What lifetime to expect measured in hours worn
Short answer: A garment is worn by hours in use and by the number of washes, not by how long it has lain in the wardrobe. Two identical garments can last very differently, depending on how often they are worn and washed.
Hours are a better unit than years
A garment worn twice a week for a year has been used far less than one worn daily for half a year. The calendar therefore says little about wear. Think instead about how many hours the garment has been on your body and how many times it has been in the machine when you judge how much time is left.
Washes count just as much
Every wash is an hour of friction, movement and water. The number of washes is therefore a good gauge of how much the garment has been through. A garment washed after every wear wears faster than one that is aired and worn several times. See all bamboo socks for women.
Rotation extends everything
If you have five garments in rotation instead of two, each of them lasts more than twice as long, because each is worn and washed less often. It costs a little more at the start, but the wear is shared out. See Turiform and bamboo footies for women if you want to add to your rotation.
Different use, different lifespan
An everyday sock worn in shoes all day wears faster than a sock worn at home. Activity, sweat and friction against shoes or furniture play a part. Two garments of the same kind can therefore last very differently in two homes, even if they were bought on the same day.
How many washes clothes last
It varies a great deal from garment to garment. Many basics manage several dozen washes with gentle treatment, but hot washing and tumble drying cut that down. Do not take a number as a guarantee, but as a rough gauge, and watch for yourself how your clothes develop.
How to keep count
You need not keep a logbook for everything, but it can help for the garments you wear most. Make a small mark each time the garment is washed, or write the date inside when you start using it. Then you know how many washes it has been through when you judge wear.
The wardrobe wears almost nothing
Clothes lying in the wardrobe wear very little. Light and moisture can still affect them over many years, so store them dry and away from direct sun. A garment that is not used does not fail from wear, but it is not useful either, so do put it to use.
What extends lifespan most
The biggest gains come from lower temperature, less spinning, air drying and more garments in rotation. Add to that not overfilling the machine and turning clothes inside out. Each thing makes a small difference alone, but together they can give a garment much more time.
Judge by use, not age
When you decide whether a garment still has more to give, look at wear and use rather than age. A garment that is five years old but rarely worn can be in better shape than one that is two years old and worn daily. Measure in hours and you get a truer picture.
Frequently asked questions
How many washes does an ordinary knit last
It varies a great deal, but many basics manage several dozen washes with gentle treatment. Hot washing, high heat and tumble drying can cut the number, so use it only as a rough gauge.
Does clothing wear in the wardrobe
Very little, but light and moisture can still affect it over years. Store clothes dry, dark and airy, so they are in good shape when you need them again.
What extends lifespan most
Lower temperature, less spinning, air drying and more garments in rotation. Each thing helps a little, and together they can give a garment considerably longer in use.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
