Part 1: Everyday Clothing
I’ll be the first to admit—I try to do all the “right things” when it comes to living more sustainably, but I’m also a modern woman juggling a lot (and sometimes the dryer wins). Still, when it comes to clothing care, there are a few habits I’ve found that really do make a difference in how long our clothes last—and how good they look along the way.
With a background in clothing production and design, I probably have a few extra tricks up my sleeve when it comes to mending or caring for garments—but most of what I do at home is actually very simple. These tips are for anyone who wants to keep their wardrobe in good shape without needing a sewing machine or perfection.
1. Wash less often
If it’s not stained or sweaty, I’ll usually wear something a few times before washing. It’s amazing how much longer clothes last when they’re not being laundered to death. Yes, I have a clothes chair, but I also have an over-the-door rack for hanging up my workhorse pieces I want to air out and wear again. I highly recommend reducing washing for all knits—especially wool and cashmere. Try to only wash them every 3+ wears. And jeans? Aim for every 5 or so wears.
Of course, I’m not talking about lingerie or underwear here—that’s a whole different story (and it’s coming in Part 2!).
2. Use cold water
Washing in cold is gentler on fabric, especially elastane (hello activewear), and helps colours stay true. It also uses less energy, which is an easy win for the planet.
3. Choose gentle detergents
I stick to low-tox or natural detergents—mostly because they’re better for my skin, but they also help preserve fabric integrity, especially with natural fibres like cotton. A favourite of mine is Koala Laundry Wash. I like to give my cotton and linen clothes a deep clean every few washes and add an oxygenated bleach by Koala Eco (not sponsored—I just love this brand).
4. Turn clothes inside out
When I remember, I’ll flip my clothes inside out before washing. It helps prevent fading and protects any detailing or prints from rubbing against the machine drum.
5. Skip the dryer
This is one I try to stick to—air drying really does make a difference, especially with cottons, linens, and wools, as well as stretch fabrics and bamboo. For stretch garments, the heat from the dryer can reduce your garment’s life massively. I’ll occasionally use the dryer in a pinch, but line drying, in shade, is always my first choice.
6. Spot clean when you can
Little marks don’t always need a full wash. A soft cloth, a bit of gentle soap, and a dab usually do the trick. My hack is baby wipes when travelling. I also swear by a lint brush—it’s the quickest way to freshen up fabrics and remove fluff or pet hair between washes, especially on dark knits and wool coats.
7. Mend, don’t toss
This is where I geek out a bit—if a seam pops or a button falls off, my garment heads to my home studio. I love nothing more than unpicking a seam and mending it back to look like new. Mending gives me a sense of satisfaction, and it's one of the best things we can do to keep clothes out of landfill. I know not everyone loves sewing, but even the simplest repairs can go a long way. Just having a little sewing kit (needle and thread in a few base colours) is a great start. My tip? Look up hand-sewing tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest—they’ll teach you all the tricks!
8. Store with care
I never hang knitwear (hello, stretched shoulders)—they have their own shelf (and a storage box in summer). I keep my frocks and blouses on wooden hangers, plus I try not to overfill my wardrobe. (This is where storing out-of-season styles helps.) Sunlight can also fade fabrics, so I keep anything delicate away from windows.
9. Rotate your wardrobe
It's easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same few things. I’m guilty of overwearing a new favourite and wondering why it looks so worn within a few months! I now try to give all my pieces some love—rotating items seasonally helps reduce wear and keeps things feeling fresh.
10. Invest in quality
This is something I truly believe in. When you choose pieces made from quality natural fibres, ethically sewn, and thoughtfully designed—they just last. You can feel the difference. When I can afford to splurge, I’m a big fan of local Australian brands like Silk Laundry, St. Agni, Rowie, Spell, and Kivari, alongside more affordable labels like Assembly Label and Nude Lucy—as well as my own designs at Eco Intimates. It’s worth finding what fits your body and your values.
I know we’re all doing our best, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. But when we care for our clothes—even in small ways—it adds up. These are the habits I come back to again and again, and I hope they help you feel more connected to your wardrobe too.
Coming soon: Part 2 – Intimates, with all my best tips for caring for delicate lingerie, including your Eco Intimates favourites.
