How to care for your clothes in a sustainable way

Keep your clothing for longer can help to dramatically reduce the emissions that occur during the life cycle of a clothing item. 

Factors that can impact how long an item of clothing is kept for include the willingness of the owner to wear the same item repeatedly for at least 30 times; technical aspects such as the resilient fabrics of dyes and colours, the ability to repair clothing and how consumers look after their clothes in general.

Taking care of an item of clothing can help to significantly increase the lifespan of clothes.

Here are some of our top tips in taking care of your clothes, so they stay looking like new for longer and reducing your carbon footprint on planet earth. 

1. Wash less 

Washing your garments too often can actually damage the fibres and colours of your clothes. If an item isn't dirty but just needs freshening up, rather try hanging it outside or in a steamy bathroom to breath first. 

2. Wash at low temperatures 

Wash clothes at a low temperature with a gentle and natural laundry detergent to keep the fabric clean and soft, and also to prevent colour fading. Less is more when it comes to washing powders and liquids. A staggering 80% of the emissions produced during the 'in use' stage of a standard T-shirt are from washing and tumble drying. Wash at 30 degrees or less helps to reduce those emissions substantially. The obvious exception might be bedding and towels, which need a higher temperature wash. 

3. Read the care labels 

Different materials require different approaches to washing. Wool, for example should only washed when absolutely needed, using a specific wool detergent on a gentle low temperature wash. Or even better a handwash. It's important to take proper care for delicate fabrics such as crochet and silk, which are particularly vulnerable to damage by chemicals and heat. Always wash your fabrics at the recommended temperature or lower for a sustainable greener future. 

4. Cut down on dry cleaning 

When consumers see dry clean only label, they tend to believe there is extra effort involved in cleaning the item. But actually most delicate items labelled with this can be handwashed in cold water. Dry cleaning can have a negative effect on textiles fibres and consumers skin due to a highly chemical intensive process that has a negative environment impact. Where dry cleaning is the only option, look for environmentally friendly cleaner using non toxic and eco friendly services. 

4. Use eco-friendly powders and detergents

Some standard detergents can contain fossil fuel-based substances, which can have a negative effect on the environment as they don't biodegrade. Thankfully there are a growing number of eco-friendly laundry products you can found at your local supermarket. Plus they come in refillable bottles and are made from recycled plastic. 

5. Wash inside out 

Another handy tip is to wash clothes inside out when machine washing. That way the fibres, buttons and zips on the garments have less friction that cause damage to clothing fabric. 

6. Air day 

There's nothing better like freshly laundered of air dryed scent when you take your clothes off the washing line. Not only does it smell amazing, it is also better for your clothes and the planet compared to tumble drying, which uses alot of energy powered running and also damage certain fibres. Instead hang your clothes on the washing line, drying rack or on hangers to air dry. Pay attention to clothing labels as some garments, might need to dry out of direct sunlight. 

7. Store properly 

The correct storage can really prolong the lifespan of your clothing. Store all clothes in a cool and dry space to protect from dampness, sunlight and heat. Make sure clothes are clean before storing away, as dirt and debris can attract moths which will damage your clothes. When hanging clothes, use  wooden or padded hangers to further protect garments from becoming out of shape. 

8. Repair damage 

Repair any damage to a garment when you first notice it. This will increase the lifespan of the item, as the damage will likely get worst over time if left unrepaired. You can also refresh and restore items to keep them looking like new. For example de-pilling that sweater or brushing that suede jacket will preserve them and keep them in a wearable good condition. 

9. Alter to fit or refresh the look

Many of us longer wear our favourite item because it longer fits us. Or because it's no longer in style. A simple alteration like taking in at the waist or shortening a full-length dress can give you what feels like a fresh new outfit. Keep your old favourite pieces of clothing updated with the latest style.