How to Get My Clothes to Last Longer? Help!

Updated on November 20, 2011
A.B. asks from Sarasota, FL
12 answers

It seems like cotton items only last a year for me before they start to look super dumpy. Does anyone else have this problem and what can I do? I just bought a bunch of clothes from Old Navy online and one of the pairs of pants is already slightly frayed at the top edge after just ONE wash/dry. It is so frustrating. I know Old Navy can be kind of cheapy but this is ridiculous.
I even use the "delicate" cycle on the washer and the "low heat" setting on the dryer. (Although, the low heat still seems REALLY hot). My washer/dryer are super basic models (maybe that's the problem?), but they are brand new! I can't use Woolite because the scent gives me a headache.
Are clothes just made cheaply these days? I've noticed that tops seem to be getting thinner and thinner...but I can't afford to replace my cotton basics EVERY year!
Help!

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Thanks so much for the tips! I am going to try lots of them.

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A.G.

answers from Mayaguez on

You are right. Fabrics are getting thinner and most of the things we used to get are now looking cheap, even as we take them out of the bag. I used to get my basic shirts at GAP and then at Old Navy because they had a wider color selection. Now they look so flimsy I only use them around the house. What I find helps keep colors a little longer is washing and drying garments inside out. I only use cold water. I air dry in a shaded area, not full sunlight. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful

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G.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

wash your items on delicate in cold water then line dry..i worked for a dry cleaner..my stuff lasts for years!!

3 moms found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from New York on

I've found that hanging clothes to dry helps them to last a little bit longer. I don't know if this helps but I wash the clothes in cold water, on the normal cycle, and use All free and clear.

Old Navy in general does not have quality clothing. Right now I'm wearing a pair of navy blue 100% cotton pants that I bought at JC Penney about 8 years ago to wear when marching in the memorial day parade. I don't wear them all the time, but other than some fadding they are in good shape. I also have a shirt that I bought at Sears 17 years ago and I wear it all the time.

I would return the frayed pants.

Added: I read some of the other answers. You do not need to spend a lot on clothing or shop in highline stores. I've bought casual weekend cloths at Walmart that I thought may only last 2 years, but I've had them for many years.

2 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Do you use cold water? That will make a difference b/c it will help against fading, and breaking down of the material, plus it will save you on energy bills! Of cours the dryer is still hot, but at least it's only getting one dose of hot!

I also agree that Old Navy only seems to last a short time. I buy it too, but it's sort of a get what you pay for scenario. You could probably take that one pair of pants back and I'm sure they'd return it in store for you since it's already fraying after only one wash.

Gap is a little bit better. I know it's the same company but I find that the quality is a tiny bit better and although it's more expensive, it's still reasonable. Department store brands last the longest in my opinion.

2 moms found this helpful

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

Don't buy anything made in China. I have cotton clothes I've worn for 30 years.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Dallas on

From my experience, Old Navy/Target/Walmart/etc. clothes are only going to last a season.

The only clothes that last are ones that you spend a bit more money one. For example, I have Gianni Bini and Antonio Milani clothes bought at Dillard's that have lasted for years. I spent more on them, but in the long run they're the better buy due to quality.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Miami on

I hang my clothes mostly except for unders. Buy a wooden rack.

1 mom found this helpful

T.C.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi A B.
I agree with Melissa K. Old Navy is poor quality. I had a nice belt from there break after I used it just 10 times.

The problem is, you have to spend money to find clothes that last, and still wash them on delicate/cold/woolite. But, then they DO last :)

t

1 mom found this helpful

⊱.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Couldn't agree more with the wash in cold and line dry advice. Seems like the only clothing items that I put in the dryer these days are my jammies and sweats and old t-shirts. All else is line dried and my clothes last forever!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.P.

answers from New York on

I find that I do much better if I shop more expensive stores when they have sales. The clothes last better, and even if I pay a slight bit more, I end up ahead in the long run. Although I've noticed a lot of fading in my clothes lately, which was rarely an issue in the past.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Tallahassee on

This sounds even cheapier lol:

Why not try Goodwill or Salvation Army? Remember, stuff that's there has already been through 100's of washings... and it's lasted.

They don't make things the way they used to. But often good quality clothing can be purchased secondhand, and it may outlast what you just bought by decades. You can find thicker t-shirts there, and pants that will wash well.

As it is, there are other ways to use a "delicate" detergent. What do you use now? Some brands, like Cheer and Tide, can be REALLY hard on clothes. Not sure what to say about the dryer.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.G.

answers from Benton Harbor on

the only way to keep clothes safe either it is expensive or cheap is using a good quality washing products. Try "Legacy of Clean" it will definately work for you also. You can get them online:
http://www.amway.com/goodlifeshopping?lng=EN

S.

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