Category: CLOTHING

With the average lifetime for a clothing garment in the UK estimated as just 2.2 years; and an estimated £140 million worth of clothing ending up in landfill each year – taking good care of your clothes has never been more important.

Keeping your clothes for longer can help to dramatically reduce the emissions that occur during a piece of clothing’s life cycle; extending the active life of a piece of clothing by just nine months can significantly reduce its environmental impact, while the emissions of a piece of clothing can be reduced by 24% over the year by doubling its useful life from one to two years.

According to Wrap, factors that impact how long an item of clothing is kept for include the willingness of the owner to wear the same item repeatedly (always beyond #30wears); technical aspects such as resilient fabrics, dyes and colours; consumer ability to repair or alter clothes; and how owners look after their clothes. Taking good care of an item of clothing can help to significantly increase its lifespan, which is why we are sharing some of our top tips for taking care of your clothes so they stay looking great for as long as possible!

How to Care for Your Clothing: Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Here are some cleaning tips that can help you with your cloth maintenance.

Wash Less
Think twice before washing your clothes. Washing garments too often can actually cause damage to the fibres and hence decrease the lifespan, head seamstress at Clothes Doctor. This is especially true with dry cleaning, which uses harmful chemicals that flatten the natural fibre follicles in some fabrics. If an item isn’t dirty but just needs freshening up, rather than slinging it in the wash bin, try hanging it outside or in a steamy bathroom to breathe first.

Wash at Low Temperatures
When the time does come to do a clothes wash, wash at lower temperatures. Wash clothes at a low temperature with a gentle and natural laundry detergent to keep the fabric clean and soft, and also to prevent colour fading. For an average shirt over a year, 80% of the emissions produced during the ‘in-use’ stage of its life cycle are from washing and tumble drying – washing at 30° or less helps to reduce those emissions, while also protecting your clothes. The exceptions might be items that are in close contact with your skin, such as underwear, bedding and towels – which may need a higher temperature wash.

Pay Attention to Care Labels
Different materials need different approaches to laundering. Wool, for instance, should only be washed when absolutely needed, using a specific wool detergent on a gentle cycle or hand wash. It is important to properly care for delicate fabrics such as cashmere and silk, which are particularly vulnerable to damage by harsh chemicals and heat. Pay careful attention to the instructions on the label, which advise you on the maximum recommended temperature an item should be washed at (rather than the recommended temperature). Unless that is, the label says dry clean only…

Cut Down on Dry Cleaning
One in three consumers avoid buying a garment that says dry clean only on the label thanks to the extra effort involved in cleaning the item, but actually, most delicate items labelled as ‘dry clean only’ can be washed on gentle, lower temperature cycles (unless the item has details that might become damaged in the washing machine). Dry cleaning is a highly chemical-intensive process that has negative environmental impacts and can have a negative effect on textile fibres and consumers’ skin. Where dry cleaning is the only option for the garment, look for environmentally friendly cleaners offering non-toxic and ‘eco’ cleaning services such as Blanc Living.

In today’s fast-paced world, the life cycle of clothing has become increasingly short. The rise of fast fashion has led to a culture of disposability where clothing is worn briefly and then discarded. This has not only led to an excessive waste problem but also hidden environmental costs, such as increased energy consumption and pollution. The good news is that there are ways to change this narrative. By learning how to care for and extend the life of your clothing, you can reduce your environmental footprint and save money in the long run.

Understanding Fabric Types
Before we delve into the specific care practices, it’s crucial to understand that not all fabrics are created equal. Different types of fabrics have distinct characteristics, and knowing how to handle them appropriately can significantly impact the longevity of your clothing.

Cotton is a popular natural fiber, and while it’s comfortable and breathable, it is also prone to shrinking. To care for cotton clothing, wash it in cold water and avoid high-heat drying.

Wool is another natural fiber known for its warmth. However, it can be susceptible to stretching and felting. When caring for wool garments, it’s best to hand wash them in cold water or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine.

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are durable and easy to care for, but they are prone to pilling. To prevent this, wash synthetic clothing inside out and avoid overloading the washing machine.

Silk is a delicate natural fiber, and it’s essential to use a gentle detergent when washing silk garments. Hand washing is often the best approach to preserve their quality.

Blended fabrics, like cotton-polyester blends, combine the benefits of multiple materials. However, they may require specific care that considers the properties of each fabric.

Always check clothing labels for care instructions. These labels are your best guide to preserving your garments.

Sorting and Storage
Before you even start the laundry process, proper sorting and storage can make a significant difference in how long your clothing lasts. Begin by sorting your clothing into categories like whites, darks, and colors. Sorting helps prevent color bleeding and ensures that you use the right water temperature and detergent for each load.

When storing clothing, make sure it’s clean and completely dry. Moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which can damage fabric and cause unpleasant odors. Use appropriate hangers to hang clothing, ensuring they don’t stretch the fabric or leave shoulder bumps. For items that should be folded, like knitwear, use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases.

Consider using garment bags for more delicate or special occasion items. These bags protect clothing from dust, moths, and other potential hazards. Avoid hanging heavy garments on wire hangers, as they can cause stretching and deform the fabric.

Washing and Drying
When it comes to washing and drying your clothing, there are several tips to follow that can extend the life of your garments.

Washing
Choose the right water temperature and detergent for the fabric type. For instance, use cold water for most fabrics, but warmer water for heavily soiled items like bedding or kitchen towels. Always measure the detergent to avoid overuse, as excess detergent can leave residue on your clothing.

