Wash, Repair, Repeat: How to Prolong the Life of Fast Fashion
While investing in sustainable and high-quality garments is always the ideal choice, many of us still have fast fashion items in our wardrobes. The good news is that with a little extra care, you can extend the life of these pieces, keeping them out of landfills for longer and reducing their overall environmental footprint. Here are some top tips for looking after your fast fashion clothes and making them last.
1. Wash Less Frequently
Frequent washing wears down fabrics and fades colours, especially in cheaply made garments. Instead of washing after every wear, air out your clothes or use a fabric refresher spray to keep them fresh. This is especially effective for items like jeans, sweaters, and outerwear that don’t require regular laundering.
2. Hand Wash Delicate Items
Delicate fabrics like polyester blends, lace, or embellished pieces can easily snag or lose their shape in a washing machine. Washing these by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent can prevent damage. If you must use a machine, place them in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle.
3. Use Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water not only saves energy but also prevents fabric shrinkage and colour fading. Most fast fashion items are made with synthetic fibres that respond better to cooler temperatures.
4. Skip the Dryer
High heat from tumble dryers can cause fast fashion fabrics to shrink, pill, or lose their elasticity. Instead, air-dry your clothes by hanging them on a rack or laying them flat. This is especially important for stretchy materials like leggings or items with elastane.
5. Repair Before Replacing
Small holes, loose threads, or missing buttons are often reasons people discard clothes. However, basic sewing skills can save your favourite fast fashion pieces from an early demise. Keep a small repair kit at home to tackle minor issues quickly. But if you’re not about to enter The Great British Sewing Bee any time soon, local seamstresses are around that can do these jobs for a small cost or pop into your local dry cleaners, they often offer repairs as a service too.
6. Avoid Over washing Denim
Denim is one of the most resilient fabrics, but over washing can break down its fibres and fade the dye. Spot-clean stains with a damp cloth and only wash your jeans when absolutely necessary. For best results, turn them inside out before washing.
7. Store Properly
Proper storage prevents unnecessary wear and tear. Use padded hangers for delicate fabrics and fold heavier garments like knits to avoid stretching. Keep clothes in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
8. Be Gentle with Stains
When dealing with stains, avoid harsh scrubbing, which can weaken the fabric. Instead, blot gently with a clean cloth and use a mild stain remover. Test the remover on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour the fabric.
9. Invest in Quality Detergents
Using a gentle, eco-friendly detergent can make a big difference in preserving the quality of your clothes. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, as these can weaken fibres over time.
10. Avoid Excessive Ironing
Excessive heat from ironing can damage synthetic fibres commonly found in fast fashion. Use a steamer to remove wrinkles instead, or iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.
Taking care of your fast fashion clothes is about more than just saving money; it’s about minimising waste and promoting sustainability. By giving these garments a longer life, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new clothing and the environmental strain caused by textile production. With these simple steps, you can make your fast fashion items go the distance. While it’s always better to prioritise sustainable and second-hand options, taking good care of what you already own is a step toward more mindful consumption.