How to get the most out of the wardrobe you have
Short answer: Correct washing, rotating between several identical pieces and the right size are the three things that extend the life of your clothes the most. They cost nothing and only require small changes to your habits.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees, skip the fabric softener and leave the tumble dryer off. Those three things alone can double the life of many garments. High heat and softener wear on the fibres and the elastic, so clothes lose their shape and turn thin sooner. Turn them inside out before washing. Read more in the washing guide.
Rotation
If you have several identical pieces, each one is worn and washed less often. That spreads the wear, so the whole stack lasts longer, instead of one favourite wearing out in six months. Put clean clothes at the bottom of the drawer and take from the top, so everything gets used equally. See bamboo underwear for men.
The size
Clothes that are stretched all day wear out faster. If a T-shirt or a pair of boxers is too small, the fabric is pulled at the seams and loses its elasticity. The right size sits close without squeezing and gets to relax when you move. Measure yourself before buying something new. Use the size guide.
Drying
Lay heavy clothes flat to dry and hang light clothes freely. Heavy pieces like knitwear can stretch if they hang wet on a hanger, while thin T-shirts dry well on a line. Avoid direct sun on dark colours, as they can fade. The tumble dryer causes the most wear of all. See how to dry bamboo clothing.
Storage
Clean and completely dry clothes in an airy wardrobe keep best. Never put away clothes that are slightly damp, as they can start to smell musty. Fold heavy pieces instead of hanging them, and give the wardrobe a little air. If you store seasonal clothes, wash them first. Read about storing bamboo clothing.
Repairs
A small hole can be closed with a few stitches if you deal with it straight away. If you wait, the hole grows with every wash and becomes harder to repair neatly. Use a thin needle and thread in the same colour, and sew small stitches from the inside. It takes minutes. See how to patch a small hole in bamboo clothing.
Buy what you wear
Before buying something new, look at what you actually wear. Most people use a small part of their wardrobe most of the time. Buy more of what you wear every week rather than something that only suits a single occasion. That way every piece gets worn and not forgotten. See the range in bamboo clothing for women.
Air instead of wash
Clothes you have not sweated in can be aired overnight instead of washed. Hang them on a hanger by an open window, and they are ready again the next day. It saves time, water and wear, and the clothes keep their shape longer. This applies especially to tops worn for a few hours. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Frequently asked questions
What extends the life of clothes the most?
Correct washing makes the biggest difference. 40 degrees, no softener and no tumble dryer cost nothing and protect both the fibres and the elastic, so clothes keep their shape longer.
Does it help to have several identical pieces?
Yes. Each piece is worn and washed less often, so the wear is spread across the whole stack. That means you buy new less often, because nothing wears out first.
Do clothes need washing after every wear?
Not always. Clothes you have not sweated in can often be aired overnight instead. Underwear and socks should still be washed after every wear to keep them fresh.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
