COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
How to Extend the Life of Second-Hand Clothes
Second-hand clothes have already had one life. With the right care, many can have several more, whether you wear them, resell them or keep them in a costume wardrobe.
Most of what extends a garment’s life is simple and inexpensive.
WASHING AND DRYING
Gentler care, longer life.
Follow the care label
When the label is missing, wash cool and gently.
Wash less often
Air items between wears where they do not need washing.
Turn items inside out
Protects prints and dark colours.
Dry carefully
Air-dry where possible, away from strong direct sun for dark colours.
STORAGE
Keep it in shape.
Storage damage is avoidable.
- Fold knits; hang shirts and jackets on shaped hangers.
- Store clean and fully dry to avoid mildew, especially in humid weather.
- Keep out of direct sunlight to reduce fading.
- Air stored items regularly.
SIMPLE REPAIRS
Fix small problems early.
Loose buttons
Re-sew before they fall off.
Open seams
A few hand stitches stop a seam spreading.
Small holes
Darn or patch knits and woven fabrics.
Pilling
Remove with a fabric shaver or comb.
WHEN CARE IS NOT ENOUGH
Rework or pass on.
- Rework it: see the upcycling workflow.
- Swap it at a clothing swap.
- Donate wearable items, and recycle textiles where facilities exist.
NEXT STEP
Caring for resale stock?
Good care keeps stock sellable for longer. If you resell second-hand clothing, talk to us about wholesale sourcing.
General guidance for planning purposes. Examples are illustrative; outcomes depend on your own market, stock, prices and costs.