How to Keep Clothes From Fading

If you properly care for your clothes, they'll fade less and last longer, and that'll save you money over time. In fact, taking care of your clothes can give them a life of 15 years or longer, compared to about three years if they're worn often and not maintained, says Grant Harris, who was the owner of Image Granted, an image consultancy company in Washington, D.C.

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Extending the life of your clothes and keeping them looking good doesn't have to mean hours of work. However, it does require a bit of effort and planning. Here are some tips on how to keep clothes from fading and make them last longer, which in turn will help your wardrobe budget stay manageable.

How to Keep Clothes From Fading: Take Care When Washing

The easiest way to prevent clothes from fading or wearing out is to wash them with cold water and use less detergent. You can also turn shirts with graphics inside out before washing, wash jeans separately so the rough denim doesn't rub shirts raw over time, and wash delicate clothes on their own. Many consumers also swear by the clothes-preserving power of Woolite products.

Avoid the Dryer When Possible

High heat fades and shrinks material. In fact, the balls of lint you remove from your clothes dryer are actually fibers from your wardrobe. It's therefore advisable to use a dryer sparingly, and when possible line-dry your clothes, says Linda Arroz, a former Hollywood stylist and co-author of Affordable Couture. What's more, heat breaks down the elastic fibers in clothes — especially intimate apparel — Arroz says, causing breakage and stretching. It's better to dry-flat or hang-dry such items.

If you do use the dryer, you can cut down on the time required to dry your clothes with a few different products. Dryer balls are tossed into the dryer with clothes so they purportedly dry faster and come out with fewer wrinkles. Even tennis balls can help lift and separate clothes for better airflow and quicker drying time.

How to Restore Faded Black Clothes: Try a Dye Bath

Wondering how to fix faded black jeans or other clothing items? If you're like photographer Catherine Fiehn and wear a lot of dark clothing, you may sometimes notice your blacks appear, well, not quite black. When Fiehn's outfits start looking dingy, she picks up a simple black cloth dye and gives her items a dye bath. It's relatively simple to do and makes her apparel appear new again, Fiehn says.

Don't Use Dry Cleaning Too Much

Not only is dry cleaning expensive, but harsh chemicals such as starch will harm fabric, Harris says. "Most men dry-clean things too often," he says. It's better to steam your clothes at home with a steamer (or in the bathroom during a shower) in between dry cleaning visits. If you do take them to the cleaners, ask that they be laundered — that's a less stressful option if the tag on the clothing says it can endure it — and have them ironed without starch.

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Give Your Clothing a Rest

It's basic advice, but it makes sense to rotate your shoes, suits, and other apparel so they're not in constant use or getting prematurely worn out, Harris says. "Rotation is key across your whole wardrobe," he says. "You don't want to wear the same suit two days in a row." Trousers get twice the stress of wear and tear that jackets do, and should be kept in the closet more often, he also advises. Shoes should be given time to air out, too.

Store Everything Properly

If you're not going to wear an outfit for a full season, then you should store it with care, Harris notes. Suits that are being put away for the summer, for example, should be hung on a suit hanger in a canvas bag that's breathable. And it's best not to jam your closet full of items, either.

It's important to also consider how you're hanging up your clothes — and make sure you're hanging up the right pieces. Cheap plastic or wire hangers can stretch out the shoulder of a garment, while wooden hangers are best for men's suits or heavier items. Wider wooden hangers are pricier, but excellent for preserving a nice suit jacket's shoulders. And remember that knit fabrics shouldn't be put on hangers at all because the weight of the item will stretch it out over time.

With these simple care instructions, you'll find that your favorite shirt and that perfect pair of pants can withstand longer wear. And with the money you'll save on not buying replacements, you can invest in finer fabrics and higher-end garb, knowing you'll get the most out of each item.

Readers, what are your tips on how to keep black clothes from fading and make apparel last longer? Let us know in the comments below!