Just as the cornerstone of green energy is conservation, sometimes just taking good care of clothes you already own is an extremely cost effective way to stretch the wallet. No one likes the expense of buying new clothes, especially during a time of financial hardship when every penny counts. This is a post about “clothes conservation”, not discount clothes shopping, though of course, bargain-hunting is an important savings strategy as well.

It is tempting to keep buying cheap clothes from supermarkets and discount stores for you and your family, but this can be counter-productive. Below are some simple tips which will allow you to extend the shelf-life of your clothes and save you hard-earned cash.

1. Buy better quality clothes in the first place. Every time you buy a new item of clothing, check the quality of the material, seams and zips. If threads are already coming loose from an item before you even get it home, there’s a good chance it’s not going to survive many washes before falling apart.

Even though buying quality clothing might cost more initially, in the long-term it can save you money. Buying one good quality, more expensive shirt that will last for several years, is better for your wallet long-term than buying three or four slightly cheaper shirts which fall apart after a couple of months. It’s also kinder to the environment.

Good quality clothing doesn’t have to break the bank; look out for sales at your local shops. Charity shops and eBay can also be excellent sources of quality clothing – most people donate or sell clothes not because they are ruined but simply because they no longer fit, and there are some excellent bargains to be had. Even designer clothes can be found at cut-down prices; check your local factory shops which often sell designer clothes with very minor defects for rock-bottom prices.

2. Follow the care labels. Clothes come with washing instructions on the labels for a reason. Look out for washing and ironing temperature, as well as bleach and tumble drying instructions. Make sure you wash like colors together to avoid fading. If you hate separating your washing there is an array of new products on the market designed to stop color run and keep your clothes looking their best.

3. Avoid “hand wash” only clothing. Not only is washing clothes by hand time-consuming and boring, but clothes which come with this instruction often lose their shape or go slack after time, despite careful washing. If you spill anything on clothing don’t forget to wash it out immediately to prevent staining, or risk having to replace the item entirely.

4. Think long-term. When you buy clothes, consider how they will look in six months. If an item is a particularly fashionable style or color, will you still want to wear it if it drops out of vogue? While no one is suggesting you buy shapeless, unfashionable clothes, do ensure you follow trends with both eyes open. Choosing pieces that have a ‘classic’ look, or those that fit with more items you already own, can be a great way to ensure the maximum shelf-life of your clothes.

5. Get sewing! No, we’re not suggesting you make you clothes from scratch. However, sewing skills are invaluable in helping you to extend the shelf-life of your clothing. Hone your hand-sewing skills or consider investing in a sewing machine. It’s easy to learn how to close small holes, patch worn-through knees and tidy fallen hems. This is especially important for children’s clothes, which take a beating during playtime and can be expensive to replace.

Sewing can transform a completely non-salvageable item into something else. For example, a shirt with a large hole or stain could be turned into a set of two handkerchiefs. An old pair of jeans could be cut off into shorts or made into a skirt. Even an evening dress can be rescued into top or bottom if half of the item is ruined.

Follow the above simple tips and you should find the winning formula to make your clothes last longer and save you money. Of course, if you have any more ideas, please share them!

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