Garments of clothing have a lifecycle the same way a human does. The only differences are the actual phases of the lifecycle. The main phase to focus on is the Use Phase. In order to keep our garments wearable for as long as possible, we need to focus on caring for our clothing properly in the use phase.
Certain garments require very specific laundering methods. This is dependant on the fabrics within the garment.
The best way to find out how to properly launder a garment is to check the care label on the inside. It is a legal requirement for any piece of clothing to have a care label with correct information regarding the fabric content and care instructions. The Commerce Commission of New Zealand details the legalities surrounding care labelling. Care labels extend beyond clothing to furnishings, bedding, mattresses, towels and any household fabrics. The purpose of this type of label is for the consumer to know how to properly care for the product so that it serves the intended purpose for an extended period of time. "By following the care instructions the goods are less likely to be damaged or destroyed and more likely to last for a reasonable period of time." (https://comcom.govt.nz/business/your-obligations-as-a-business/consumer-information-standards/care-labelling)
Any garment or fabric item must have an appropriate care label, regardless of where in the world it was made and how it was made. Any person or company that supplies or sells any of the aforementioned textile or garment products must include care labelling information.
The official rules and requirements for care labels are as follows:
- Labels must be in English and legible (font large enough to be readable)
- Must use the globally recognised laundering symbols
- Must have written instructions accompanied by said symbols
- Must be visible and easy to find within the garment so consumers can look at it before they buy
- An individual label should be on each piece of clothing within a set
"The label should include:
general cleaning and care instructions where appropriate and necessary textile maintenance (eg, air regularly), any warnings against inappropriate treatment (eg, do not tumble dry)." (https://comcom.govt.nz/business/your-obligations-as-a-business/consumer-information-standards/care-labelling )
I found some YouTube videos that talk about ways of caring for clothing so that it can last as long as possible.
Use Less
The two videos linked above are eco-friendly laundering techniques and tips for making clothes last longer.
Some Tips for Properly Laundering Garments:
- Avoid the dryer at all costs, as it generally shrinks and ruins garments.
- Wash garments according to all the instructions listed on the care label.
- Hand wash delicate and special items.
- Dry-clean any garments that require it.
- Utilise the washing machine settings, including the wool setting for knitwear garments.
- Separate garments into Lights, Darks, and Colours to avoid fabric dye bleeding or transferring onto other pieces.
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