Longer Lasting Clothes

Different types of fabric suit different clothing personalities. Some people look fabulous in cable knit jumpers and textured wools while others need smooth refined woollens. They can make a real difference to our look. I can’t get away with creases (yes some people can work that look!) or boucle wools. However we all need to look after our clothes to get the most from them. Now could be the time to put a little care in to ensure some longevity.

A round up of some top tips in clothing care: • Try using a razorblade to take the pilling off jumpers. Those little bobbles instantly age a jumper but with a little care they can look rejuvenated. A ‘comb’ for knitwear also works well just be careful not to use it too vigorously on some delicate wools like cashmere to avoid stretching it. • Fabric softener can make pilling worse so give it a miss – but be sure to use a delicate detergent on woollens and a delicates wash in your machine.

Pure wool doesn’t actually need a lot of washing (it doesn’t tend to hang on to bacteria or dirt) so if it isn’t obviously dirty don’t rush to wash it. • Never leave a jumper to dry on a radiator.

Woollens need a flat surface to dry and not direct heat. They may shrink and dye could come off on your radiator! • Fold woollens flat to store, they stretch on hangers. Avoid the vacuum packing storage bags as they can distort your jumpers. Cedar balls work well when added to drawers and in storage to repel moths. • Wash trousers inside out to reduce wear and tear while in the wash. Once they’re done take them out as soon as possible and then leave to dry in a warm area folding along their crease lines – this will maintain those lines (down the front) and could avoid them needing a pressing. • Hard water area – help reduce deposits by using soda crystals in each wash, teaspoon or so will reduce build up (as well as making your detergent go further!) in your machine. • Hand wash bras – they will have a much shorter shelf life if they go in a machine. The lingerie detergent Soak doesn’t need rinsing which helps to speed up the process. • Quality hangers are essential – not the wire ones from the dry cleaners, they can distort clothing.

Faux Fur

• Often with a label of dry clean but shhh….you can hand wash it! Short faux fur hand washes well, the longer types of fur can become matted in the process so don’t work as well. Only embark on hand wash if your faux fur item really needs a wash and this is better with lighter colours. Try using a bath to wash it in with lukewarm water and a gentle delicates detergent (doesn’t need much detergent either). It will absorb a huge amount of water in the process. Lay on some old towels (you could need a few with a coat and beware dye running) and press water out, try not to wring it.

Press the item in the towels. Then put it on the spin cycle (on a gentle option) in your machine – if you can put it in a laundry bag or pillow case to protect it and the fibres from your machine. Leave to dry on a hanger if a coat for at least 24 hours, possibly longer until dry. The fur may need a little fluffing up with your hands once it’s dried but then it’s as good as new!

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour

House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist