How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Importantly, as it is also estimated that £140 million worth of clothing goes into landfill each year – taking the time to ensure that your clothes last is one of the best ways to sustainably consume. At Maxwell-Scott, we believe in buying once and enjoying your wardrobe for many more years to come. That is why each of our briefcases, handbags, luggage bags and accessories is made in Italy by master craftsmen from the finest durable full grain, vegetable-tanned leather and accompanied by a 25 year warranty. As a timeless addition to your wardrobe, here’s how to ensure that your Maxwell-Scott purchase lasts a lifetime alongside the rest of your clothing…

Firstly, in order to ensure that your wardrobe endures, it is important from the very beginning to invest in the very best quality (be that pre-loved or new). Orsola de Castro of Fashion Revolution told The Guardian that “the first thing to do when you’re looking at a piece of clothing is turn it inside out and pull at every piece of string you find,” as when clothes are cheaply made, the seams are often poorly assembled. This is a testament to the workmanship of a product which is central to our ethos at Maxwell-Scott. As such, our skilled artisans possess a wealth of knowledge as they work deep within the traditional Italian leather industry. They handcraft pieces from full grain leather which is the most durable option due to its close grain pattern – whilst maintaining an undeniable beauty. When you invest in this level of quality your clothing and accessories can be passed from generation to generation.

Similarly to investing in quality craftsmanship, choosing the right materials is key. This is why our full grain, vegetable-tanned leather is the perfect choice when considering sustainability and longevity. Each hide is dyed with tannins from the likes of the chestnut tree, as opposed to harsh chemicals, and will biodegrade over the years. This is why this natural leather is the best compared to faux leather alternatives. There is a debate as to whether synthetic materials or natural fibres are better options. Whilst synthetic materials may be more durable and can endure more washing, their natural alternatives are more breathable. Therefore, the likes of 100% cotton or 100% merino wool mean that you sweat less and needn’t wash items as often. De Castro, for instance, warns against wearing polyester as when washed, it sheds microfibres, which have been linked to plastic pollution in our oceans. Anyway, limiting the amount that you wash your clothes is always a positive. This means that investing in quality in terms of materials, as well as production, is crucial to a long lasting wardrobe.

Of course, making your wardrobe last means that clothing requires a timeless edge. This means that a capsule wardrobe of the classics is the ideal building blocks for daily life from the inevitable blue jean to a cashmere jumper and tailored outerwear. These key pieces should be purchased in neutrals that suit your aesthetic whether this is rich navys and deep blacks or subtle camel and light stone. It is important to find that palette that is suitable for your style and daily life and work tonally, choosing those essential designs in these colours. This way, your wardrobe will never go out of style.

Once all three points above have been considered, another way to ensure that your clothes last for many more years to come is through alterations and repairs. With this, your tailor should become your best friend. They can revitalise previous favourites, or those pieces that you never take out of the wardrobe, into items that you will love. It is also an ideal way of tailoring vintage and pre-loved pieces to your exact measurements. After all there is so much that they can do for you including: taking up trousers, skirts or dresses and conversely letting down hems to lengthen pieces, as well as repairing seams, adding in darts to fit the item better to you or even transforming garments say with a new sleeve. In essence, it is like receiving a whole new piece of clothing all over again. 

Taking care of your clothing and accessories then is the last step in guaranteeing that your wardrobe lasts. There are two important aspects to this: how you store and how you care for your clothing.

How To Store

Japanese organising consultant and author, Maire Kondo has taught us over the previous years the best ways in which to store the contents of our wardrobe. This includes folding garments properly which importantly respects the clothing. With this, it is crucial not to overfill your wardrobe and invest in wooden hangers, rather than wire or plastic ones, because they are better at retaining the shape of the clothing. In terms of your leather bag, it is best stored emptied in a dry environment at room temperature. Over the long term, it should be kept in the Maxwell-Scott dustbag, instead of plastic, so that the leather can breathe.

How To Care

When it then comes to caring for the leather, a touch of leather cream every 2-3 months will prevent any cracking and smooth out any small scratches which occur from everyday wear. We wholly recommend Skidmore’s leather cream as it is essentially made from pure beeswax, known for its soothing and healing qualities. If a mark does appear, simply dip a clean cloth in a simple soap and water solution and gently clean the surface of your bag. When it comes to other garments a similar approach is necessary – gentle cleaning every so often followed by air-drying is all that high quality natural fibres will require.

These may take longer than simply sending a selection of shirts to the dry cleaners but it remains better for both your clothes and the environment, making it the perfect solution.