Check the garment after washing
Short answer: Look at seams, neckline and any stains while the garment is wet. Everything is easier to fix then, and a stain that dries becomes harder to remove. The check takes seconds per garment while you are hanging up anyway.
A quick check
When you take the laundry out of the machine, you have each garment in your hand. That is the best time to look it over. Look at stains, seams and neckline before you hang it up. The check takes seconds per garment and saves you from finding a problem only once the clothes are dry.
Why while it is wet
Wet fabric is easier to correct. A stain can be treated again, and a neckline can be smoothed while the fibres are still soft. Once the garment is dry, stains and creases sit more firmly. So it is worth using those few seconds while you are hanging the clothes up anyway.
The stains
A stain that did not come out in the wash must not dry. Heat from drying binds the stain to the fibre, and then it is much harder to remove. Treat it again while the garment is still wet and rewash if needed. Look especially for stains at the collar, sleeves and front.
Heat sets the stain
So do not put the garment on the radiator or in the tumble dryer if a stain is still visible. Keep the garment wet and treat the stain again. Only when it is gone can the clothes dry. It sounds fussy, but it takes only a few minutes and can save a garment you would otherwise have given up on.
The seams
Look for seams that are starting to come apart. A seam repaired when it is a centimetre open takes two minutes. Once it is long, the whole garment can hang crooked. Look especially at sides, shoulders and armholes. See for example bamboo jogging suit for men, where there are seams in many places.
A seam in time
If a seam is coming apart, set the garment aside and sew it when it is dry. You can also ask a tailor for help if you do not sew yourself. The sooner you notice, the smaller the damage. A few minutes of work can give the garment many extra months in the wardrobe.
The neckline
Smooth the neckline by hand before hanging up, while the fabric is still damp. An edge that dries wavy stays wavy. Pull lightly at the edge so it lies flat around the neck. See for example bamboo T-shirt dresses, where the neckline is a visible detail.
When you hang up
Make the check part of hanging up. Pick up the garment, look at stains, seams and neckline, shake it out and hang it up. It takes only a few seconds extra, and you keep track of your clothes week after week. Also see bamboo clothing for women for clothes that should look good for a long time.
Set aside what needs fixing
If something cannot be fixed on the spot, set it aside in a basket or on a hanger you can see. Write a small note if you like, so you remember what to do. Without a reminder, the garment often goes back into the wardrobe and is forgotten. There is no need to do it right away.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the check take
A few seconds per garment while you hang up. You do not need to set time aside, because you have each garment in your hand anyway. Look at stains, seams and neckline and hang the garment up as usual.
What if a stain is still there
Treat it again and rewash before it dries. Heat from drying binds the stain to the fibre, so it becomes harder to remove. Keep the garment wet while you treat the stain, and only hang it up once it is gone.
Can you repair wet garments
Let them dry first, but set them aside so you remember. A seam can be sewn once the fabric is dry. If you have spotted a seam coming apart, do it while the damage is still small.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
