Getting the most out of your wardrobe & Care kit essentials
- Alison Sheath
- Sep 25, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 5, 2024
Whilst I am a self-proclaimed fashionista, who enjoys the buzz new pieces bring, recently my mindset has changed - maybe it's age or the Covid ripple effect but I am now looking at both my wardrobe & style differently.
I am really trying to stick to my rule of three when purchasing new pieces - I must be able to create a minimum of three outfits with the new item, if I can't I walk away. I do find myself being a little more impulsive with secondhand items, but even these need to have a place in my wardrobe.
One thing I have been using for just over a year now is WHERING, a free wardrobe/outfit-building app. You upload all of your items (this bit can take a while but is helpful to do in conjunction with a wardrobe edit), and then you can build outfits and track exactly what you are/aren't wearing. I have found this really helpful as pieces I thought I wore loads, are actually amongst my lowest worn and it has really honed in what I do actually wear every week - my staples. It has also helped me to create some new combos I hadn't even considered before. I do find myself opening the app before purchasing anything new, playing around with combinations, bringing the rule of three to life!!!
Garment Care
Garment care is also something I had never really considered before, I guess I figured fast fashion wouldn't be in my wardrobe for long so why bother? If you are investing in quality items, building up a care kit is essential. Since I moved to a quality-over-quantity approach to my wardrobe I have really started to understand the benefits of caring for clothes, especially paying attention to washing labels, the symbols and what they actually mean..... Proper garment care is a small investment of time and effort that pays off in the long run. By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothing looks its best, feels comfortable to wear, and stays in great condition for years to come. Remember, a little care goes a long way in maintaining a wardrobe that truly stands the test of time.
My care kit essentials.....
These are the things I use above and beyond the usual washing/handwashing products to extend the life of my pieces
1. A steamer
This doesn't have to be an industrial one, just a good-quality handheld steamer will do. It is a far quicker, gentler way to "iron" out those creases especially on delicate fabrics. Plus you can freshen up a piece by lightly steaming it with a specialised steamer water (clothes doctor), it also works well on your bedding too. So much easier to plug in and use before work, than faffing around with an ironing board......also safer with pets & children around as they cool down quickly. I bought mine from Amazon and can recommend it, although I do want to invest in a Tefal Pop steamer which is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional - comes in a variety of colours.
2. Sweater Comb & Debobbler
Keep your knitwear & coats looking fresh and new using these two products. Regular brushing really does remove any pilling and bobbles, to keep even your Primark knits looking new. I find the sweater comb is great for chunky knits whilst the electric debobbler is better for lighter/thinner knits and coats, it also works well on cushion covers.
3. Knitwear Mist
A new addition to my kit - this easy product freshens up your knits and means you don't have to wash them as often, which helps to maintain the structure & integrity of the fibres - which makes them last longer. I use one by the Clothes Doctor and this contains anti-moth properties, which is a bonus. This spray also comes in a variety of scents, I choose cedarwood & vanilla. Their website says "Spray regularly onto your garments for an instant anti-moth impact and a clothing refresh. Plus, the cleaning agent in the Mists means that you don't have to wash your precious knits as often."
4. Cedar rings & scent sachets
I recently bought cedar rings after I found out we are having a big moth season this year, simply pop them into your wardrobe to ward off any nibbles. I love adding scent sachets into my wardrobe & drawers to lightly scent the space and also eliminate any musty smells in my seasonal storage. I actually get mine from Primark, at around £3 they are good value and the scents do last - I especially like the peony, the fresh linen and the Vanilla ones.
5. Suede/Leather/Waterproof sprays
Essential to keep bags, shoes, leather/suede jackets in good condition. So many different ones to choose from so make sure to purchase the right one for the item you want to protect. I especially love a suede spray, satisfying to treat a pair of boots and watching raindrops simply run off the boot when you get caught in the rain! I also find it helps to keep my leather jacket supple and soft. I rate the Kiwi products but Clarks also do a good range too.
Finally Storage - A really easy way to care for clothing/shoes/accessories, simply storing them correctly. I have a separate post coming on this.......lots of suggestions especially for those of us not blessed with a walk-in wardrobe!
I have found that learning the basics about fabrics, garment care & construction helps to hone your eye. Especially good when faced with a rail of sale!!! I have also included below a laundry care guide - a good resource/refrence to have saved.
If you have any recommendations of products that I need to add to my care kit, leave me a comment below......
Comentários