How to Make Your Clothes Last According to a Seamstress

You know that feeling of buying that perfect piece that does a perfect job of filling a gap in your wardrobe and, before you know it, this blazer/sweater/trousers are looking worn — you wish that you bought two of these (but it's all sold out now)?

Well, over the last few months I have been working with a seamstress and I have learnt a thing or two about making one piece last twice as long, if not longer.

Here are some trick tips and tricks for building a truly timeless wardrobe.

1. Buy well

This one is obvious and it will require some research on your part — learning about a brand’s reputation (who makes their pieces and how) as well, as learning about how different fabrics wear and what they are appropriate for.

However, the simplest and quickest way to determine whether a garment is going to last is just to give the fabric little rub and stretch when you first try the garment on — if you're able to cause a little damage it's probably not very durable.

2. Minimise impacts of washing & drying

You should always read and follow the instructions on the garment’s care label. If a garment can be washed, wash it as little as possible; opt for a hand wash instead of a machine wash; always use a gentle (and environmentally friendly) detergent.

Avoid heat where possible — opt for a line dry, iron and steam sparingly. Always do a little iron and steamer patch test on a small section of fabric on the inside of the garment before steaming or ironing a garment for the first time.

3. Take care of stains

A good soak is generally more effective (and way gentler on the fabric)when it comes to getting stains out than rubbing.

Make friends with a local dry cleaner and visit them regularly to get those little stubborn stains out.

Dishwashing liquid is the “magic potion” when it comes to getting make up stains out — most make up is oil based, which is why dishwashing liquid will generally be more effective than soap or detergent.

4. Chose lined garments

That unlined coat (blazer, dress) may look gorgeous in store, but the lining of a garment is actually designed to take our most of the impact from our movement (ie. ensure that elbows, knees, etc. do not stretch out), so an unlined coat is probably not going to maintain its looks a few months into wear, so choose a lined coat instead.

It is particularly important to make sure that a garment is lined when you are choosing those high wear pieces or if you are buying a pieces made out of a very delicate fabric.

4. Alter and repair as needed

Invest into a sewing kit and use — minor repairs and simple alterations can be done neatly and seamlessly on your own, provided you have the necessary tools such as the right coloured thread, a good sewing needle and sharp scissors.

I couldn’t recommend making friends with the local seamstress and getting any piece that doesn’t fit perfectly altered enough — this a cost effective way to turn a high street garment into a high fashion piece.

It is always simpler, cheaper and more environmentally sustainable to invest into making your fashion purchases truly timeless than to buy new, which is why I try and follow the simple rules religiously.

What are some of your tips and tricks for looking after your fashion purchases?

Lots of love,

Lena