With the rise of online sales and the allure of new trends, it’s easy to fall into the cycle of buying, wearing and discarding clothes. Fast fashion relies on this constant consumption, and it takes a toll on the environment, from resource depletion to overflowing landfills.

The best way you can break the fast fashion cycle is by wearing the clothes you already own. By taking proper care of your garments, you can extend their lives and avoid buying new items for as long as possible. With these simple tips, you can make significant strides in sustainable fashion.

1. Follow Garment Care Labels

The care label is the garment manufacturer’s instruction manual for a long life. Ignoring it can shrink your favorite sweater to a doll’s size or turn a vibrant blouse into a faded top after one hot wash. When a garment is damaged beyond repair, it ends up in the trash, especially if it’s not in good condition to donate.

All clothing will wear out over time, but washing, drying and storing them with care ensures they can be worn to their full potential. For example, fold knitwear rather than using hangers to avoid stretching, and wear denim several times before washing to preserve the color.

2. Wash and Dry Your Wardrobe Mindfully

Laundry consumes a lot of energy from heating water and running dryers. Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Modern detergents are effective at low temperatures, and this single change can significantly reduce your household’s energy use. It also prevents shrinking and fading.

The fashion industry is known for using highly toxic dyes in its manufacturing process. Using cold water helps keep those chemicals locked into the fabric, reducing the amount that bleeds into the water system.

After washing, use a folding rack or a line to dry your clothes. This method uses zero energy and has no risk of heat damage or piling.

3. Spot Clean and Air Out Garments

Surprisingly, overwashing can be a problem. While you should wash items that are smelly or visually dirty, you don’t need to wash everything after one wear. Water can dull colors and wear down fabric over time.

For small spills and marks, use a clean, damp cloth with a tiny dab of clear soap or gentle detergent to carefully blot out the stain instead of washing the entire garment. For items that only need a refresh, like a sweater you wore for only 3 hours, air them out. Hang them near an open window or on a balcony for a few hours.

4. Prevent Damage When Storing Items

Improper storage can cause avoidable wear and tear. High-quality wooden or padded hangers help prevent permanent damage to your shirts, like strange, pointy bumps on the shoulders. If you have a lot of garments to hang, consider getting slim-fit hangers to maximize your closet space.

To keep moths from creating holes and thinning out the fabrics of your wardrobe, stuff your garments with lavender or use cedar balls. These simple storage swaps will protect your clothing investment, reducing the need for replacements.

5. Give Your Clothes a Second Life

Think twice about discarding damaged clothes. Learn basic repair skills, such as sewing on a loose button or mending a small seam tear.

If a garment is still in great shape but just isn’t “you” anymore, consider doing a clothing swap. Exchange old clothes with your friends, family or neighbors so you can unload items you don’t want anymore and get new-to-you pieces without shopping. It’s a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe, one that gives you the thrill of something new without the carbon footprint, water usage and waste of producing a new product from scratch.

Make Your Garments Last

These simple clothing care tips are a powerful form of resistance against the wasteful fast fashion industry. Each time you mend a seam, swap old garments or air-dry a sweater, you’re conserving precious resources. True sustainability is found in longevity. Making your clothes last is the most authentic and impactful way to participate in the slow fashion movement.