TOP TIPS for keeping clothes and accessories in tip top shape

[jp0303]

I thought we could share tips to learn from each other how we keep our favourite fashion items in tip top shape so that they always look fabulous?

For example, not rolling up sleeves of jumpers past the elbows so that the cuffs don't go baggy and out of shape.

Or not using the pockets of tailored garments to prevent the material around them from sagging and ruining the shape of the item.

Any others? I am particularly bad at looking after shoes, so any tips much appreciated.

Alterations cost a fortune here. Mn always say get this altered. Trouser hemming is over a tenner

Embrace different spin speeds on your machine.

Don't use those machine knitwear shavers! They're really bad for your garments as they take off too much of the fibres. The handheld combs are more work but will keep your knitwear going for longer.

Be careful about hanging white things in direct sunlight too, it can cause yellow patches though these will normally disappear with another wash.

Can anyone tell me what exactly is the right washing cycle for white cottons?

if totally cotton and thick like white jeans I would do at my top spin speed

If shirts I had to iron at 800 then hang up straight away..
general t shirts - about 1000, although H does LOVE 1200

I spin everything at 1200 except delicates - could that be why some of my tops have tiny little holes in as I can't work out why.

Oh no, the grumpy woman who alters my clothes is more like a fiver for trousers than a tenner.

BrandNewAndImproved cover it anyway?

I agree with chucking underwear when it starts to walk out on its own gets old and crappy. I have just binned old pants, tights older than my son and ill-fitting bras. For my benefit, not my husband's.

I dry clean my winter coat twice a year: before I store it in summer, and halfway through winter, maybe end of January. My coat is 5 years old and still looks great.

I'm very handy with a needle, so buttons, smallish rips and hemmi g trousers take me no time. At 5'4" I have to hem ALL trousers and here it is €7 a pop (£5?). I must have saved myself - and friends/family - hundreds over the years.

I'm quite ruthless with clothes and if they start to look irrepairably shit, out they go, whether they're favourites or not.