Much of the waste we produce globally could be prevented simply by extending the lifespan of our clothes and taking better care of what we already own. Making your clothes last longer will not only save you money but also keeps textiles out of landfills for longer, serving as an important aspect of living a sustainable lifestyle.

Be mindful of your laundry routine

Too often, we throw everything in the washing machine together without really thinking about whether it’s the right way to wash items. How often do you take a glance at the care label to see whether a machine wash is the right way to clean your favourite t-shirt or your new pair of jeans?
Switching to a lower temperature, ideally 20-30oC, will prevent excess wear but you can also check whether an item of clothing even needs washing rather than wearing it once and instantly putting it in the wash. Jeans, for example, and wool garments can often be worn several times before needing to be washed – simply air them out between wears or spot clean when necessary.

Minimise tumble dryer use

When it comes to drying, air dry where possible and if you need to use a tumble dryer, add in dryer balls. Scooms, a sustainable bedding supplier, explain that dryer balls “reduce your drying time in an eco-friendly way. Wet laundry tends to clump together in the tumble dryer which slows down the drying process and increases the drying time. Wool dryer balls separate laundry as it dries so that hot air can circulate more evenly and efficiently”.
This will not only protect your clothing from unnecessary heat but also reduces your utility bills. A tumble dryer has one of the highest active costs of all appliances in the home, which has its own negative impact on the environment, so for a win-win, air dry where possible and keep load times as short as you can for items you can’t dry outdoors.

Pay attention to materials

The fibres your clothing is made from will have a huge impact on how long they last. If possible, choose natural fibres that are hard wearing and designed to last a long time, such as organic cotton. Other options for durable textiles include linen, wool and hemp – consider how a material is likely to wear over time to help you choose durability in your wardrobe. Fast fashion notoriously uses plastic-based fabrics like polyester which aren’t breathable, wear easily and have an added disadvantage when it comes to washing.
As one business tackling microplastic pollution explains, “microplastic released from washing harms the environment. With each wash, countless microfibers from synthetic textiles make their way from washing machines into rivers, lakes, and oceans.” To combat this problem when washing synthetic fabrics, install a microplastics filter to your washing machine, or use a Cora ball or fine-mesh laundry bag to capture any plastics released from your garments.

Choose a gentle detergent

Detergent plays a big part in how quickly your clothes will wear out. Many garments today are made from a blend of fibres, such as cotton and polyester, which have different properties and react differently to detergents. Harsh chemicals in some detergents can break down the fibres of delicate fabrics over time which can weaken the clothing and lead to fading and holes. Some also contain brighteners which bleach the fabric, making it stiff, brittle and increase the risk of tearing.
Choose a gentle, mild detergent where possible that’s formulated for the fabrics you’re washing – a dedicated wool wash, for example, for your woollen garments will be designed to care for this material specifically. You also want to check how much detergent is needed to clean the garment without leaving any excess residue which could accelerate wear and tear.  

Take care with ironing

Many of us don’t realise that some fabrics require a certain temperature in order to minimise damage to our clothing. It’s always worth checking the label on garments before you iron them to check whether it can be ironed in the first place and what temperature it needs. Ironing care symbols are easy to spot and will indicate the maximum temperature via a series of dots.
For example, an iron with one dot will require a low temperature – often, this will be acetate or acrylic fibres which can melt with higher temperatures. Two dots mean a medium heat is needed, and typically applies to polyester, satin or wool. Finally, three dots mean you can use a higher temperature and will apply to the likes of cotton, denim or linen. As with washing, however, check whether something needs ironing at all – hanging items up in a steamy bathroom after you’ve showered can often help to pull out wrinkles.
 
Understanding what your clothing is made from and how best to care for each item will keep your beloved items in your wardrobe for longer and, most importantly, out of landfills for as long as possible. The fashion industry is notoriously bad for the planet, leaving a trail of pollution and waste in its wake, but by being mindful and taking care of what we own to avoid throwing items away unnecessarily, we can contribute to a smaller environmental footprint when it comes to fashion.