If you’re trying to live sustainably and do your bit for the environment, you’ll no doubt be aware of plastic-free swaps, the high carbon footprint of flights, and the benefits of rewilding your garden.
But did you know that, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fast fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined?
Plus, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), people are buying more clothes and wearing them for less time than ever before.
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All of which means that buying fewer clothes and making the clothes you already own last longer could be one of the most meaningful things you could do to help the environment.
“So much energy goes into making the things we wear, yet we treat them as disposable,” says Holly Gardner, founder of eco fabric-care brand byMATTER.
“With the rise of fast fashion, we’ve lost the habit of keeping things – especially clothes. But what if we looked after our clothes the way we looked after our skin – with care, intention and good ingredients?”
Here are Holly’s five top tips to help your clothes last longer…
1. Skip the wash
“This is probably the biggest one,” says Holly. “Overwashing fades colours, breaks down fibres, changes the original shape of garments and shortens the life of your clothes.
“If something isn’t visibly dirty, it often doesn’t need a full wash.” To keep clothing fresh without running a cycle, air it – give it a shake in the fresh air or hang it outside – or spritz with a refresh spray.
2. Look for natural ingredients
“Harsh chemicals don’t just harm your health – they’re also tough on fabrics,” Holly explains. “Over time, they break down fibres, fade colours and can even leave residue that affects how clothes feel.”
Look for natural alternatives with proven effectiveness. Holly recommends probiotics: “They clean effectively without being aggressive, and are a great option for keeping your clothes fresh and cared for without compromising their longevity.”
3. Banish moths
There’s nothing worse than finding moth holes in your favourite garments – and often you don’t realise you have a moth problem until it’s too late.
“Certain scents, like lavender and cedarwood, smell like poison to moths,” says Holly. Fill your wardrobe with these natural deterrents to banish moths and give your clothing a beautiful fragrance.
4. Sort your storage
“The way you store your clothes has a huge impact on how long they last,” explains Holly.
Her top tips? “Use breathable garment bags for special pieces (avoiding plastic wherever you can), fold heavy knitwear instead of hanging, and keep your wardrobe tidy and spaced out so fabrics can breathe.”
This will protect your clothes while keeping your storage well-organised and easy to use — win, win.
Niviy Clothes Covers Protector Bags Garment Covers Dustproof Moth Proof Coat Bag
Protect special pieces from dust and moths by stashing them in breathable garment bags.
5. Get sewing
Although using a needle and thread can seem daunting, you don’t need to be an expert to make quick fixes that will give your beloved clothing a new lease of life.
It’s easier than you think, and there are plenty of easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials available for everything from threading a needle to invisible mending.
“I’ve learnt how to do simple things like reattach a button or fix a small hole, and it’s so satisfying,” says Holly.
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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.