One of the easiest ways to have a more sustainable closet is to extend the lifespan of your clothes as long as possible. Here are my top tips for extending the life of your clothing and keeping your favorite fashion pieces out of the landfill!
Sections
5
1. Wash clothes properly
2. Reduce time in the dryer
3. Mend & repair
4. Adapt to body changes
5. Upcycle your clothes
1. Wash clothes properly
The easiest thing you can do for your clothes: take care of them properly and wash them with gentle detergents!
I love that this comes in a metal container too!
Nellie's Laundry Soda
A great laundry detergent tablet :)
BLUELAND Laundry Detergent Tablets
DIY detergents are super gentle on your clothes!
DIY Natural Laundry Detergent
My absolute favorite stain stick that is gentle but effective
Stain Stick Bar
Probably the gentlest way to wash your clothes…
Laundry Soap Nuts
2. Reduce time in the dryer
Instead of throwing your clothes in the dryer, opt to hang dry them instead. This prevents against shrinkage and wear & tear from the dryer.
All the best tips for line drying your clothing :)
Tips for Line Drying Your Clothes
A very affordable rack that can collapse for easy storage
Butterfly Drying Rack
If you must dry clothes, use wool dryer balls to reduce dry time.
Wool Dryer Balls by Friendsheep
3. Mend & repair
Fix the minor issues with your clothes! Mend small holes, replace buttons, or even embroider over larger rips.
Everyone needs a sewing kit - I found mine secondhand at an estate sale!
Sewing Kit Essentials
Learn all the basic embroidery stitches with this kit!
Embroidery Starter Kit
This is something everyone should know how to do!
How to Sew a Button
4. Adapt to body changes
Even as you grow and your body changes you can adapt your clothes to still fit! There is no need for you to stop wearing your favorite pieces :D
These clips can be used to make a loose dress, cardigan, etc. fit more snug
Dress Clips
Even if your sweater gets a little fuzzy you can fix that!
Gleener Fabric Shaver
These are perfect additional buttons to make loose (or tight!) pants fit better
Button Pins for Loose Pants
5. Upcycle your clothes
When you truly can't wear a piece of clothing anymore, upcycle it or dispose of it properly (whether that be the thrift store or trash).
The perfect book to have on hand for upcycling projects :)
Wear, Repair, Repurpose: A Guide to Mending
An awesome program for recycling your used clothes!
Trashie | Take Back Bag
Make sure your donation is wanted and can be used! If it is truly trash, then just throw it away
