Cherish Your Wardrobe: An Expert Guide on How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Did you know the average garment is worn just seven to ten times before it’s tossed away? That’s a staggering figure considering the emotional and financial investment we make in our wardrobes. We’ve all experienced the frustration of reaching into a packed closet and still feeling like we have nothing to wear—because our once-favourite pieces have faded, shrunk, or lost their shape.

But what if we told you that by adopting a handful of sustainable laundry practices and storage habits, you can significantly make clothes last longer? Caring for your wardrobe isn’t just a chore—it’s an act of mindfulness, a key principle of slow fashion that saves money, reduces waste, and helps you form a more intentional relationship with your clothing.

Here at Indobaz, we believe every handcrafted Kurti, silk Saree, or embroidered Lehenga you buy is not just fashion—it’s a future heirloom. With proper care, these timeless pieces can be cherished for decades or even passed down through generations. Interested in the story behind these styles? Don’t miss our guide on Indian embroidery techniques.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through:

• Smart and sustainable washing techniques
• Gentle drying and finishing practices
• Effective storage tactics
• Simple clothing repair tips

Whether you live in a bustling urban apartment or a villa in the UAE’s warm climate, these tips are easy to apply and impactful. Let’s begin the journey to wardrobe longevity.

The Foundation of Longevity: Smart and Sustainable Washing Habits

Decode the Care Label: Your Garment's First Line of Defence

Before you touch a washing machine, read the care label. It holds the key to maintaining your garment’s integrity and appearance.

Here are the most common care symbols:

• Washtub icon: Indicates water temperature and wash cycles.
• Triangle: Tells you whether bleach is safe to use.
• Square with circle: Refers to drying instructions.
• Iron: Lets you know the safe ironing temperature.

Pay special attention to tags that say "Dry Clean Only". This is especially common with silks, chiffons, and beaded or embroidered pieces, frequent fixtures in South Asian fashion.

Pro tip: If itchy tags bother you and you decide to cut them off, take a photo and save it in a "Care Labels" album on your phone.

Wash Less, Love More: The Art of Infrequent Washing

One of the easiest ways to make clothes last longer is simply to wash them less.

Contrary to popular belief, not every item needs a wash after a single wear. In fact, items like jeans, outerwear, and occasion wear can often go multiple uses without a full wash.

Why wash less?

• Preserves colour and fabric texture
• Reduces fibre stress and microplastic shedding
• Saves water, energy, and time

Instead of a full wash, try these gentle alternatives:

• Airing: Hang your clothes in an open area. The dry climate in the UAE works wonders to freshen garments overnight.
• Spot cleaning: Target specific stains to avoid washing the entire garment.
• Steaming: Removes wrinkles and odours while being gentler on fibres.

Master the Machine: Choosing the Right Temperature and Cycle

When you must use the washing machine, technique matters.

Set cold water washes as your default. They’re safer for most fabrics, prevent shrinking and colour loss, and use up to 90% less energy compared to hot washes.

Choose your cycle wisely:

• Delicate cycle: Ideal for rayon Kurtis, silk sarees, and chiffon dupattas.
• Normal cycle: Works well for cottons and linens.

Always place delicate items, embroidered wear, and clothing with tassels or hooks in mesh laundry bags to reduce friction and snagging.

Expert Drying & Finishing Techniques to Make Clothes Last Longer

Ditch the Tumble Dryer: Why Air-Drying is Your Best Friend

The high heat of dryers is fabric’s worst enemy. It causes shrinkage, weakens elastic fibres, and can make beautiful garments look worn out faster.

Air-drying is the best way to go, especially with the UAE's abundant sunshine.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Dry bright or dark colours in the shade to avoid sun-fading.
• Lay heavy or knitted garments flat on a towel to retain shape.
• Hang shirts, sarees, and dupattas on wide hangers to reduce creasing.

Bonus? You’ll also reduce your energy bill while giving your fabrics a gentler touch.

Iron with Care: Protecting Fabrics from Direct Heat

Ironing gives clothes a polished look, but misused heat can damage fibres permanently.

Always check the care label’s ironing instructions and consider these techniques:

• Iron clothes while slightly damp to ease creasing and reduce heat exposure.
• For delicate fabrics or embroidery, iron them inside-out or use a pressing cloth.
• A spare cotton dupatta works great as a barrier between hot iron and fragile fabric.

Consider using a clothing steamer instead of an iron. Ideal for sarees, kaftans, and beaded pieces, steaming refreshes garments without flattening their texture or shine. Learn more fabric-specific care tips in our Lehenga vs Saree care guide.

The Art of Proper Storage: A Sanctuary for Your Wardrobe

Fold vs. Hang: What Goes Where?

Storing your clothes the right way prevents distortion and prolongs their lifespan.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Fold: Heavy knitwear, sweaters, t-shirts. Hanging these can stretch them out.
• Hang: Shirts, kurtas, sarees, trousers. Use non-slip velvet or wooden hangers to avoid shoulder bumps.

Avoid thin wire hangers—which can distort shape—and say goodbye to that dry-cleaner hanger collection. Your clothes deserve better support.

Give Your Clothes Breathing Room

A cramped closet is a recipe for wrinkles, fading colours, and that musty smell we all dread.

Let your wardrobe breathe.

• Space garments out so they don’t rub against each other.
• Use open shelving or racks for better air flow.
• Do a seasonal wardrobe audit to store away off-season clothing in breathable bags.

In the UAE’s warmer months, moisture buildup is real. Prioritising airflow will prevent mildew and fabric damage.

Protecting Your Prized Indobaz Pieces

Your Indobaz silk saree or sequinned lehenga deserves VIP treatment.

Store occasion wear with care:

• Wrap items in muslin cloth or acid-free tissue paper to allow airflow.
• Avoid airtight plastic bags—they trap moisture and accelerate fabric ageing.
• Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark space to prevent UV damage and discolouration.

To keep pests away, skip chemical mothballs. Instead, use natural repellents like cedar wood blocks, dried lavender sachets, or neem leaves to protect fabrics without leaving harsh scents.