Practical tips for caring for and wearing clothes.

1. How to Keep Clothes Looking New

Caring for your clothes properly ensures they stay in top condition for years to come. Here are some simple ways to keep your clothes looking new:

• Wash Less Frequently: Over-washing can cause fabrics to fade and wear out quickly. Only wash your clothes when necessary, and spot clean whenever possible.
• Use a Gentle Cycle: Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and lace should always be washed on a gentle cycle or by hand. This helps preserve their structure and texture.
• Cold Water is Your Friend: Washing clothes in cold water not only prevents colors from fading but also reduces energy consumption. Save hot water for items that truly need it, like towels and bed linens.
• Turn Clothes Inside Out: Before washing, turn your clothes inside out to protect the outer fabric from friction and fading, especially for jeans and printed tees.

Pro Tip: Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate items to avoid snagging or stretching during the wash.

2. Remove Wrinkles Without an Iron

No iron? No problem! There are a few quick hacks to remove wrinkles from your clothes when you’re in a hurry:

• Shower Steam: Hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help release the wrinkles, leaving your clothes looking smooth and refreshed.
• Hair Dryer Trick: For quick touch-ups, lightly dampen the wrinkled areas and use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to smooth out the fabric.
• Wrinkle-Release Spray: You can buy or make your own wrinkle-release spray by mixing water, vinegar, and a few drops of fabric softener. Spritz it on your clothes, gently tug the fabric, and let it air dry for wrinkle-free results.

Pro Tip: For cotton shirts, roll them up and squeeze gently to remove wrinkles after a light mist of water.

3. Extend the Life of Your Shoes

Shoes can be a major investment, so it’s important to take care of them. These hacks will help your shoes last longer:

• Stuff with Newspaper: To maintain the shape of your shoes, stuff them with newspaper or shoe trees when not in use. This also helps absorb moisture, preventing odors.
• Use a Protective Spray: Invest in a water and stain-repellent spray, especially for suede and leather shoes. It protects them from damage and keeps them looking clean.
• Rotate Your Shoes: Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Alternating between shoes allows them to air out and reduces wear, making them last longer.

Pro Tip: For scuffed leather shoes, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly or coconut oil on the scuff and buff with a cloth to restore shine.

4. Quick Fixes for Clothing Emergencies

Fashion mishaps can happen at any time, but these quick fixes will save the day:

• Deodorant Marks: Rub the fabric gently with a pair of pantyhose or a dryer sheet to remove white deodorant marks from clothes.
• Stuck Zipper: Apply a little lip balm, crayon wax, or a bar of soap along the teeth of the zipper to get it moving smoothly again.
• Loose Button: Strengthen a loose button by painting a small dab of clear nail polish over the thread. This will help keep it in place until you can properly sew it.

Pro Tip: Keep a mini emergency kit with safety pins, double-sided tape, and a sewing needle in your bag for on-the-go clothing repairs.

5. Smart Packing for Travel

When traveling, it’s important to pack efficiently to avoid wrinkled clothes and heavy luggage. Here’s how to do it:

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps save space and reduces wrinkles. It’s especially effective for t-shirts, dresses, and jeans.
• Pack Versatile Pieces: Bring items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. A simple dress can be dressed up with a blazer or kept casual with sneakers.
• Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to stay organized and maximize space in your suitcase. Separate items like underwear, shirts, and pants into different cubes for easy access.

Pro Tip: Pack a dryer sheet or a small sachet of lavender in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh throughout your trip.

6. Fit Hacks for a Perfect Silhouette

Even small adjustments can make your outfit look more polished and flattering. Here’s how to get the perfect fit:

• Cinch with a Belt: If a dress or top is too loose, cinch it at the waist with a belt to create a more defined silhouette.
• Double-Sided Tape: Keep your clothes in place by using fashion tape to prevent gaps between buttons, stop strapless tops from slipping, or secure a plunging neckline.
• Hem Your Pants Without Sewing: If your pants are too long and you don’t have time to hem them, use a temporary solution like fabric tape or a no-sew hem tape.

Pro Tip: Use a hair tie to cinch the waistband of jeans that are a bit too loose by looping the hair tie through the buttonhole and around the button for an instant fix.

7. How to Store Clothes Properly

Proper storage ensures that your clothes stay fresh and well-maintained between wears. Here’s how to store them the right way:

• Hang Delicate Fabrics: Clothes made from silk, satin, and other delicate fabrics should always be hung on padded hangers to prevent creasing and damage.
• Fold Heavy Knits: Sweaters and heavy knits should be folded rather than hung to prevent stretching and losing shape.
• Seasonal Rotation: Store off-season clothes in breathable garment bags or storage bins, and make sure to clean them before packing away to avoid any stains setting in.

Pro Tip: Store a piece of cedar or lavender sachet in your closet or drawers to keep moths away and add a fresh scent to your clothes.