What you should know about caring for clothes properly from the start
Short answer: Wash new clothes before wearing them, skip fabric softener from the very first wash, and keep the temperature at forty degrees. Getting these three habits right from the start nearly doubles how long a garment ends up lasting in practice.
Wash before wearing
The first wash removes finishing agents and loose dye, which can otherwise transfer onto skin or other clothing in the early days. It makes the fabric softer and more comfortable against the skin right from the very first wear. See washing and care.
Skip fabric softener from the start
If a piece has never had fabric softener on it, its moisture transport never has to be washed free of a film later on. It is easier to keep a good habit from the beginning than to correct it afterward. See bamboo underwear for men.
Forty degrees all the way through
Higher temperature rarely gets clothes cleaner, but it breaks down elastic and colour noticeably faster over time. Forty degrees is enough for most everyday clothing, and it protects both fabric and elastic considerably better. See bamboo underwear for women.
Turn it inside out from the first wash
Turn the garment inside out from the very first wash, so friction from the drum hits the inner side instead of the side you actually see and wear. The colour therefore stays noticeably better for longer. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Low heat when tumble drying
Elastane loses its stretch from heat more than from ordinary wear and washing. This is the single habit that matters most for a garment's durability, and it is also the easiest one to change. See all bamboo socks for men.
Air clothes between washes
Not every garment needs washing after each single wear. If a piece is aired properly between wears, it stays fresh for longer, and you save both on washing and on the wear caused by the washing process itself.
Storage matters too
Clothes hanging heavily on a narrow hanger stretch out over time. Fold underwear and knitwear instead, and use hangers only for pieces that tolerate hanging without losing their shape.
Remove stains quickly
A fresh stain is far easier to remove than one that has sat for several days and worked its way into the fibres. Rinse with cold water as soon as you can, before washing the piece as normal.
The first washes shape the rest of the lifespan
The habits you set in the first few weeks usually last for the rest of a garment's life, because they turn into a fixed routine you no longer think about. So start correctly from the very first time.
Frequently asked questions
Should new clothes be washed before wearing them the first time?
Yes. It removes finishing agents and loose dye left from manufacturing and makes the fabric softer and more comfortable from the very first wear.
What is the single most important habit for durability?
Low heat when tumble drying. Elastane breaks down noticeably faster from dryer heat than from ordinary wear and normal washing over time.
When should fabric softener be dropped entirely?
From the very first wash. If the film never sits there in the first place, moisture transport never has to be washed free of it later.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
