Why do my clothes look like they're ancient when I've only had them for a short while?

Question

When I buy a nice sweater or something I always think grimly, Well, it won't look like that for long. I seem to destroy clothes just by washing them and wearing them. I'm serious. I wash in cold water with a liquid detergent and then hang them on the line outside until they are dry. What am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

Get them dry cleaned or hand wash them.

Answer 2

Many factors come in to play in this situation. If the clothes aren't very good quality, they will start looking old sooner. And just because something costs more money doesn't necessarily mean it's high quality. I've had cheap Walmart tshirts last longer than more expensive Sears tshirts. As for washing your clothes, check the washing instructions on the label and make sure you're using the correct amount of detergent. You might also want to try something like Woolite for delicate clothes. The type of wash cycle is important also. Some things need to be hand washed or washed in a machine on gentle or light cycle. Some items also need cold water. Some need warm. All this affects how long your clothes lasts.

Answer 3

I agree with those that are saying it might well be the quality of clothing. And the information about sweaters given about laying them flat to dry rather than hanging. Sweaters should not be hung up on a line or on a clothes hanger. They do it in the stores I know but they should not be. Any knitted type sweater should be flat and folded to be put away. You can keep creases at bay by using tissue paper when you fold.

The newer front loading washing machines are far superior than the old agitator type machine when it comes to keeping clothing looking newer longer.

Also you might want to not put the clothing in direct sunlight. That can fade it. Use an area that is partially shaded.

Answer 4

I had the same problem several years ago. Then I started to wash my clothes on delicate, and in cold water because I'd heard that unless you get your clothes terribly dirty that you don't need to use the hot or warm water. And then I took it one step further to reduce the amount of wear on my clothes and I started to hang them to dry. It worked! My jeans were fading at a much reduced rate, and my shirts weren't getting old looking! I even garden A LOT, and I still only use cold water, and that gets them clean.

Also, different washing machines wash differently. If you have one that has a spiraling center that makes the clothes rotate down the center and up along the outside of the basin, this can put a lot of wear on the material of your clothes. I have a Maytag that simply agitates back and forth. If I need to get heavy dirt out, I either presoak, or run the clothes on a longer cycle.

Hope this helps! :o)

Answer 5

I have the same problem. I only seem to not wear out the clothes I don't really like. I can say that the sun might be taking a toll on them, or gravity with the weight of the water stressing them and wearing out the shoulders. Maybe lay them flat. I do that with especially delicate/lacy things. It seems to work.

Answer 6

First make sure you buy good quality clothes. Read the lables to see how they should be washed. Everything isn't washed the same way.
If you buy your clothes at Walmart or somewhere like that you can count on them looking old after the first wash.

I don't like cheap clothes or clothes that fade quickly so I buy designer clothes at Marshalls TJ Max or AJ wright. I also get them their because I don't like to spend lots of moeny but I love nice clothes.

Answer 7

Perhaps the clothing are of cheap quality or the detergent not good for the clothing. Try the dry cleaners.

Answer 8

Some sweaters are not supposed to be "line dried" they are supposed to be either dry cleaned or handwashed and placed on a towel to dry on a flat surface. (Check the cleaning instructions.)Hope this helps.

Answer 9

It depends on the quality. If you buy clothes at Walmart, they won't last long.

Answer 10

try a diffrent style