Make Every Wear More Sustainable

Wear it proudly, and wear it often: aim for at least 30 wears. The Wear Me 30 Times campaign, launched in 2016 by slow fashion advocates, challenges us to get more out of what we already own. Before buying, ask yourself: “Will I still love this garment after 30 wears? And is it made well enough to last that long?” Can I style this garment in multiple ways?” These questions will help you guide towards a better purchase decision. In this blog, there are some practical tips to help your clothes last longer.

1. Repair and reinvent: with just a few basic sewing skills, your clothes are as new. Sometimes an item isn’t a perfect fit right away and needs some tailoring. Fix a missing button, shorten a hem, using patches to fix the worn-out crotch, or tailor secondhand treasures to fit you just right. Let’s celebrate the story behind your clothes. 
2. Check the care label: it tells you where the garment was made, what materials it's made from, and whether it carries any certifications. Most importantly, it shows you how to properly care for your garment. Following these instructions helps prevent damage like shrinkage from hot washes, stretching from incorrect drying, or burn marks from ironing too hot. Even using too much softener can dull your whites. Taking a moment to read the label can make a big difference and help your clothes last much longer.
3. Avoid materials that require a lot of care: if you’re someone who doesn’t like hand-washing or delicate laundry routines, certain garments simply might not suit your lifestyle. While care labels aren’t always 100% reliable, you can usually tell if an item will be high-maintenance. Ask yourself: am I really willing (or able) to give this piece the care it needs? If not, it may not be the right addition to your wardrobe.
4. Tackle stains on your clothing right away: learn how to treat common stains so you can act fast and prevent them from the moment they happen. Keeping a small stain-removal kit at home can make all the difference when accidents happen. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of saving the garment and keeping it in your wardrobe longer. This is also a more sustainable approach, as it helps extend the life of your clothing and reduces the need to replace items due to avoidable damage. By treating stains instead of tossing stained clothes, you save resources, reduce textile waste, and contribute to a more conscious way of consuming fashion.
5. Choose quality over quantity: with good care, quality items can last for years and ultimately cost fewer coins per wear than cheaper items that fail sooner. Don't wash clothes more often than necessary. Washing less frequently helps your clothes last longer and keeps the colors vibrant. Fold stretchy clothes and store them in a drawer. Hang garments that wrinkle easily. This helps them stay in good shape for longer.