseille soap (that large white non-chemical bar of soap) instead of washing it too often.
Vinegar is also a good way to get sweat odors and stains out of your clothes. Soak your clothes overnight in a bucket of water with a good splash of vinegar. The easiest way to address faint smells is to air dry your item outside in fresh air or air dry it in a sunny room with a breeze and green plants. Just be careful not to hang your colorful garment in direct sunlight too long to avoid color-fading. Hanging your sweater in a steamy bathroom is also a great option for freshening fabrics. If the smell persists after a few days, spraying your garment with straight clear vodka works surprisingly well.
Tip 2: Use good hangers
Buy good hangers. Most plastic and wire hangers will stretch out the shoulders of your garments and leave you with saggy clothing. Go for wooden hangers and padded hangers they are more expensive but they take better care of your garments and your clothes will last longer.
Make sure your clothes are not pressed together in your wardrobe. Because clothes need to breathe. So leave enough space so that all your items get enough air. This way you have less chance of creases and you won’t have to iron your clothes again. Fold t-shirts, heavy sweaters and knits along the seams to maintain the shape of the item.
Tip 3: Let everything air out
Breathing is crucial to your wardrobe. After taking off your clothes and shoes, hang them or place them outside your closet for at least half an hour before putting or hanging them back in your wardrobe. For example, do this for your clothes on a hanger or hook outside your closet.
It is also important to rotate your clothes and shoes and allow them to rest. Wearing your clothes too often eliminates the chance to breathe. Clothes and accessories lose their shape and wear out more quickly when you wear the same every single day. You’ll save more money on the long run if you have different items of quality that you love wearing at your disposal.
Cherish your clothes and enjoy them every day!
Carina van der Kloet is founder and personal stylist. She has twenty years experience. She has given numerous master classes and personal styling advice to thousands of people including management, executives, entrepreneurs, expatriates, diplomats working at various (international) organizations.
Carina van der Kloet grew up in French speaking countries in Africa and in the United States. She speaks English, French and Dutch.
"Carina van der Kloet is an inspiring speaker! With striking examples of how clothing works for you, she knows how to create a pleasant and intimate atmosphere. Great to see how you can create impact with few words."Miranda van Mondfrans, director Pro Assistance BV
CARINA
Personal Styling
Wilhelminastraat 39
1054 VV Amsterdam
T 020 – 685 34 15
info@carinapersonalstyling.nl