7 easy ways to make your clothes last longer

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By , Audacy

Everyone knows the joy in finding a perfect article of clothing that is reliable in a last-minute crunch.

Unfortunately, through normal wear-and-tear, the go-to sweater often becomes stretched in the neck, and a comfortable pair of sweatpants may shrink in the drier. People are left returning to the store to keep their wardrobe in decent shape.

Replacing clothes often not only gets expensive, it can also have a larger impact on the environment than many realize. UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) found that the fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon mission, and nearly 20% of wastewater. This level of energy consumption is greater than both aviation and shipping combined.

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8 ways to reduce waste in your fashion habits
8 ways to reduce waste in your fashion habits

Keeping your clothes longer and reducing the amount of items you buy is the first step towards having an ethical and sustainable wardrobe.

Here are 7 easy ways to help make your clothes last longer, save you some money, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Vertical storage of clothing, tidying up, room cleaning concept
Photo credit Getty Images

Wash your clothes less often

Resist the urge to throw more durable clothing like jeans and sweaters in the washer after each use. Spot cleaning and stain removers are great cleaning alternatives to keep your clothes looking new for longer.

Close-up of person reading the clothing label showing washing instructions
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Read clothing labels

Those hard-to-read clothing labels may be itchy, but they include valuable information for an item's individual care needs. Instead of cutting them off, try Scotch Essentials Wardrobe Tape Strips for tags that poke.

Buy a Scotch Essentials Wardrobe Tape Strips for $8.37

Laundry Drying on a Clothes Rack Indoors
Photo credit Getty Images

Hang dry your clothes

Hot dry cycles cause many fabrics to shrink. Heat is especially damaging to natural materials like cotton and wool. Use a clothes drying rack to keep your clothes maintain their original shape. Wrinkle spray can help give your clothes a fresh and ironed look.

Buy an Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Rack for $32.25
Buy a Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray, 2-pack, for $13.94

View Looking Out From Inside Washing Machine As Man Does White Laundry
Photo credit Getty Images

Wash your clothes in cold water

Dark and bright colors tend to bleed when washed in hot water, causing your clothes to lose their vibrancy and appear older. Hot water can also damage delicate materials, and even melt plastic button and zippers. Washing clothing in cold water can also help save on your next energy bill. About 90% of the energy the washing machine uses goes towards heating the water, according to coldwatersaves.org.

Washing net laundry bag
Photo credit Getty Images

Use a laundry bag for undergarments and delicate clothing

Mesh laundry bags are a great way to keep undergarments and delicate clothing items from being damaged in the washer and extend the life of more expensive items. They can be washed right with a normal load of laundry.

Buy it on Amazon for $5.99

Learn how to sew and repair your own clothes

Owning a reliable sewing kit will come in handy when a button pops off, or a hole appears on a seam. Learn how to make small repairs at home to get more use out of your clothes, and avoid expensive dry cleaning costs.

Buy a sewing Kit for Home, Travel, & Emergencies, for $6.99

Before and after kids clothes drawer
Photo credit Getty Images

Avoid throwing clothes on the floor

Take the extra couple of minutes to hang your clothes in the closet, or folding them after each use. Tossing your outfit on the floor after a long day may seem tempting, but can cause them to wear.

For more ideas on how you can save the planet, visit 1Thing. RADIO.COM may earn commission for products purchased via affiliate links.

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