Materials & Care

Caring for Your Sustainable Clothing

Best Practices for Longevity

Choosing well-made, responsibly sourced clothing is an important step toward a more sustainable wardrobe—but the way garments are cared for is just as crucial. Thoughtful maintenance not only preserves fabric quality but also reduces unnecessary waste, ensuring that pieces last for years instead of seasons.

Fashion waste isn’t just the result of overproduction and discarded trends—it also comes from neglected clothing that fades, stretches, or deteriorates prematurely due to improper care. In fact, studies show that up to 25% of a garment’s total environmental impact can come from how it’s washed, dried, and maintained over time.

Everyday habits like overwashing, poor drying methods, and harsh detergents accelerate fabric wear and lead to premature replacement. Fabric softeners, excessive heat, and rough washing cycles all contribute to fiber degradation, shortening the usable life of clothing significantly. By adopting mindful care practices, you can help garments retain their shape, color, and strength—while reducing overall textile waste.

Intentionally caring for your clothes helps to build a wardrobe that lasts—one grounded in longevity rather than constant replacement. These best practices offer a simple yet impactful way to protect both your clothes and the planet.

Washing Smart: Gentle on Fabrics, Kind to the Planet

Water, heat, and harsh detergents can gradually break down fibers, making washing one of the biggest factors in a garment’s lifespan. Sustainable textiles—such as linen, organic cotton, and TENCEL™—naturally soften over time, but improper methods can cause shrinking, fading, and fabric wear. A gentler, more intentional approach helps preserve garment integrity while minimizing environmental impact.

Cold Water Is Key

Hot water can shrink, fade, and weaken natural and plant-based fibers. Washing in cold water (30°C or lower) helps extend garment life, conserve energy, and prevent color bleeding.

Consider. Always checking care labels, but when there's no clear instructions, choosing cold water.

Wash Less, Wear More

Frequent washing weakens fibers, causes color loss, and wastes water. Instead of automatically laundering after each wear, try these methods:

Air out garments to refresh them between wears. Natural fibers like linen and organic cotton are breathable and odor-resistant, requiring fewer washes.

Spot-clean stains immediately instead of washing the entire garment. A damp cloth and mild soap is often enough.

Use a fabric steamer to reduce wrinkles, eliminate odor and freshen up the garment without fully washing.

Hand-wash delicate items with mild detergent in cool water to prevent fiber stress.

Consider. Fewer washes mean longer garment life and less water waste.

Air out garments to refresh them between wears. Natural fibers like linen and organic cotton are breathable and odor-resistant, requiring fewer washes.

Air-Out Garments

Spot-clean stains immediately instead of washing the entire garment. A damp cloth and mild soap is often enough.

Spot-Clean Stains

Use a fabric steamer to reduce wrinkles, eliminate odor and freshen up the garment without fully washing.

Use a Fabric Steamer

Hand-wash delicate items with mild detergent in cool water to prevent fiber stress.

Hand-Wash Delicate Items

Natural Detergents: The Better Alternative

Many commercial detergents contain harsh chemicals that strip fabrics of their natural softness and pollute waterways. Instead, consider using:

A biodegradable, plant-based alternative containing natural saponins that clean clothes without synthetic ingredients.

Soap Nuts

Gentle on skin and fabric without unnecessary additives.

Castile Soap / Mild, Fragrance-free Detergent

A natural fabric softener that doesn’t leave behind residue.

Distilled White Vinegar

A natural deodorizer and gentle cleanser that helps maintain fabric freshness.

Baking Soda

Consider. Avoiding enzyme-based detergents on protein fibers like wool and silk, as they can break down the natural structure of the fabric over time. Fabric softeners and optical brighteners reduce absorbency and cause buildup over time.

Reduce Microplastic Pollution

Synthetic textiles such as recycled polyester shed microplastics with every wash. To mitigate this:

Use a microplastic-filtering laundry bag to trap fibers before they enter waterways.

Wash synthetic fabrics less frequently and in full loads to minimize friction and fiber shedding.

