THE CARE EDIT

How to Make Your Favourite Clothes Last Longer: A Simple Guide to Fabric Care

Good clothes deserve good care. A few thoughtful habits can help preserve the colour, shape, and feel of the pieces you love wearing.

There's a particular disappointment in washing a favourite piece and finding that it doesn't feel quite the same afterwards.

Maybe the colour looks duller. Maybe the fabric feels rougher, or the fit has changed.

While some wear is inevitable, the way you wash, dry, and store your clothes can make a meaningful difference to how they look over time.

The good news? You don't need an elaborate laundry routine. You just need to understand a few basics.

01. Start with the Care Label

Before anything else, check the care label.

Two garments made from the same fibre may still require different care because of their weave, dye, finishing, or construction.

The label tells you how the manufacturer recommends washing and drying that particular piece.

Pay attention to the water temperature, whether machine washing is permitted, and any restrictions on tumble drying or ironing.

If you're unsure about a garment, don't assume that a method suitable for one piece will work for everything else in your wardrobe.

02. Separate Colours Before Washing

Sorting your laundry helps reduce the risk of colour transfer.

As a starting point, separate whites and light colours from darker garments. New, deeply coloured pieces may need particular care, especially during their first few washes.

Turning garments inside out can also help reduce visible abrasion on the outer surface.

And remember: more detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner clothes. Follow the product instructions and use an appropriate amount for your load.

03. Be Careful with Heat

Heat is one of the things worth paying attention to when caring for clothing.

Some cotton garments can shrink under certain washing or drying conditions. Excessive heat can also affect some dyes, elastane blends, and delicate fabrics.

That doesn't mean every garment needs cold washing or air-drying. It means choosing the method recommended for the specific piece.

If the care label permits machine drying, follow its instructions. If it recommends air-drying, give the garment enough space and avoid leaving coloured pieces in prolonged direct sunlight when fading is a concern.

04. Treat Different Fabrics Differently

Cotton: Check the recommended temperature and drying method, particularly if the garment is new or you want to minimise shrinkage.

Viscose: Some viscose garments can be more delicate when wet. Follow the label carefully and avoid stretching or pulling the fabric unnecessarily.

Stretch blends: Garments containing elastane may be affected by excessive heat, so pay attention to the recommended washing and drying settings.

There isn't one universal laundry method that works for every fabric. Understanding the composition is the first step towards choosing the right care.

05. Store Clothes When They're Completely Dry

Before putting clothes away, make sure they're thoroughly dry.

Storing damp garments can encourage unpleasant odours and create conditions where mould may develop.

Keep your wardrobe clean and dry, and avoid packing clothes so tightly that they become difficult to access or maintain.

For delicate pieces, consider folding them carefully rather than hanging them if their weight or construction could cause them to stretch.

06. Wash with Intention, Not Just Out of Habit

Not every garment needs to be washed after exactly the same amount of wear.

The appropriate frequency depends on the type of garment, how it was worn, whether it became sweaty or soiled, and the manufacturer's care instructions.

Sleepwear worn directly against the skin will generally need regular washing, while outer layers may have different requirements.

When it's time to wash, use the appropriate method rather than relying on a single setting for everything.

A Small Habit That Makes a Difference

The next time you buy a new piece, take thirty seconds to check its fabric composition and care label before wearing it.

You'll know what it needs from the beginning, rather than discovering the instructions after something goes wrong.

And when you find a garment you truly love, give it the kind of care that helps you enjoy it for as long as possible.

The June Joy Note: Buying a piece you love is only the beginning. Taking care of it is part of the pleasure of owning it.