REPAIR & CARE
So we have collated some tips and how-to videos on repairs and care. Plus some info on professional alterations which can be very helpful when buying second hand.
REPAIR
Professional Alterations & Repairs
Something surprisingly unknown is that almost all dry cleaners (found on most high streets) offer repair and alteration services. They may not look fancy from the outside but that doesn't mean the resident seamstress/tailor isn't experienced and knowledgeable. You can check their ratings and reviews on google.
Prices (in our local dry cleaners in South London) range from about £10-£15 for shortening sleeves, trousers, dresses, straps etc. You can also get trouser waists taken in or let out, zips replaced, trouser legs and sleeves tapered as well as a host of other alterations for very reasonable prices.
Home Repairs
There is a lot you can do from home with very little prior knowledge or resources. You can buy a needle and thread from corner shops, supermarkets and online.
Easy fixes & stain removal video tutorials from LoveYourClothes.org:
- How to sew on a button
- How to repair a fallen hem
- How to repair ripped pockets
- How to shorten a stretched strap
- How to retrieve a lost cord
- How to replace a ripped belt loop
- Stain removal: red wine
- Stain removal: sun cream
- Stain removal: grease
- Stain removal: sweat
- Stain removal: curry
There's also loads of videos online showing you how to mend various types of holes using just a thread and needle.
Clothes Recycling
If clothes can't be repaired find your local recycling point on the Recycle Now website.
CARE
- Machine washing and tumble drying are hard on your clothes (and the environment), so:
- Wash your clothes less (if it doesn't have visible signs of wear or smell, does it really need a wash?)
- Wash efficiently: fill your washing machine up full (to about 80%).
- Separate whites from other colours when washing clothes - after a prolonged period of washing whites with even light colours, they will fade.
- To reduce pilling (bobbling) turn your clothes inside out before washing them. It's the rubbing against other items that causes the bobbles. Use a pilling comb to remove any existing bobbles.
- Save your raincoats and re-waterproof them. Nikwax have been making highly regarded (by the outdoorsy crowd) non-toxic treatments to re-waterproof and wash your outdoor gear since 1977.
- If you need to wash down items like puffer coats Nikwax make treatments for that too.