Going to an interview can be one of the most unnerving things you can attempt, no matter how much you might have prepped. But one thing you can do to make a positive impact without mentally preparing yourself too much. What is this secret solution, you might ask? It’s simple: dress appropriately.

It might not seem like it, but by dressing up in the right clothes, you can impact your interviewees. But to dress for success isn’t so straightforward. There are some things you need to watch out for, but with our help, you will be able to nail your presentation day outfit with a bang.

Importance of Presentation Attire
What you wear does impact how you look at yourself and how others look at you. So if you want to appear more confident and trusting, you must wear the right clothes. There are other reasons why you should be wearing presentable clothes. Here are some of them:

Confidence Boost
Wearing the right clothes isn’t just about looking good; it’s a confidence booster. Picture yourself in a sharp suit or a stylish dress – it gives you the confidence to stand tall and speak confidently during your presentation. This is why uniforms for schools are becoming more stylish because schools want their students to feel more confident when they come to school and it is working.

Building Credibility
Your outfit speaks volumes about how seriously you take your role. A well-groomed and professional look makes you more credible. It signals to your audience that you’re prepared and knowledgeable.

Leaving a Lasting Impression
Your clothes are a part of your first impression. They show that you pay attention to details and respect your audience. A well-picked outfit leaves a positive and lasting impression, helping your audience connect with your message.

Minimizing Distractions
The wrong outfit can steal the spotlight and distract from your message. Choosing the right clothes ensures that your audience focuses on your presentation.

Your presentation outfit goes beyond style; it influences your confidence, credibility, and the impression you leave. By understanding this, you can use your outfit to elevate your professional image and make a longer-lasting impact on your audience.

If you are here reading this article, it means that your big day is coming up, and you are gearing up to walk down the aisle with your future partner. First of all, let us say Congratulations. One of the biggest things you will worry about is finding the perfect wedding dress. We know that there must be 101 things going through your head regarding wedding dresses, and we are here to help.

To make it easier on you, we have broken down the process of picking the right wedding dress, and the number one thing you need to figure out is your body shape. Our article will cover all the essential topics, such as the general body shapes and which type of dress fits which one properly. Afterward, we will guide you on how you can buy the right fit for yourself.

Know Your Body Shape
Picking the right wedding dress starts with figuring out your general body. Every human being is unique, and we know that, so you obviously can’t figure out your exact body shape, but you can come close.

Over the years, fashion designers have figured out that most people fall into one of four common body shapes: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, and Rectangle. In this section, we will discuss them in detail so that you can understand which one you fall into.

Pear
A wider hips and thighs and a narrower upper body characterize the pear-shaped body. Think of a pear fruit – wider at the bottom. If you have a pear-shaped figure, your hips are the broadest part of your body. Embracing your curves is the key to finding the right clothing that accentuates your waist and highlights your lower half.

Apple
An apple-shaped body typically means you carry weight around the midsection. If you have an apple shape, your bust and waist are broader compared to your hips. Imagine an apple – rounder in the middle. The goal is to create a balanced look by choosing clothing that emphasizes your legs and adds definition to your waist.

Hourglass
The hourglass shape is often considered the classic feminine silhouette. Those with an hourglass figure have a bust and hips roughly the same in width and a well-defined waist – similar to an hourglass shape. The key is to highlight your natural curves with clothing that cinches at the waist and complements your proportional upper and lower body.

Rectangle
A rectangular body shape is described by a straight silhouette in which the bust, waist, and hips are similar in width. Think of a rectangle – the sides are parallel. If you have a rectangular figure, you’ll want to create the illusion of curves by choosing clothing that adds definition to your waist and enhances your overall shape.

Understanding your body shape is the first step in choosing the perfect wedding dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Keep these simple descriptions in mind when exploring clothing options, and celebrate the unique beauty of your individual shape.

Dress Styles for Pear-Shaped Bodies
If you have a pear-shaped body – wider hips and a narrower upper body – you’ll want to choose dresses that highlight your curves. A-line dresses are your best friend! They hug your waist and then gently flare out, creating a beautiful balance. Think of it as showcasing your fabulous pear shape while keeping it classy and elegant. Remember what are the current fashion trends to make your choices more stylish.

Cleaning stains from your clothes is never fun; it’s especially a pain when you can clean ink stains. If you are a student or someone who writes a lot with pens, then you know the struggle.

We heard your requests about going over the best ways to clean ink stains from clothes, so we are writing this article.

Today, we will first go over the common types of ink stains you might see. Afterward, we will go over the five methods on how to remove ink stains from clothes. Each of the methods we will discuss is tested for their efficiency.

Now, let’s go over how to keep your clothes fresh and ink-free!

Common Types of Ink Stains
Before you start teaching yourself how to remove ink stains from clothes, you need to know what type of stains you need to clean; while our methods will help you clean most kinds of stains, some need extra touch.

Here are the five most common types of ink stains you will need to clean:

Ballpoint Pen Ink
Ballpoint pen ink is one of the most frequent culprits for stains on clothing. Its oil-based composition makes it stubborn, often requiring immediate attention for effective removal.

Fountain Pen Ink
Fountain pen ink, known for its vibrant colors, can be water-based or pigmented. Water-based stains are relatively easier to tackle, while pigmented inks may pose a more significant challenge.

Permanent Marker Stains
Permanent markers, designed to be long-lasting, can leave indelible marks on fabrics. The permanence of these inks demands specific stain-removal techniques for successful results.