One of the smartest things to do in these tough economic times is to properly care for items you already own—especially clothes.While it is tempting to purchase new clothing every season, it is economical and smart to make the clothes we have now last even longer.Because everything comes back into style eventually, right?

Five Tips on Caring for Your Clothes

1. Line Drying

In a previous post, I discussed line drying clothes.This is the easiest and most green and economical first step you can take.Your colors will stay brighter longer, your whites whiter, and you don’t have to worry about 100% cotton shirts shrinking.You will also reduce those pilly-things on sweaters…

2. Get Rid of Sweater Pills

And how do you get rid of those, you ask? We all have sweaters, coats, and knitwear that eventually succumb to pilling. This happens when fibers in the fabric start to bunch together. Read this great post at DIY Life for a complete explanation of the pilling mystery. The good news is that we don’t have to give up on favorite sweaters any more! There are several methods to get rid of them to make your favorite sweater last much longer.

• Masking tape/ lint remover. This is good is an emergency situation or if you only have a few fibers to fix. Otherwise, it does not work all that well (in my experience–let me know if you have had success)
• I found this interesting post that recommends taking a used razor and gently going over the entire sweater or coat.I have never tried this method, but the word is it works quite well.
• You can also purchase these items called “sweater stones.” They range in price from $5-8 and last ten years.If you go to their site, they will send you a free one (you have to pay for shipping).Try calling large retailers in your area to see if they have them in stock. They are also available through Vermont Country Store.

They are made entirely out of all natural pumice material and are made by people with disabilities. You not only make your sweaters last longer and support a small business, but you are helping people with disabilities maintain productive and meaningful jobs. It is a pretty great product all around–I think this would make for a fun and useful stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays!

3. Sew your Buttons!

If your shirt is missing a button, don’t give up on it quite yet! Take the time to sew the button back on.Now, I am not the best seamstress out there, but it is pretty easy to sew a button back on.Check out this “how to” video for some simple instructions.

Can’t find the missing button?Go visit your local tailor—they have an endless supply of buttons and can make a close match for your missing one.

Also, don’t forget the tailor for those clothing items with torn linings, flapping hems, and “holey” pockets.Imagine how satisfying it would be to take that shirt or pair of pants that has been sitting in your closet forever, waiting for repair, and get it fixed up!It’s almost like you bought new clothes!Save yourself money and support local businesses.

4. Don’t hang knitted wear!

Fold your knitted wear and keep them in drawers!I recently read a great post reminding people that hanging knitted goods stretches out clothes.She also posted a video on how to properly fold your “jumpers” (sweaters in the U.K) and knitted tops to ensure their longevity.

5. Reuse!

For those old clothes have simply lived out their days, think about creative ways to reuse them.

• Cut up old t-shirts and use them as cleaning rags.
• For old tights and leggings, stuff with rags and old-t-shirts and create a draft blocker!
• For the more creative out there, there is an endless possibility of creating something new from the old.Check out these colorful mittens fashioned from an old sweater.If you need to feel inspired, check out the Wardrobe ReFashion blog, which details contributor’s creative repurposed clothing.

Do you create refashioned clothing?We would love to feature it on our blog!Email us at info@ginne.org for more information.

Related posts:

• Goodwill Receives Service Grant
• From Sweaters to Mitts!
• Easy, Affordable, Do-It-Yourself Holiday Table Centerpiece