The myth that clothes can last forever if you look after them
Short answer: Good care can extend the life of clothes a great deal, but no garment lasts forever. Fibres wear, elastic loses its stretch and colours fade. The aim is to get as many good years out of your clothes as possible.
Why clothes wear out
Every time clothes are worn and washed, the fibres are exposed to friction, pulling and heat. Tiny fibres break off and turn into lint or bobbles. The yarn gets thinner and the fabric loses some of its strength. It happens slowly, but it happens to all clothing regardless of quality. The clothes that sit closest to the body and are washed most often, such as underwear and socks, wear out fastest of all.
Elastic has a lifespan
Elastane gives clothes stretch and helps them recover their shape. But elastane is a fibre that weakens over time, especially from heat, chlorine, sweat and the sun's UV radiation. After many washes, waistbands go slack and the fabric loses its spring. Low temperatures and gentle drying slow the process down, but they cannot stop it completely. That is why underwear needs replacing more often than outer layers. See bamboo underpants for men.
Care extends lifespan
The most important way to make clothes last is to follow the care label. Wash at the lowest temperature that gets the clothes clean. Turn garments inside out so the surface rubs less. Avoid overfilling the machine and use the right amount of detergent. Dry clothes hanging rather than in a tumble dryer. These habits can add many more years to your clothes. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Rotate between several pieces
Clothes last longer when they get a rest. If you have several of the same kind, rotate between them so each one is worn and washed less often. This applies especially to shoes, which need time to dry, but also to underwear and T-shirts. A garment worn every day wears out far faster than three that are taken in turns, even though the total wear is the same.
Repair and storage
Small holes and loose seams can often be repaired before they grow. A loose button can be sewn back on, and a small tear closed with a few stitches. Store clothes clean and dry, and fold knits rather than hanging them so they do not stretch out of shape. Bobbles can be removed carefully with a fabric shaver. It takes a little time, but it can give a garment a second life.
When it is time to replace
Even the best cared for clothes reach a point where they no longer work. When underwear has gone slack, socks have holes at the heel or the fabric has worn see through, it is time to replace them. Worn out clothes can often be handed in for textile recycling. See bamboo underwear for men for everyday styles that hold up to many washes.
Frequently asked questions
Can clothes last forever with good care
No. Good care extends their life a great deal, but fibres and elastic always wear over time.
What makes elastic go slack
Heat, chlorine, sweat and sunlight weaken elastane over time, especially at high temperatures in the washer and dryer.
How do you make clothes last longest
Follow the care label, wash at a low temperature, dry hanging and rotate between several pieces.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
