How to make CHEAP look EXPENSIVE! (merged)

caffeinehit

Annoyingly, I seem to wear out clothes as fast as I did when I was 8. Pieces of clothing variously get holed, threadbare, torn, faded, develop odd smells (not BO) and of course the dreaded bobbles.

Don't get me started on shoes.

I tend to buy from mid-price high street places like Next. I sort clothes by colour for washing but do all the fabrics together (I don't generate much washing) on a short wash at 40 degrees with bog standard bio powder, then dry them on an airer. I store everything apart from work clothes folded up in boxes as I've got very limited storage space in my house. With shoes I just apply increasingly thick layers of polish as they start to get skanky.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have any tips for making clothes last longer - what fabrics are best? What should I look for when buying stuff? And what's the best way to wash, dry, iron and store clothes?

Thanks in advance! :cool:

(Apologies if this is on the indexed thread but I couldn't find anything)

Katyag

Well i have clothes that are more than 10 years old but i bet many people do! I was according to colours too, tend to do a dark load and a white load and do any delicates seperatly.

My DH says i do too much washing as as soon as he, DS and I have worn something once it gets washing, i cant abide dirty clothes. I like to know what im putting on in the morning is clean.

I use non bio powder, occasionally fabric softner but not always. I used to have a tumble dryer until it set my house on fire (long story) so now either dry clothes outside or on an airer set at an open window. My colours seem to stay ok unless the colour has ran if i have washed something wrong, i do get some bobbling under arms, between legs etc but apart from that they are fine.

Im currently wearing a top i bought when i was pregnant 5 years ago and it certainly doesnt look 5 years old, its white and its stayed white over the countless times i have washed it!

Linda32

A tip for bobbling is to buy fleecy type jumpers rather than knitted.

I bought a knitted affair last Autumn for the first time in ages from Debenhams. I sharn't bother again. Stick to fleecy tops.

Wash black inside out.

I line dry or airer.

Katyag

I meant to ask, the powder you use what is it? I like to buy a good quality washing powder, its something i always think is worth the extra. My favourite is Persil Non Bio. Im using Bold just now tho. I tend to buy what is on offer at my local Makro but always buy a good brand.

doddsy

I make sure all buttons, zips etc are done up and the garments are washed inside out. Anything delicate gets put inside a pillow case to wash. A few delicate things are hand washed, put on hangers and left to drip dry. I also check that buttons are really secure, putting a few more stitches on a new item if necessary so that they don't come off. Don't put clothes away until they are really really dry.

Doddsy

lady_fuschia

I have this problem too! I think a lot of it has to do with having less clothes than most people, so they get worn more often and so seem to wear quicker! I find being careful with the washing helps- I wash a lot of things on the delicates wash now, even if they don't technically need it, and don't use tumble driers if I can help it (It means a trip to the laundrette anyway). A lot of things (even T shirts) seem to keep their shape better if you can hang them on a hanger too (pain if you're pushed on space, but makes a difference).

KittyKate

Try reducing your spin cycle - my washer goes up to 1200 but I use 900 - my mum swears these stronger cycles rip your clothes to shreds and I agree!

(Also try non-bio )

Queenie

caffeinehit wrote:

Annoyingly, I seem to wear out clothes as fast as I did when I was 8. Pieces of clothing variously get holed, threadbare, torn, faded, develop odd smells (not BO) and of course the dreaded bobbles.

Don't get me started on shoes.

I tend to buy from mid-price high street places like Next. I sort clothes by colour for washing but do all the fabrics together (I don't generate much washing) on a short wash at 40 degrees with bog standard bio powder, then dry them on an airer. I store everything apart from work clothes folded up in boxes as I've got very limited storage space in my house. With shoes I just apply increasingly thick layers of polish as they start to get skanky.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have any tips for making clothes last longer - what fabrics are best? What should I look for when buying stuff? And what's the best way to wash, dry, iron and store clothes?

Thanks in advance! :cool:

(Apologies if this is on the indexed thread but I couldn't find anything)

You need balls, m'dear - moth balls Cedar blocks are good to add to the boxes that you are storing your clothing in and your wardrobes. You can make some lavender satchets very cheaply if you use the toe ends of old tights/stockings or even ankle socks, stuff with dried lavender, tie with a ribbon - voila!

HTH

caffeinehit

Thanks everyone for the tips! Queenie, I thought the only way to deter moths was with those vile things that make you smell like an old lady???

babybimbles

Can you not even make space for a small canvas wardrobe - hanging is so much better I think.

Are you male or female? I note that my dh (whose wardrobe is practically from Next :eek:) tends to wear out his jersey tops. Next ones imo, fade and yes, I have noticed the odd hole here and there. Maybe you need to invest in better quality stuff? Im not saying Next isn't but there is better.

hth