2 minute read
IF YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
from LOW&SLOW ISSUE 00
A great way to slow down your consumption in fashion is to use what you already have! While it sounds simple, keeping your clothes in good condition is the key to a timeless wardrobe. Here are some tips on how to give your clothes that tender love and care that they so desperately need. After all, reusing is reducing!
Before we get started, please always check the tags in your clothing. Usually, there will be instructions that tip you off on the best way to care for the item. But don’t worry if you can’t find that magical tag. That’s why I’m here! Leather
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Leather is definitely a more sensitive fabric– yes, even pleather. Be sure to wipe down your leather item with a damp washcloth when it gathers dust in your closet. Whatever you do, avoid putting it in the washing machine! The more you wash your leather, the less use you’re going to get out of it! Your best bet is always going to be using leather cleaner or a plain old dish rag. Less is more when it comes to keeping your leather looking fresh.
Suede
Never use water! Did you read that right? NEVER USE WATER! As impractical as it may sound, you should never get your suede clothes or shoes anywhere near water. Don’t even think about jumping in that puddle! Water effectively ruins suede by making the fabric’s leathery ‘hairs’ stiff and brittle. This is a surefire way to make your suede look worn down by the second wear. To be honest, avoiding cleaning suede entirely is your best bet. But if you really need to spiff them up, use a small dot of shampoo on a damp towel. Suede is hard to maintain, but not impossible! But please, be sure to check the weather forecast before slipping on those boots.
Denim care to make the most out of your purchase. Be sure to not put your silk clothing in the dryer, but also don’t dry it in direct sunlight! Air drying it on a hanger inside is likely the best approach. Never (ever) wash with bleach, as this will effectively ruin the fabric. Cool, dry and dark are conditions that suit silk the best.
Washing your denim in cold water will help the denim stay the correct size and keep the color from fading. Although denim can be a pretty easy fabric to care for, there are still some ways to get more wear out of that favorite pair of jeans. Letting your denim air dry after a cold water wash is going to keep the denim looking nice and new. For the love of God, avoid fabric softeners. For the best results, wash the item inside out!
Velvet
Velvet is another fabric that is known for being a bit tricky to maintain. But when it looks as cool and bewitching as velvet tends to, it’s worth it! First, don’t apply pressure to velvet when it’s wet; this will pull apart the fabric and trust me, you don’t want to do that. To keep it in its prime, hang your clothing up in a well-ventilated area after your wear. Whatever you do… Never. Iron. Velvet! If you follow these simple instructions, your velvet pieces will look as good as new!
Hopefully, you can keep your clothing in your closet for years with these simple care tips. It’s never fun to say goodbye to your favorite pieces in your wardrobe– so don’t!
Silk
Silk is a very delicate fabric. It also tends to run on the expensive side, so it’s important to take good