Why garment care is the missing piece in sustainable fashion
Sustainable fashion isn’t just about what you buy; it’s about what you do after you buy it. The real secret to a longer-lasting wardrobe? It’s care: thoughtful, consistent, quality care.
That’s where professional garment care comes in. And while it might not be as flashy as a capsule wardrobe or a resale app, it’s one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your clothing and support a more circular fashion system.
The Waste Problem No One Talks About
The average American throws away over 81.5 pounds of clothing each year. By extending the life of your wardrobe by just nine months, you can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by up to 30%.
What Is the Circular Economy—and Why Should You Care?
The circular economy challenges the fast fashion cycle of “buy, wear, toss” by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of relying on constant consumption, it focuses on durability, reuse, repair, and rotating clothing, rather than sending it to landfills.
This shift doesn’t just happen on the runway or in design studios. It starts in closets, laundry rooms, and at your local dry cleaner.
The Overlooked Power of Garment Care
Taking care of your clothes isn’t just a way to keep them looking nice. It’s a sustainability strategy.
When you clean garments properly, mend them when needed, and store them thoughtfully, you significantly extend their usable life. That means fewer purchases, less waste, and a wardrobe that works harder for you.
Regular visits to a professional cleaner can:
- Prevent shrinkage, fading, and fabric breakdown.
- Restore shape and structure.
- Save water (especially when laundering shirts in full, efficient loads)
- Catch repairs early, like loose buttons or minor tears.
Not sure where to start? These small habits can make a big difference in extending the life of your garments.
Quick Tips to Care for Clothes Like a Pro:
- Wash with cold water to prevent fading
- Zip zippers and fasten hooks before washing
- Turn dark clothing inside out
- Air dry when possible to avoid fabric stress
- Use a steamer instead of ironing delicate pieces
Wet Cleaning: The Gold Standard of Sustainable Textile Care
Wet cleaning is a wise choice if you’re working toward a more sustainable wardrobe. It uses water and biodegradable detergents instead of harmful solvents, making it safer for your clothes and the planet.
Kreussler’s LANADOL wet cleaning system is a standout. Wet cleaning works gently and effectively to clean delicate fabrics, such as wool and silk, as well as everyday items. That means your favorite pieces last longer without sacrificing performance or sustainability.
Don’t Skip Storage
How you store your clothes matters. Use breathable garment bags for seasonal pieces and padded hangers for delicate items. Avoid overcrowding your closet so that fabrics can breathe. Storing clean clothes prevents long-term stains and damage from pests.
Want a Longer-Lasting Wardrobe? Start Here
You’re not alone if you’re trying to get more wear out of what you already own. Movements like #30Wears and the resurgence of thrifting show that people care about the longevity of their clothes, but they often miss the step in between: care.
Here’s what you can do:
- Rewear your outfits proudly. Style repeats are sustainable.
- Choose quality over quantity.
- Mend and repair instead of replacing.
- Read care labels and follow washing instructions.
- Work with a professional cleaner who uses wet cleaning and other sustainable laundry practices.
- Recycle what can’t be saved. Retold Recycling offers an easy mail-in option for worn-out clothing. You pack your items in one of their biodegradable bags and send them in. They sort and direct those textiles to the best next place, whether a thrift store, donation center, or recycling facility.
These small actions, repeated over time, make a big difference in keeping clothing out of landfills and in use where it belongs.
