How to properly care for your clothes

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Caring for Your Wardrobe: How to Protect Your Style Investments

Your wardrobe is more than fabric; it’s a reflection of how you show up in the world. Every piece you bring into your closet is an investment, not only in your personal style but also in your confidence and presence.

Here at Of Her Calling, I teach the power of building a timeless wardrobe, one that lasts for years and evolves with you. But to make that possible, caring for what you already own is key.

Below are my favorite practical (and surprisingly easy) ways to help your clothes last longer, look better, and maintain their beauty for years to come.

Washing Tips

• Wash less frequently. Over-washing breaks down fibers faster. Spot clean when possible.

• Hand-wash underwear and delicates to preserve elasticity and shape.

• Use garment bags when washing bras or small items to prevent snagging.

• Wash dark clothing inside out to prevent fading.

• Machine wash cotton items in warm water on a normal cycle for best results.

• Hand-wash silk, satin, and lace lingerie; never use a machine. Let them air dry to protect delicate fibers.

• Use white wine to remove red wine stains (it neutralizes the pigment naturally).

Care Tips

• Read the care labels; they exist for a reason. Follow them closely.

• Use a fabric shaver or pumice stone to remove pilling and keep items looking new.

• Learn simple repairs. Sewing on a button or fixing a loose hem saves your clothes and money.

• Iron with care and always test a small area first.

• Apply clear nail polish to the threads of buttons to keep them from unraveling.

• Rub wax on zipper teeth every few months to prevent snags.

• Invest in a quality steamer. It’s a game-changer for keeping your outfits crisp and fresh.

• Avoid hot water or bleach on wool. It can destroy the fibers.

• Never iron velvet. Use steam to release wrinkles instead, as direct heat will crush the texture.

Storage Tips

• Invest in sturdy wooden hangers; they help maintain shape and longevity.

• Fold heavy sweaters to avoid shoulder stretching.

• Organize bras and camis instead of tossing them into drawers.

• Fold padded or underwire bras in half with straps tucked under the cups.

• Rotate your wardrobe every few months with a simple closet audit. It helps you rediscover forgotten favorites and stay intentional.

Denim Tips

• Dry denim inside out to prevent fading.

• Wash and dry denim zipped and buttoned to protect other items.

• Avoid hanging denim to air dry it can make them stiff. Use the dryer on low heat instead.

• Always wash jeans inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle to maintain their fit.

Linen Tips

• Steam linen instead of ironing to gently remove wrinkles. Linen softens beautifully over time. Treat it kindly.

Cotton Tips

• White cotton can handle hot water and even mild bleach.

• Tumble dry on low to prevent shrinking or wear.

Silk Tips

• Wash silk in a garment bag using a mild detergent on cold.

• Never wring silk; roll it in a towel to remove moisture.

• Iron silk while damp on a low setting (avoid direct steam).

• Hang silk to dry in a shaded area away from sunlight.

Leather Tips

• Condition leather regularly to keep it supple and soft.

• Avoid hair dryers or direct heat it dries out and cracks the surface.

• Clean with a damp cloth for best results. Less is more when caring for leather.

Shoe Tips

• Remove scuff marks using a baking soda and water paste.

• Shine leather shoes with petroleum jelly for an easy polish.

• Deodorize with baking soda; add two to three tablespoons per shoe overnight.

• Rotate shoes and let them air between wears to prolong their life.

Cashmere Tips

• Wash cashmere by hand in cold water with baby shampoo or Woolite only twice a season.

• Never hang wet cashmere; lay flat to dry.

• Fold cashmere sweaters in thirds to prevent creases down the center.

Additional Style Care Tips

• Invest in high-quality basics. They last longer and elevate everything you wear.

• If your skirt clings to your legs, a light mist of hairspray works wonders.

• Avoid over-drying; air-dry when possible to protect fibers.

• Air-dry workout wear to maintain elasticity.

• Hang wool coats on strong wooden hangers to prevent shoulder stretch.

• Blot wool stains with cold water or club soda; never rub.

Final Thought

Caring for your clothes is an act of stewardship. It’s about honoring what you already have and walking in excellence with what’s been entrusted to you. Your wardrobe tells a story, and when you care for it intentionally, you extend the life of both your clothing and your confidence.

If you want to learn how to build a timeless wardrobe, understand your unique style, and create a closet that truly reflects who God created you to be, I’d love to invite you to join The Style Empowerment Society, my free community for women learning to dress with purpose and confidence.

Inside, you’ll find training, wardrobe challenges, and a sisterhood of women walking this same journey.

Join us here → The Style Empowerment Society on Skool

Because style is more than what you wear, it’s how you step into your God-given purpose.