Look Fresher for Longer
We recently provided a large local organisation with their uniforms. Once the order was delivered, I felt compelled to send them guidelines on how to take care of their uniform. Spending money on clothes and footwear is not a guarantee on making the right impression, either to yourself, nor anyone else- it’s attention to detail that seals the deal.
Customers often ask me whether a particular item will “stretch”. My stock answer is your body will stretch anything you wear. You want proof? Have a look at an old pair of shoes and see if they were the same shape when you first bought them!
If you want your clothing to look better for longer, then they (like the rest of us) need a little bit of TLC.
Give them a rest
Many people will have a uniform for the week, use it daily, then send it off for dry cleaning at the end of the week. This is very hard on the garments, and they don’t have time to recover their shape, before being used again. Then, when they are sent to the cleaners they go through an abrasive process that further reduces the natural qualities of the fabric.
Similarly, some people find a pair of comfy shoes that they fall in love with and wear them continually until they wear them out.
In both cases, I would suggest that they rotate these items as often as possible, ideally daily. This will allow them to rest and regain some of their shape. In the case of footwear, it is even more important, as wearing out one part of the outer sole will change how you walk, and could lead to injuries, especially to your knees.
Give them the once-over
Have you ever pulled out something to wear just before you were due to go out, only to find it was stained? Save yourself the stress and check over your clothing before (not after) putting them away in your wardrobe.
Give them some room
Your clothes will crease and won’t look good if they’re jam packed in your wardrobe. Take some time to get rid of items you don’t use any more. This ruthlessness should also apply to items with their labels still on that you bought ages ago and have never used! This will allow the clothes you do use to be more visible and easier to pick up. I often carry out this exercise when I change my wardrobe for the season.
Hang them properly
Jackets weren’t made to be hung on the back of chairs- make sure you use good hangers.
Check the washing instructions
They’re there for a reason!
Avoid the sun!
Just like your skin, you should try and avoid putting your clothes out to dry in direct sunlight, especially dark clothes. If you do have to, then hang them to dry inside out.
This is not an exhaustive list, but following these simple tips, should keep your clothes in great shape and extend their lifespan considerably. A little bit of care goes a long way in maintaining the quality and appearance of your wardrobe, ensuring that you always make the right impression.
Remember, caring for your clothes is just as important as choosing the right pieces. By giving them the attention they deserve, you not only protect your investment but also enhance your personal and professional image.
So, whether it’s rotating your uniforms, using proper hangers, or simply checking for stains before storing your clothes, these small actions can make a significant difference. Let’s show our wardrobe some love and reap the benefits of looking sharp and feeling confident every day.
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My name is John Hayes, and I'm a really busy guy. Busy procrastinating most of the time. You wouldn't believe how many unessential tasks I had to complete before sitting down and writing this article. Those sales reports and emails don't check themselves. Yep, I've been busy. Busy doing nothing. We've all had one of those days where we feel like we've been incredibly "busy" - but can't quite put our finger on what we actually accomplished. Maybe we spent three hours answering emails, another two fiddling with a spreadsheet no one asked for, and another hour in a meeting that could have been an email or WhatsApp message. At the end of it all, the to-do list somehow got longer, not shorter.
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