Wouldn't it be great if your favourite shirts, trousers, jackets and other pieces of clothing looked great for years?
Today we're all so used to the fast-fashion we don't stop and think that if we took care of the items we have, we wouldn't need to shop for new ones so often. That would benefit our wallet, save time and help the environment.
With the money we save, we could also invest in more expensive, higher-quality pieces that simply look better and make us feel more refined.
So here's everything you need to know about men's clothing care.
Why pay attention?
If up until now you thought that it makes little or no difference whether you wash, store and iron your clothes properly - think again.
First of all, well-maintained clothes simply look better and make you look more put together by extension.
Secondly, they last longer and save you a ton of money for repairs and new purchases.
Lastly, there is a reason why guys in the military are taught to take care of their stuff. It builds character, gives you an appreciation for what you have and the value of things. Pretty awesome, right?
How to store
One of the most important things you can do when caring for your clothes is to store them properly.
The ideal storage environment for clothing and footwear is cool, dark, dry and clean. It prevents bacterial growth, sunray and humidity damage and colour fading.
You should always avoid wire hangers for hanging clothes, especially for knitwear, as they could cause irreversible damage. Always pick wooden or fabric-covered hangers that will protect your shirts, suits and cardigans.
Store all your seasonal clothes in airtight boxes or bags until you need to use them again. This will protect from dust, moths and other potential damage.
Washing and care
Okay, now that you have your clothes properly stored, you need to know how to wash and treat them.
Labels
First of all, read the labels on your garments; they will tell you everything you need to know. Many guys just throw anything in the washing machine without blinking an eye and then are surprised about the shirt or sweater looking all banged up!
In general, if the tag expressly forbids something, don't do it. So if it says handwash only - believe it! Always follow the indicated washing temperatures and avoid spin cycles if being told so.
Handwashing
It might seem daunting to handwash clothes, but it's actually pretty simple. All you need is a sink or a tub, mild detergent and just a little extra time.
Before washing, soak your garments for a few minutes and then gently, without scrubbing, do a few loads. Two loads will be enough for relatively clean clothes; an extra load or two might be necessary for very dirty clothes.
Drying clothes
If the label says you shouldn't use the dryer - don't; the clothes might get permanently ruined. This means you need to air dry. Your best course of action is hanging the sturdier clothes on the rope, rack or hangers and laying flat all the delicate ones.
If you live in a colder house or apartment, turn your clothes every hour or so to prevent mildew. If you have a chance, hang your clothes outside; just avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Stains
It happens to everyone! A little ketchup from a hot dog or a streak after sitting on a park bench. It's all good as long as you treat the stain as soon as possible.
If it's a stain from animal fat - e.g. grease from food or blood from a cut, use cold or lukewarm water to clean it. Other stains can be cleaned with hot water. It's always good to have a stain-removing stick handy for these situations too!
When cleaning the stain, do it from the other side of the garment so that the staining substance comes out from the same direction it got there.
Wool and cotton
Wool requires a little bit extra attention. First of all, never just throw it in the laundry with everything else. There's a high chance the garment will come out shrunken. Your best bet is simply taking it to the dry cleaners.
For storage, keep your woollen clothes vacuum sealed or in airtight containers to prevent insect eggs. Yep, it's gross. You can add natural lavender, rosemary or store-bough moth deterrents to protect your clothes from unwanted guests.
Cotton is quite susceptible to humidity. So your main goal is to keep the cotton items in dry storage where mildew is not an option. Also, avoid bleach unless absolutely necessary.
Lastly, make sure your cotton clothes are of high quality in the first place. If you have high-quality t-shirts, like the long sleeve tees for men from Fresh Clean Tees, you'll need to worry less about them getting damaged or ruined.
Photo by Alejo Reinoso on Unsplash #ClothingCare ##cp
