How to tell that clothes are worn out

Short answer: Clothes are worn out when the fabric has turned see-through, the elastic no longer holds, or the shape does not come back after washing. It happens gradually and is often noticed too late.

See-through

Hold the top up to the light. If you can see through it where you could not before, the fabric has worn thin.

Elastic

An elastic that does not pull back after a day of wear is used up. That applies to both the waist and the cuffs.

Shape

If the top does not come back into shape after washing, the fibres have lost their springiness.

Socks

The heel gets thin long before a hole appears. See how to avoid holes in your socks.

Underwear

Underwear is usually the first thing that needs replacing. See when should underpants be replaced.

Replace the whole set

If the pieces were bought at the same time, they are worn out at the same time. Replace them together rather than one at a time.

Extend the life

Wash at 40 degrees, no fabric softener and no tumble dryer. See the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does bamboo clothing last?

With correct washing, typically several years for tops and one to two years for underwear in regular use.

What wears out first?

The elastic. It loses its grip before the fabric does.

Can the life be extended?

Yes. Avoid the tumble dryer, stay at 40 degrees and skip the fabric softener.