How to Keep Your Clothes Looking Like New

Make your favorite fashion pieces last forever.

Organize Your Summer Stuff - Before you pack up all of your summer clothes, go through everything first. Give away clothes that don’t fit or you won’t wear and pick out certain dresses and blouses that you can still wear in the fall. Try pairing them with a jacket, tights and boots.  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

1 / 10

Make It Last Forever - Whether it’s a priceless vintage T-shirt you’ve held on to since college or a new work-ready skirt, we have the lowdown on how to keep all your favorite pieces looking as fab as they did the day you bought them. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Your Signature Scent - Walking into a department store can be intimidating since there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. When thinking about finding your signature scent, don’t get caught up in packaging and name brands. Instead, think about that first experience of trying on a fragrance and how it makes you feel. (Photo: Felix Wirth/Corbis)

2 / 10

Skip the Perfume - …on your clothes, that is. Smell goods are formulated to work with the heat of your body, so when you spray them on your clothing, not only do you not get the full benefit of the scent, but the alcohol in the fragrance can stain them. Hit your pulse points instead. (Photo: Felix Wirth/Corbis)

86489163

3 / 10

Treat Stains - Missed your mouth at dinner? Treat stains ASAP — at the very least before washing — to keep them from setting. Blot liquids with a light-colored cloth, working from the outside in, to prevent spreading. Have an oil-based stain? A sprinkle of cornstarch will soak it up before the wash. And cold water can remove a multitude of stains. (Photo: Jupiterimages/GettyImages)

153754752

4 / 10

Follow Directions - Clothes tell you exactly how to wash them — read tags and act accordingly. (Photo: Anatoly Vartanov/GettyImages)

Photo By Photo: Anatoly Vartanov/GettyImages

Use a Light Hand - If you’re not using the built in measuring device on your detergent — either a scoop or top — you are probably using way too much detergent on your clothes. Besides wasting your money, it leaves a residue on the fabric and fades colors. (Photo: Nadeem/LuckyPix/Corbis)

5 / 10

Use a Light Hand - If you’re not using the built in measuring device on your detergent — either a scoop or top — you are probably using way too much detergent on your clothes. Besides wasting your money, it leaves a residue on the fabric and fades colors. (Photo: Nadeem/LuckyPix/Corbis)

ADVERTISEMENT
Opt for Cold - Whenever possible, skip hot water. It can fade fabrics, so save it for truly dirty clothes. You can still get clothes super-clean by using a detergent formulated for cold water, which employs ingredients that perform better in chillier water. (Photo: Kate Kunz/Corbis)

6 / 10

Opt for Cold - Whenever possible, skip hot water. It can fade fabrics, so save it for truly dirty clothes. You can still get clothes super-clean by using a detergent formulated for cold water, which employs ingredients that perform better in chillier water. (Photo: Kate Kunz/Corbis)

Close Up Shop - Zippers, snaps, hooks and buttons can all snag your clothing. So close them before tossing items into the washing machine. And tie all fabric belts and drawstrings to prevent them from tangling in — and stretching out — fabric. (Photo: Angelo Christo/Corbis)

7 / 10

Close Up Shop - Zippers, snaps, hooks and buttons can all snag your clothing. So close them before tossing items into the washing machine. And tie all fabric belts and drawstrings to prevent them from tangling in — and stretching out — fabric. (Photo: Angelo Christo/Corbis)

Go Inside Out - From sequins to screen-printing to embroidery, turn embellished clothing inside out to protect it. Wash jeans inside out, too, to protect the wash, and then hang these pieces to dry. (Photo: Alan Schein/Corbis)

8 / 10

Go Inside Out - From sequins to screen-printing to embroidery, turn embellished clothing inside out to protect it. Wash jeans inside out, too, to protect the wash, and then hang these pieces to dry. (Photo: Alan Schein/Corbis)

Myth 1: Bras Cause Breast Cancer - A recent study has finally put to rest a persistent Internet health myth. Researchers found that in no way does wearing a bra increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These findings also took into account the amount of time, type of bra worn and whether it had under-wire, says the Washington Post.  (Photo: 2/ballyscanlon/Ocean/Corbis)

9 / 10

Be Delicate - When it comes to lingerie, all but basic undies should go in a mesh bag to prevent snagging and twisting, and be sure to close bra hooks and wash in small loads. Then air dry. For your fanciest stuff, hand wash, rinse, roll in a towel to remove excess water, and hang to dry. For everyday panties, dry with low heat to preserve the elastic. (Photo: 2/ballyscanlon/Ocean/Corbis)

Invest in New Hangers - Beginning today, start fresh and toss away worn out wobbly hangers. Maximizing space can be achieved by investing in quality ones, that are able to hold multiple clothing items at once. Not only does it streamline space, it also elevates your closet to the next level by allowing for a more uniformed appearance. (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

10 / 10

Store Properly - Use wooden hangers when possible — never metal — for woven items like cotton shirts and fold all knitwear, from sweaters to pants, to help them keep their shape. And don’t store dry cleaned clothing in plastic, as it can foster mildew growth. (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)