The founder and CEO of Mr. Slimfit, Theo Ngobeni educates us on the science of taking care of clothes.
A style-conscious guy tends to spend more money than the average on his wardrobe. If you have built a timeless wardrobe that ticks most of the boxes we’ve discussed over the course of this column, that investment deserves to be protected. I find that far too many guys neglect the care of their clothes. The result is that they don’t last as long as they should, which costs you more in the longer term. So I put together a guide for men who want to protect that investment.
Rotation prolongs life
We all have favourite pieces in our wardrobe that we wear often. But constant wear and wash lessens the lifespan of those pieces. Here you’ll either need self-discipline to wear them less often, or double up on them. This is particularly true for sneakers, which take a beating with every wear. Clothing made from natural fibres is also susceptible to wearing more quickly.
Know when to fold and when to hang
Knowing which pieces to fold and which to hang is critical to care. Clothing such as knitwear, cotton tees and sweats must be folded. Hanging will cause them to lose their form. Suits and formalwear made from high-quality wools must be hung on purpose-built hangers.
Keep your room clean
I can’t overstate the importance of ensuring you don’t have dust build-up in your room and that you air your wardrobe regularly. Dust attracts dust mites, which damage your clothing. Moths are another problem that can be avoided with regular care and cleaning.
Dry-clean with caution
The chemical process that underpins dry-cleaning can be harsh on fabrics. It should really be a nuclear option when pieces are really dirty. Finding ways to protect your clothing from stains or dirt build-up is first prize. Invest in a garment brush, a lint roller and steamer. Initially it is a substantial investment, but it’ll save you money down the line.
Follow instructions
Wash-care instructions are there for a reason. Whoever produced that piece knows exactly how it reacts to water and heat, so trust them. If you feel as if this is too much admin, either don’t buy a particular piece, or take it to experts to clean.
Treat stains immediately
I’ve often been out to dinner and spilled some wine or food on my clothing. Experience has taught me that these stains need to be treated ASAP. Dab some water on the area and then wash as soon as you get home. The longer the stain sits in the fabric, the harder it is to remove.
Photography: Pexels
