Do Clothes Have an Expiration Date?
The short answer is, “Yes!” Many cotton items that we wear next to our skin have a shorter life span than say, outerwear items made from heavier and more durable fabrics.
Replace your socks every six months. After many washings and wearings, the elastic just doesn’t function as well as it should. Hems start to fray and colors are not as true as they used to be. To ensure you are always wearing a fresh new pair of socks consider subscribing to a monthly sock service such as www.nicelaundry.com. The socks are fresh, functional, fun, and always a monthly surprise in your mailbox. This company also offers a free recycling program. Just return your old socks in any condition in the mailer your order came in with the prepaid shipping label. Socks are graded and depending on condition are either shipped to areas in need or repurposed as textile or shredded for other items such as home insulation. Your feet will feel fresh and you will be saving the planet at the same time!
Replace your underwear every six months. The average woman’s underwear drawer is overflowing with ill-fitting, old undergarments. Do yourself a favor this year and replace your old collection with 15 fresh pairs of the type of underwear you wear every day. Add three to five pairs of the type of underwear you use when you workout, and a couple of foundation garments if you use them for special occasions or when you need a little more control. Confidence begins with a fresh pair of underwear!
Replace your bras every six months. The elastic and cup materials tend to deteriorate with frequent washings, perspiration and body oils. If you have lost or gained at least ten to fifteen pounds since the last time you had a professional bra fitting, it is time to get new bras. A proper fitting bra helps with your posture and overall silhouette. Bras are an investment. Don’t skimp by purchasing them at a discount store. Having proper fitting bras in your wardrobe is the foundation of looking and feeling your personal best.
Replace t-shirts every season. These are not investment pieces. Go ahead and buy them at the big discount stores. Cotton rarely holds color through several washings and tend to shrink and pill. Whites become less brilliant. Blacks become faded. Since we wear them close to our skin, stains from perspiration are common. Fresh tees are a great way to start the season.
Replace running shoes every 300 miles. The tops of your shoes may look fine, but be mindful of the soles. If the treads are worn down, they will not support your feet well. Wear and tear will depend on the number of miles you run/walk, your weight and durability of the sole. If you wear running shoes for a living (i.e. P.E. teacher or personal trainer) you should replace them every three to four months.
Final tip: Practice the one-in-one-out rule this year. For example, if you purchase a new pair of shoes, one pair must come out of your closet and be thrown away or donated. I encourage my clients to live with less by only having items in their closet and drawers that they love and wear often. The goal is to have more organization in your life and less clutter. If you need help finding your wardrobe foundation basics and hone your personal style, I would be happy to help.