Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary: "These 8 Rules Will Make Clothes Last Longer"

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Shameless Media
Episode Title: These 8 Rules Will Make Clothes Last Longer

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Style-ish, hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe and Joanna Fleming delve into practical strategies to extend the lifespan of your wardrobe. Joined by special guest Annika Dottie Smith, the trio explores eight essential rules backed by expert insights to combat the alarming 92 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually by the fashion industry.

Guest Introduction

Lucy Anne Tonti, a renowned fashion editor and author of Sundressed, lends her expertise to guide the conversation. Her work, including the Closet Clinic series for The Guardian, provides valuable advice on sustainable fashion practices and garment care.

The Eight Rules to Make Clothes Last Longer

1. Don’t Overwash Your Clothes

Overwashing accelerates fabric wear, causing peeling, fading, and even tearing. The hosts discuss their laundry habits, sharing personal anecdotes and acknowledging common oversights.

• Annika Dottie Smith admits, "Past me was absolutely useless... I have started using natural alternatives and have noticed a difference in my fabrics" ([08:51]).
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe humorously reflects, "I'm just throwing it in and hoping for the best," highlighting her struggle with activewear ([12:04]).

Expert Tip: Lucy Anne Tonti recommends:

• Use the shortest, coldest wash settings.
• Opt for liquid detergents to avoid residue build-up.
• Air dry clothes in the shade to preserve fabric integrity ([13:07]).

2. Store Your Clothing Correctly

Proper storage is crucial to maintain garment quality and prevent damage from environmental factors.

• Madison rates her storage system as overcrowded, likening it to a "New York City loft" ([20:20]).
• Annika shares her chaotic wardrobe situation, emphasizing the importance of organized storage for longevity ([17:50]).

Expert Advice:

• Store clothes in cool, dark, and dry areas.
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
• Use moisture absorbers to combat humidity, especially in climates prone to mold ([18:53]).
• Lucy Anne Tonti suggests avoiding overcrowding and never hanging knitwear to prevent stretching ([18:10]).

3. Follow Care Labels

Care labels provide essential instructions tailored to each garment's material and construction.

• Annika follows care labels religiously to avoid mishaps like shrinking ([21:39]).
• Joanna emphasizes using wash bags for delicate items to prevent snagging and damage ([22:50]).

Key Practices:

• Hand wash when indicated, using cold water.
• Use the delicate cycle for machine washing similarly gentle on fabrics ([22:17]).
• Lisa Anne advises against mixing garments that require different care instructions to maintain quality ([21:39]).

4. Invest in Good Hangers

Choosing the right hangers can prevent fabric deformation and extend the life of your clothes.

• Joanna recommends steering clear of metal hangers to avoid stretching and rust stains ([24:42]).
• Madison and Annika discuss their preference for velvet and wooden hangers, noting the importance of matching hanger types to specific garments like coats, blazers, and dresses ([23:57]).

Pro Tip: Use children's hangers for pants and skirts to save space and prevent slipping ([25:04]).

5. Fold and De-pill Your Knitwear

Handling knitwear with care can significantly reduce wear and maintain garment shape.

• Madison proudly uses an electric garment shaver to remove pills, describing it as "the Mary Poppins of hair products" ([26:14]).
• Joanna advises caution with garment shavers, especially on delicate fabrics like cashmere to avoid holes ([26:32]).

Additional Tips:

• Always fold knitwear to prevent stretching.
• Utilize products like Bondi Wash for wool and cashmere maintenance ([25:26]).

6. Keep Moths Away

Protecting your clothes from moths ensures garments remain free from holes and damage.

• Madison shares her unfortunate experience with moths in a storage locker, emphasizing the need for preventive measures ([28:25]).
• Joanna highlights cotton bags as an effective barrier since moths don’t chew through cotton ([29:55]).

Preventive Measures:

• Store wool and cashmere in cotton bags.
• Ensure clothes are clean and dry before storage to avoid attracting moths.
• Consider using natural repellents like cedar balls or specialized storage solutions ([29:24]).

7. Minimize Dry Cleaning

Excessive dry cleaning can degrade fabrics and shorten garment lifespan.

• Joanna explains that dry cleaning chemicals can strip colors and damage special coatings ([30:00]).
• Madison reflects on her frequent use of dry cleaning during her corporate days, realizing the importance of reducing reliance on it ([31:10]).

Expert Recommendations:

• Spot clean stains instead of full washing when possible.
• Press clothes using a steamer to refresh without chemical exposure.
• Reserve dry cleaning for essential press-only needs to maintain garment integrity ([30:53]).

8. Pay Attention to Hazards in Washing

Certain garment features can cause significant damage if not properly managed during washing.

• Joanna advises:
  • Zippers should be zippered up to prevent snagging ([33:36]).
  • Buttons should be undone to avoid stretching seams ([33:36]).
  • Velcro should remain closed to prevent fabric tearing.
  • Drawstrings should be tied loosely to prevent tangling and stretching ([34:16]).
• Madison and Annika share practical tips on managing these hazards, such as using wash bags for delicate items to further protect them ([23:07]).

Conclusion

This episode of Style-ish effectively underscores the importance of mindful garment care in combating the fashion industry's environmental footprint. By adhering to these eight rules, listeners can not only extend the life of their clothes but also contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe. Hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Joanna Fleming, and guest Annika Dottie Smith provide relatable insights and actionable tips, making the advice practical and easy to implement.

Key Takeaways:

• Less is more when it comes to washing.
• Proper storage preserves garment quality.
• Adhering to care labels ensures longevity.
• Quality hangers prevent unnecessary wear.
• Dedicated care for knitwear reduces pilling and stretching.
• Preventive measures protect from pests like moths.
• Minimizing dry cleaning maintains fabric integrity.
• Attention to washing hazards safeguards your clothes.

For more detailed guidance, listeners are encouraged to refer to Lucy Anne Tonti's Sundressed and her Closet Clinic series. The hosts conclude by reminding everyone that small changes in how we care for our clothes can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Notable Quotes:

• "Washing your clothes too frequently can cause the fabrics to peel, fade and in some cases tear tumbling around in the machine." – Joanna Fleming ([12:27])

• "I feel like the only thing that I really truly over wash is activewear." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe ([12:04])

• "Get yourself some wash bags... put really delicate items that you think are gonna snag on other clothes in there." – Joanna Fleming ([22:50])

• "I've got some from Kmart and Bunnings. Oh, I am also in the velvet gang." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe ([23:56])

• "Dry cleaning chemicals can strip colors and damage special coatings." – Joanna Fleming ([30:00])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting essential tips and engaging discussions to help listeners make informed decisions about their wardrobe care routines.