How to Get My Clothes to Last Longer? Help!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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 h*** o* clothes. Not sure what to say about the dryer.

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.