Treat Your Clothes Right!

One of my biggest pet peeves deals with the mistreatment of clothing.  This means cleaning and storage.  It especially irks me when women say something along the lines of "Oh, I don't care.  I'll buy a new pair of jeans" or... "Its only clothes".  Yes while it may just be a pair of jeans, you just spent upwards of $40 on that pair of jeans.  I know as college students, we can't afford to constantly replace staple pieces like jeans.  So let's take a step towards better care of our clothes!

1. Care - Washing and Drying
Pay attention to the care instruction tags on the inside of garments.  If it says to dry clean, take it seriously. NY Mag reviewed a few at home dry clean kits, while it is nothing like the real deal, it might work for a few pieces in your closet while at college.

If you are washing knits or sweaters, try to wash them separately from your bras.  The hooks on bras often get stuck in woven materials and will lead to pulls or holes in your favorite sweater.
If you can't avoid washing the two together, pick up a lingerie bag. Stick your bras in the bag and the hooks will be snag free!

Wash your jeans inside out.  The wash/dye will remain in tact longer.

DO NOT dry your jeans in a dryer.  BAD. BAD. BAD.
So I may be a little dramatic here, but its because this is a major tip.  The dryer will shrink and weaken the fibers, making rips and holes more likely.  The dryer will also ruin the wash/dye of your jeans.  Its just BAD.
Instead, use a drying rack!  The condense perfectly allowing great storage for college dorm rooms when not in use.
Drying racks should be used for your sweaters as well.  When in doubt of whether to throw your sweater in the dryer, don't.  It might not shrink the first time, but it will eventually.  And it will shrink the day before you need to wear it for something important.
Also, use your drying rack for bras and yogas.  The heat from the drier will effect the elasticity and shorten the life of your bras and yogas.  I know I have had a pair of VS bedazzled yogas for several years now, and I am proud to say they are in great shape! No holes, they fit like new each time I put them on, and majority of the rhinestones/sequins are still intact.
Just remember you are paying a serious amount of money for bras and yogas from Pink/Victoria's Secret so take care of them!

2. Storage
The "guidelines" of folding versus hanging vary from person to person. For example, I fold my jeans, but I know people hang them - its personal preference! However there are some essential ways you should follow.
Fold: Knits, (Sweaters/Cardigans mostly) and Yogas
Hang: Dresses, Skirts, Oxfords/Dress Shirts, Blouses, Dress pants
Read some of Martha Stewart's tips here.

I am writing about this because for most of us, we are reaching the age of being on our own, in real & professional jobs, with real costs! Having to replace your clothes because you do not take care of them properly is a luxury you won't be able to afford for long.  Try practicing now while your wardrobe is more casual and slightly more affordable to replace compared to work clothes you will be upgrading to down the line.