Choose to hand-wash when possible to further reduce microplastic release.

Consider: Choosing natural fibers where possible also helps limit microplastic pollution at the source.

The Best Way to Dry Sustainable Fabrics

Drying methods play a significant role in garment longevity. High heat and friction weaken fibers and shorten a garment’s life, while gentler methods help prevent shrinkage, stiffness, and fiber breakage.

Image of clothing air drying

Air-Drying: The Best Choice for Longevity

Hang or lay garments flat to maintain structure and prevent stretching.

Use a drying rack or padded hanger to allow natural airflow.

Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade natural dyes—dry garments in the shade or indoors.

Reshape garments while damp to smooth out wrinkles and to reduce need for ironing.

Turn clothes inside out before drying to protect fibers from UV exposure and preserve color.

Consider. Air-drying is always the gentlest and most sustainable option.

Why Tumble Drying is Damaging

Heat exposure from tumble dryers:

Breaks down elastic fibers, causing stretching and misshaping.

Wears down fabric fibers, leading to thinning and pilling.

Increases energy consumption and contributes to a higher carbon footprint.

Consider. If you must use a dryer, choosing the lowest heat setting and remove clothes while slightly damp to air-dry the rest of the way.

Best Proper Storage: Preserving Shape and Structure

Storage plays an essential role in extending a garment’s lifespan. Improper storage can lead to stretching, creasing, and fiber damage over time. By choosing the right methods, your clothing maintains its shape, texture, and longevity.

Rotate and Store Seasonal Clothing Properly

Proper seasonal storage helps prevent fabric stress and keeps garments in good condition when not in use.

Store off-season items in breathable fabric bins or cotton storage bags to prevent dust buildup.

Choose a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight to avoid fabric weakening or fading.

Add cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets to naturally deter moths without chemical repellents.

Folding vs. Hanging: What Works Best?

Not all fabrics should be stored the same way. Knowing when to fold and when to hang ensures garments retain their structure.

Sustainable Habits: Small Changes, Big Impact

Investing in quality over quantity is the foundation of a sustainable wardrobe. Well-made, thoughtfully designed pieces last longer, wear better, and encourage a greater sense of care. When chosen with intention, a garment becomes more than just clothing—it becomes something worth preserving.

Caring for clothing properly isn’t just about preserving its appearance—it’s an extension of a sustainable mindset. Small, mindful habits can significantly extend the life of a garment while reducing fashion waste. When wear and tear happens, a little care can go a long way in keeping pieces in use.

Repair Before Replacing

Minor damage doesn’t have to mean the end of a garment. Simple repairs can prolong wearability and keep favorite pieces in rotation.

Sew loose seams and reinforce buttons instead of discarding the piece.

Patch small holes in natural fabrics to extend their lifespan.

Darn wool sweaters or use fabric patches on worn knees and elbows for added longevity.

Be Mindful of Friction & Wear

Everyday wear can take a toll on clothing, but a few simple habits help minimize damage.

Wash clothes inside out to reduce abrasion and preserve color.

Rotate frequently worn pieces to prevent excessive wear on specific items.

Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling and refresh the surface.

Image of clothing being repaired

A Wardrobe That Lasts

Sustainability extends beyond purchasing ethically made clothing—it’s about caring for those pieces so they last.

Mindful habits like gentle washing, air-drying, and proper storage help garments maintain their shape, softness, and function—minimizing the need for replacements. These simple practices extend a garment’s life, reduce waste, and help build a wardrobe where each piece holds lasting value and meaning.

A well-cared-for wardrobe reflects intentional living—where clothing is worn and appreciated for years to come.

At Wayla, we believe that timeless, well-made pieces deserve to be lived in—worn, cared for, and appreciated over time. With conscious care, they remain beautiful and wearable for years—supporting a more sustainable, more connected relationship with clothing.

Join the Conversation.

Have you discovered any unique clothing care tips that help extend the life of your favorite garments? Do you have a special piece that you care for in a meaningful way? Let’s continue the conversation below!

May 08, 2025

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