10 Habits That Extend the Life of Your Clothes

Short answer: The lifespan of your clothes is decided more by your habits than by your washing machine. Wash cooler and less often, skip the tumble dryer and the fabric softener, and store your clothes clean and dry. Ten small habits can double the life of your bamboo clothing.

Habits 1-5: in the wash

1) Only wash clothes that are actually dirty; airing them out is often enough. 2) Wash at 30-40 degrees. 3) Turn garments inside out and close zips. 4) Use a mild detergent and no fabric softener. 5) Choose a low spin. The details are set out in the complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.

Habits 6-8: drying and ironing

6) Skip the tumble dryer, it is your clothes' greatest enemy. 7) Hang garments up right after washing and you can skip the ironing. 8) Dry dark clothes in the shade so the colours last. That goes for everything from bamboo T-shirts for men to bamboo leggings for women.

Habits 9-10: wear and storage

9) Rotate between several garments instead of wearing one out; two pairs of bamboo socks in rotation last longer than one pair in constant use. 10) Store your clothes clean, dry and folded. The maths is simple: clothes that last twice as long are a good investment, as we show in the post about bamboo and economics.

Frequently asked questions

What wears clothes out the most?

The tumble dryer and washing that is too hot. Heat and mechanical wear break down fibres and elastic faster than actually wearing the garment does.

How often should clothes be washed?

Only when they are dirty or smell. Underwear and socks after every wear, but T-shirts, trousers and jumpers can often be aired and worn several times.

Does bamboo clothing last longer than cotton?

With the right care, bamboo clothing lasts perfectly well on a par with cotton, and it typically keeps its softness and colour looking better throughout its life.