With the wear and tear that comes with kidswear, it can feel virtually impossible to keep their clothing in good condition over a long period of time. Little ones grow fast, and tend to generate mess! Following these simple tips for longevity will help ensure you get the most out of your purchases, and ensure their clothing is in great condition when its time to hand down, or recirculate via resale or donation.

 

Avoid Over-washing

Children’s lives can be messy, leading to piles of washing! However, overwashing clothing will contribute to quicker deterioration of clothes. Dyes will fade more quickly and over-washed clothing will be more prone to shrinkage.
Aim to spot clean isolated marks either as soon as they happen (for oil based stains), or at the end of the day for easier marks. Carrying a stain remover pen with you during the day can help with marks and stains on the go. We recommend this one from Ecover.

 

Separate Lights and Darks

The best way to do this is to separate as much as possible. Separating whites, lights and darks is a good rule of thumb. This will ensure whites don’t go grey and will keep their clothing looking new for longer.

 

Air Dry After Washing

 

Tumble dryers can be harsh on clothing. Air drying is recommended for extending the wearability of your little ones clothing.

 

Mending

 

As busy parents its not always easy to find the time to learn mending techniques. Quick fixes can be a lifesaver though. For bobbly jumpers, brush them very gently with a bathroom razor to remove the pilling and keep them looking new. Iron on patches for ripped jeans can be a fun and quick way to fix holes. Finally, clothes mending services are becoming more widely accessible as circular business models are growing in popularity. Check out The Seam to find menders for specific problems.

 

Buy Large, and Know Your Fits

 

Ultimately, the best way to keep little ones in clothing for longer is to buy items they can fit into for as long as possible. Jumpers, t-shirts and dresses are items that tend to work oversized, as well as more fitted to the body. You will get more wiggle room in these than say, a skirt with a fitted waste. Look for elasticated waste bands, and any kind of function that can ensure longevity, such as an adjustable waistband or sleeve.