top of page

How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Writer's picture: Rachel OomsRachel Ooms

Girl standing in front of a house

Welcome to another post on the Ryn blog! If you're here, you're probably a member of our conscious community, exploring the immense possibilities of wearing and loving your clothes for longer. Ryn, your personal AI-driven closet manager, was born out of the mission to revolutionize the fashion industry's impact on the planet, promoting sustainability and conscious fashion choices.


Here at Ryn, we're about redefining the relationship between fashion and the planet. So before we dive into our tips and tricks to make that relationship better, let's take a look at the current situation in the world of fast fashion and find out why making our clothes last longer is so important.






The Impact of Fast Fashion

Man walking through piles of clothes on a beach shoreline

In an increasingly consumer-centric world, the lifespan of clothing has drastically shrunk. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that the average number of times a garment is worn before it is tossed to the side has decreased by 36% compared to 15 years ago. Consequently, more than $500 billion is lost every year due to clothing underutilization and lack of recycling.


The repercussions don't end there. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that in 2018 alone, 17 million tons of textile waste ended up in landfills. This statistic represents a significant increase from the 2 million tons recorded in 1960. Undoubtedly, this trend is moving in the wrong direction.


Ryn’s mission is to help us combat these alarming statistics. As your personal stylist, Ryn uses AI technology to make the most of what you already own, encouraging you to repeat, recycle, and rejuvenate rather than replace. Ryn's mission is rooted in the understanding that longevity in clothing is a potent weapon against the environmental impacts of fast fashion.


Tips to Make Your Clothes Last Longer


With or without Ryn, there are some practical ways to extend your clothing’s lifespan and contribute to a sustainable fashion ecosystem:


1. Understand Care Labels: Care labels are there for a reason. Ensure to follow the recommended washing, drying, and ironing instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your clothes.





2. Opt for Quality Over Quantity: Higher quality garments might cost more upfront but they tend to last significantly longer than cheaply made items. They can withstand wear and tear, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.



3. Revamp, Don’t Replace: Before you think of discarding an old piece, consider if it can be revamped or upcycled. Ryn's AI can suggest innovative ways to style your clothes, making them feel fresh and exciting again. Ever thought about cuffing those jeans or cutting that shirt? Ryn’s got you.




Sweaters folded in bins

4. Store Your Clothes Properly: Proper storage can significantly increase your clothes' lifespan. Keep your clothes clean before storing them, use appropriate hangers, and avoid overstuffing your closet. Take some time to research the best ways important garments should be stored. Learning is key here! It doesn’t take much to fold your sweaters instead of hanging them up - but over time, they will thank you for it.



5. Practice Mindful Laundry: Washing clothes less frequently, using cold water, and air drying can help maintain the fabric's quality while also saving energy. I’m definitely guilty of throwing all the clothes on my floor in the laundry, but taking the time to sort and *sniff* to see what can be worn again works wonders for our garments in the long run.


Jeans hanging to line dry

6. Mend and Repair: Learn basic sewing skills to mend minor tears and replace missing buttons. This practice not only extends the life of your clothes but also adds a touch of personalization. You don’t need a giant sewing machine to learn either! There are cheap options on the market for hand-held sewing machines perfect for patching up a tear. You may even pick up a new hobby from it.


Remember, every garment saved from landfill counts. As we move towards a more sustainable future, Ryn is committed to making your wardrobe a platform for change. So join us in wearing our clothes longer, smarter, and sustainably fashion-forward.


59 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page