Rapidly changing fashion trends and increasing accessibility to low-cost retailers (“fast fashion”) means consumers are cycling through clothing faster than ever. The average U.S. resident throws away 70 pounds of textiles per year, accounting for 21 billion pounds of textile waste, according to data from the EPA. So what’s the best way to make the clothes you have last longer (saving money in the process) and shop consciously when looking for new attire?
Keep Your Closet Clean
I’ll spare you the gory details, but moth larvae need keratin to develop — a substance common in natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton. Given how tiny and hard to spot they are, the best solution is to keep your closet and clothes clean. It’s also a good idea to invest in a clothes brush and store garments in airtight containers during the offseason.
Washing and Drying Properly
Most of us probably read clothing care labels about as often as user term agreements, but improper washing and drying can deteriorate fabrics. iPhone users will be delighted to know that there’s a native feature that will tell you what all those fabric care symbols mean. There are also apps like Laundry Lens available for different operating systems. It’s also worth mentioning that a lot of people are using entirely too much detergent, which can leave residue that will break down fabrics and irritate skin.
Dryers are your clothes’ worst enemy, so opt for hang-drying whenever possible. Invest in a drying rack to make it easier to hang dry inside and out.
Repair Before Replacing
Repairing and altering clothes can be daunting, but this is where social media is your best friend. YouTube is full of step-by-step tutorials for everything from sewing a button to making alterations to items that don’t fit. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit are also good resources.
For hands-on learning, book a sewing class at Portland Community College or a local store like Montavilla Sewing Centers (with locations in Gresham and Lake Oswego, as well as Montavilla).
Most dry cleaners and tailors can also perform small repairs.
Shopping for Better Clothes
It’s no secret that thrifting is a good option for sustainable clothes shopping. It’s typically cheaper and gives new life to items that were already destined for a landfill.
When buying new garments, try to pick natural fibers like cotton and wool. Synthetic fabrics like polyester tend to become unwearable faster and are much less likely to biodegrade when disposed of.
Information varies vastly between brands, so defining “quality” can be subjective. The price points of fast-fashion brands like Shein are attractive, but the production of low-quality clothing at such an astounding rate has real consequences for the environment. Look for companies that include information beyond marketing copy and sizes — country of origin, construction style, and fabric composition. Some brands like Carhartt and Cotopaxi also offer repair services for little to no cost. It’s not perfect, but it can help differentiate clothing that’s meant to last.
