How to keep my clothes longer & in good condition? Zara vs. high end? How long do you keep yours?

[BlueCherry]

I love getting my jumpers from Navygrey, sustainable and traceable wool. Jean I buy cheap but never ever apply any heat to as it ruins the stretch. My whites are always washed with powder not liquid and they stay white. I also treat a stain immediately so never have to wash above 30°. I hand wash all my underwear and I never ever dry clothes in a tumble dryer. One last thing is I try not to wash clothes too often, I use a steamer as and where I can instead.

 

[Minimalist_Chic]

Is it the difference in fabrics or the knit that makes you feel one will last longer than the other?

The two examples I picked were just by how they look from the online photos, I haven’t seen these in real life to make an accurate judgement. From the photos the yellow/pink one look like they will pile quickly, threads coming loose. The navy one seem to be a heavyweight knit so likely to hold its shape longer so likely to look good over time.

 

[A bottle of Red]

The two examples I picked were just by how they look from the online photos, I haven’t seen these in real life to make an accurate judgement. From the photos the yellow/pink one look like they will pile quickly, threads coming loose. The navy one seem to be a heavyweight knit so likely to hold its shape longer so likely to look good over time.

Got it thank you!

 

[Aletheia]

I was lucky enough to wear designer clothing in my teen years (thanks to my parents), so I still continue to purchase such items to this day - though the quality has definitely gone down. I also love vintage treasures, which, in my opinion, are of higher quality than their contemporary counterparts.
Although I do own items from brands like Sandro (which is very popular in Europe) and Zadig & Voltaire, I don't think their products are worth the price when considering their quality.
If I can wash items by hand (such as silk and wool fabrics), I do so. Otherwise, I take them to the dry cleaners.
One thing that I think has helped is adding black/white sheets like Dr. Beckmann's while washing clothes. The colors stay fresh for much longer, and the items maintain their original look. I also use special laundry detergents based on the fabric and color, and I think that helps a bit too.
I also believe it's helpful to have several stain removers on hand, as different stains may respond better to different treatments.

 

[880]

All of my clothes last a very long time, some decades. I have items from premier designers, but I do also have some pieces from H&M and Zara. My latest piece was a pair of wide, olive green, pleather trousers from H&M. I follow most of the instructions given above by other posters.

To preserve the shape of expensive jackets and dresses, my SAs insist on sturdier hangers with sculpted shoulders. I prefer alpaca, mohair, or camel hair (or a blend) for coats to cashmere bc of the pilling issue.

Knits are never hung. Older Scottish cashmere sweaters IMO pill less (they are less finished than Italian cashmere, and tend to start out less soft)

I wanted to add is that in general, I am very careful with white t shirts and white shirts. I follow care instructions to the letter and double check with my dry cleaner when I am uncertain. I’ve also read that deodorant with zinc can cause yellowing, so if that’s an issue, avoid. Nothing I own is ever stored in plastic as clothing needs to breath.

I also rotate my clothing a lot so that favorite items get less hard wear, and I wear layer sleeveless tanks under loose linen tops if it’s hot (I want sun protection without sweating into fabric

ETA: I have allergies, and my allergist recommends that i take off outerwear and clothing I’ve worn outdoors when I get home. Give it a shake and hang it to air for a day before storing away (I got the impression that he felt pollen or other things might be on the clothing). He was adamant that I not do this in my bedroom if possible. (For instance, one could use a hook in the bathroom). Somehow I feel that this contributes to rtw longevity, but who knows

ETA: agree with @lill_canele below re bag straps and LG closet steamer The bag straps can do real damage, so I prefer top handle or, if crossbody, very light weight

 

[lill_canele]

I agree with many on this thread so there isn't much for me to say.
I do, do a lot of dry cleaning and I'll give feedback to them when I think something is treated a little too harshly (ie. high heat). As for my hand wash pieces, I still send them to dry cleaning and they hand wash for me. 1) I'm lazy 2) I don't trust myself.
My Zara and H&M pieces last probably 2 years. I do prefer to buy blends and most of my Zara and H&M pieces say dry clean only, so I follow those instructions.
For knits, I don't hang them (I will hang them for a day after wearing them, just to let them air out a bit), fold and put into a drawer. I also dislike wearing crossbody or shoulder bags with knits because they can pill over time through repeated contact of bag straps.
I also rotate my pieces often.

I've realized that the less I mess with clothes, the better. As in, less washing and dry cleaning. It helps that I don't sweat much but I also always wear a shirt or undershirt under my RTW pieces.
I recall watching a documentary on hygiene in the medieval era and how people managed to stay clean even though they bathed very little. The trick was to wear layers of garments, especially undergarments; many of which were made from natural fibers and materials that were breathable and absorbed sweat and grime. Then, what they would do is change the undergarment layers frequently and mainly wash the undergarment layers, while washing their main clothes less frequently.
Now, not that I don't bath/shower, or anything like that, lol. But it was interesting enough for me to keep that in mind for my clothes. I'll refresh and clean them with a little steam here and there. Once I feel like I've worn them enough times (especially the outwear), then they'll get sent to dry cleaning.

As for whites, they're washed with whites. Once a while I'll use White Brite, a laundry whitening powder. I find oxi-clean and bleach too harsh on clothes but this seems to be okay.

100% cotton clothes are always put on a delicate cycle and very lightly machine dried on the lowest heat setting. While they're probably best completely hung dry, I don't have the patience. I'll take them out and they'll be a little damp, and then hang dry.

I am very intrigued by the Samsung and LG AirDresser/closet steamer. And it's always in the back of my mind to get one. The only caveat is that the appliance itself would take up closet space....which I don't have anymore free space for the time being.

 

[ladysarah]

my washing machine has a 'steam only' option. I do believe most new washing machine front loading models have that nowadays so I never dry clean anything anymore. Not even coats, I steam them and then spray with anti moth spray like something from here: https://clothes-doctor.com/products/knitwear-mist-cedarwood-vanilla-clothing-spray

 

[Antonia]

Ive had an issue with my white tshirts and....hum underarm marks/smell. I think I just have to accept I need to replace them often.

I saw a video on you tube how to clean yellow stains under arms and it works! You take baking soda and dawn liquid detergent and some hydrogen peroxide, mix together, then with an old toothbrush, you brush into the fibers of the affected area. Let it sit for a couple hours, then wash. Tada!!
Here is the link to the YT video.

 

[Nibb]

I saw a video on you tube how to clean yellow stains under arms and it works! You take baking soda and dawn liquid detergent and some hydrogen peroxide, mix together, then with an old toothbrush, you brush into the fibers of the affected area. Let it sit for a couple hours, then wash. Tada!!
Here is the link to the YT video.

That blend is my go to for all tough stains. Baking soda oxiclean and Dawn is also a nice combo.