Discover these eight secret tips to keep your clothes looking brand new for years to come!
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Our clothes hold a special place in our hearts. We all have that favourite outfit that always makes us feel good or a treasured piece that brings back fond memories.
But, with the passage of time, our much-loved clothes can lose their lustre and freshness. However, it's never too late to learn some amazing tricks to preserve them!
In this article, we'll explore eight secret tips inspired by the Thirsty for Fashion exhibition at the National Trust's Killerton House in Exeter, which showcases a fantastic array of techniques to repair and reuse clothing throughout history.
Transform and re-model old pieces
The practice of breathing new life into your clothes by transforming them into something completely different has been in place for some time now. In the exhibit, it was revealed that in the 1750s, a child's dress was made by recycling an adult's precious silk brocade gown.
Similarly, a silk brocade dress from the 1770s was remodelled in the 1840s when the fabric's popularity returned. So, next time you're ready to discard a garment, try to think outside the box and see what creative transformations you can come up with.
Embrace ‘visible mending’
Sometimes, the wear and tear on your clothes can leave a unique mark that's worth celebrating! The concept of ‘visible mending’ can turn minor damages into proud, creative statements, as demonstrated by knitwear designer Flora Collingwood-Norris.
By adopting these techniques, you can extend the life of your clothes and show off their history.
Cherish and pass down precious clothing
Sharing treasured clothing items with your loved ones is a great way to keep them ‘alive’ for longer.
In the exhibit, a beautiful Afghan dress bought in 1974 has been worn through the years and shown that it had been adapted for various occasions. After being repatched and mended multiple times, it's now been passed on to the next generation in the family.
Creating heirloom items like this strengthens emotional connections and protects the legacy of your special garments.
Get inventive with wardrobe wearability
Did you know that you can create entirely new looks by reimagining how you wear what you already have in your wardrobe? A standout piece from the exhibition is the 1870s ‘transformation dress’ that could be modified for both daytime and evening wear.
Look at your existing clothing items and think about how you can mix and match them for different occasions and styles.
Use scraps creatively
Rather than throwing away bits of leftover fabric, try using them to create something entirely new and unique.
The exhibit encourages everyone to mix and match pieces to create new designs, demonstrating that even small pieces can be reinvigorated and transformed into something beautiful.
Mixing and matching different pieces is also a great way to curate a capsule wardrobe. You can read how to build one here.
Think outside the box with materials
During World War Two, scarcity inspired people to get creative with the materials they used for clothing.
For example, silk parachutes were repurposed to make lingerie, baby clothes, and even wedding dresses.
If you like to sew or make your own clothes, don't be afraid to use unconventional materials to create your next fashion masterpiece!
Design clothes with growth in mind
Using sewing techniques like invisible mending, pin tucks, and smocking, clothing can be designed to expand as the wearer grows.
This way, a single garment can be adapted and continued to be worn for many years.
Show your clothes some love and care
Taking proper care of your clothes is essential for preserving their longevity. Learning how to clean and mend them, as well as choosing high-quality, well-made items, can go a long way in ensuring they last for years to come.
By incorporating these tips into your wardrobe habits, you can ensure that your favourite pieces remain as beautiful and cherished as the day you first laid eyes on them!
What tips do you have for making your clothes last longer? Share them with us in the comments below!
But, with the passage of time, our much-loved clothes can lose their lustre and freshness. However, it's never too late to learn some amazing tricks to preserve them!
In this article, we'll explore eight secret tips inspired by the Thirsty for Fashion exhibition at the National Trust's Killerton House in Exeter, which showcases a fantastic array of techniques to repair and reuse clothing throughout history.
Transform and re-model old pieces
The practice of breathing new life into your clothes by transforming them into something completely different has been in place for some time now. In the exhibit, it was revealed that in the 1750s, a child's dress was made by recycling an adult's precious silk brocade gown.
Similarly, a silk brocade dress from the 1770s was remodelled in the 1840s when the fabric's popularity returned. So, next time you're ready to discard a garment, try to think outside the box and see what creative transformations you can come up with.
The present-day exhibits were chosen with specific ideas in mind. Credit: Dom J/Pexels
Embrace ‘visible mending’
Sometimes, the wear and tear on your clothes can leave a unique mark that's worth celebrating! The concept of ‘visible mending’ can turn minor damages into proud, creative statements, as demonstrated by knitwear designer Flora Collingwood-Norris.
By adopting these techniques, you can extend the life of your clothes and show off their history.
Cherish and pass down precious clothing
Sharing treasured clothing items with your loved ones is a great way to keep them ‘alive’ for longer.
In the exhibit, a beautiful Afghan dress bought in 1974 has been worn through the years and shown that it had been adapted for various occasions. After being repatched and mended multiple times, it's now been passed on to the next generation in the family.
Creating heirloom items like this strengthens emotional connections and protects the legacy of your special garments.
You can repurpose old clothing to make them ‘last longer’. Credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels
Get inventive with wardrobe wearability
Did you know that you can create entirely new looks by reimagining how you wear what you already have in your wardrobe? A standout piece from the exhibition is the 1870s ‘transformation dress’ that could be modified for both daytime and evening wear.
Look at your existing clothing items and think about how you can mix and match them for different occasions and styles.
Use scraps creatively
Rather than throwing away bits of leftover fabric, try using them to create something entirely new and unique.
The exhibit encourages everyone to mix and match pieces to create new designs, demonstrating that even small pieces can be reinvigorated and transformed into something beautiful.
Mixing and matching different pieces is also a great way to curate a capsule wardrobe. You can read how to build one here.
Think outside the box with materials
During World War Two, scarcity inspired people to get creative with the materials they used for clothing.
For example, silk parachutes were repurposed to make lingerie, baby clothes, and even wedding dresses.
If you like to sew or make your own clothes, don't be afraid to use unconventional materials to create your next fashion masterpiece!
Design clothes with growth in mind
Using sewing techniques like invisible mending, pin tucks, and smocking, clothing can be designed to expand as the wearer grows.
This way, a single garment can be adapted and continued to be worn for many years.
Show your clothes some love and care
Taking proper care of your clothes is essential for preserving their longevity. Learning how to clean and mend them, as well as choosing high-quality, well-made items, can go a long way in ensuring they last for years to come.
By incorporating these tips into your wardrobe habits, you can ensure that your favourite pieces remain as beautiful and cherished as the day you first laid eyes on them!
