Washing your clothes too often can make them wear out sooner than you might expect. Frequent washing causes fading and shrinkage and wastes water and detergent, which isn’t good for the environment. The truth is, you don’t have to wash every piece of clothing after each wear. Some items can stay fresh for several wears. Here’s a look at which clothes you can wear more than once before putting them in the laundry.
Jeans
Many people think jeans need to be washed after every wear, but that’s not true. Denim is durable and doesn’t show sweat or odors as quickly as other fabrics. Washing jeans too often can make them fade and lose their shape. It’s better to wear your jeans 3-5 times before washing.
Jackets and Coats
Jackets and coats usually don’t need to be washed after every wear. They are made to resist dirt and odors. Spot cleaning or airing them out after each use is often enough. For heavier coats, a deep clean every few months, depending on how often you wear them, should be enough.
Sweaters
Sweaters, especially those made from wool or knit fabrics, don’t need to be washed often. These materials resist odors and can be refreshed by hanging them up for a few hours or using a light steam. If you need to wash your sweater, handwashing or using a delicate cycle works best.
Hoodies
Hoodies are usually made from thick cotton blends that don’t hold as many odors as lighter fabrics. Wash them when they start to look or smell dirty, but you can wear them a few times before that. Spot clean any spills and hang your hoodie between clothes to keep it fresh.
Blazers
Blazers, whether you’re wearing them for business or casual outings, generally don’t need frequent washing. In fact, over-washing your blazer can cause it to lose its crisp, structured look. Instead of washing, it’s best to take your blazer to the dry cleaner for an occasional refresh, especially if it’s a wool or polyester blend.
Pajamas
While you may be tempted to toss your pajamas in the laundry after every single night’s sleep, they don’t require frequent washes. Unless they get particularly sweaty or dirty, you can wear your PJs several times between washes. Air them out each day and give them a wash every few wears to keep them clean.
Bras
Bras are a key piece of any wardrobe, and many people make the mistake of washing them after each use. But bras can last longer if you let them rest. After wearing a bra, it’s recommended to let it rest for a day or two so the elastic can regain its shape. Wash them after 3-5 wears unless they get dirty.
Scarves
Scarves don’t require frequent washing, especially if they’re made from materials like silk, wool, or cashmere. Hang them up to air out after each wear and give them a gentle wash once every few wears. With scarves, the goal is to refresh them, not over-clean them.
Dresses
A dress, especially one worn over tights or leggings, can be worn multiple times without being washed. If it hasn’t been exposed to sweat, spills, or heavy dirt, it’s totally fine to wear it again. Quick steaming or airing can help eliminate odors in the meantime.
T-shirts
T-shirts can take a few years before needing a wash. Cotton and other breathable fabrics don’t trap odor as easily, so you can wear a tee a couple of times before tossing it in the laundry. If you spill something or sweat heavily, then it’s time for a wash. Otherwise, let it breathe.
Suits
If you own a suit, you probably already know that dry cleaning is essential. Most suits are made of wool or a wool blend, neither of which needs frequent washing. Dry-clean your suit once every few wears to keep it looking sharp, but don’t overdo it in the washing machine.
Swimwear
Swimwear is designed to handle water, so they don’t require frequent washing after a swim. After wearing your swimsuit, rinse it out in cold water to remove chlorine, salt, or sunscreen residue. You can wash it every 3-5 wears, or sooner if it gets particularly soiled.
Key Takeaway
Washing clothes too often not only leads to wear and tear but also contributes to unnecessary waste. So, next time you’re deciding whether to wash your clothes, consider whether they really need it. By being more mindful about laundry, you’ll not only save time and energy but also help preserve the life of your favorite clothes.
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