Wash Less (and More Intentionally)
Think about what you do most days. Your clothes don’t get all that dirty. Unless you get particularly sweaty or spill something, most garments can withstand up to three wearings before needing to be laundered. Because the washing machine can be tough on clothes—you dump them into a big drum and slosh them around with detergent and a bunch of other clothes. Stuffing your washer with too many item can lead to damage and fading. Add too much detergent and your clothes will come out dull and stiff. Your best bet is to never overload your machine, turn clothes inside out for further protection and use a gentle detergent on a cold water cycle.
Dry Gently
Electric dryers suck all the humidity from clothing, and the fabric—especially cotton—becomes stiff, brittle and weak. Its these broken fibers that lead to the washed out, dull appearance, along with holes or rips. And as the fibers tighten up, your garments shrink. Not to mention, the heat often chips and cracks mother of pearl buttons. You’re better off air drying clothes. You don’t need a dedicated laundry room or clothesline, just a simple folding drying rack. Look for a sturdy rack with plenty of surface area to lay some pieces flat while hanging others.
Two-tier collapsible drying rack, $59.99 by Brookstone
Care for Knits Properly
Even though stores are guilty of this, don’t hang heavy sweaters at home in your closet. The knit will start to stretch and you’ll be left with sad, droopy shoulders that won’t look right. Always fold your sweaters. And in the offseason, seal your knits in airtight bags or boxes to avoid moths. And if you start to notice pilling, that’s not a sign of poor quality. It’s simply unavoidable with wool fibers. Use a fabric shaver to easily remove the little balls and refresh the knit.