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I’ve had SO much response and so many questions about this topic over the last few years, especially the last few weeks! For those of you who may not have known, I ran a (relatively) successful seamstress business right after graduating college. It worked well for me for about a year but the exhaustion got to me. What people don’t tell you is that it can be draining doing the same kinds of fixes day in and day out. Not only that, but seamstresses and tailors (at least when they’re not in a super wealthy area or have super wealthy clients) aren’t paid nearly enough. That being said, I’ve opted to be extremely selective with who and what I work with now since my personal life woke me up to how much of a workaholic I am but I wanted to bring you this series on how to get the most out of your clothes.

The past couple of years I’ve seen a huge change of tide in so many of my peers looking to be more mindful and sustainable in their clothing purchases but not entirely sure how to care for and make the most out of them. SO I’m starting this series “Get the Most Out of Your Clothes” sharing my fashion/seamstress/education knowledge on how to look and feel your best in your off-the-rack fashion that’ll make you feel like every piece is custom!

Today, I’m just going to give you a handful of ways and a brief overview but make sure you check back in the upcoming weeks for more in-depth posts on these topics and more! First up is…*drumroll please*

1. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS!

   I don’t mean to sound harsh but the number of clients I’ve worked with that don’t know their sizes or measurements is astounding. I get it. If you didn’t grow up obsessed with fashion or having pieces practically custom-made (like me💁🏻‍♀️) you probably don’t. Unfortunately, though, that’s hurting you in the long run. Why you may ask? With the fashion industry the way it is today not one brand has the same sizing as the next. Have you ever gone to one store and be one size yet head to the one next door to be two sizes bigger? Yep. That’s because not. one. brand. has the same sizing as the next. Especially in the days of internet shopping, know your measurements! It’ll save you a world of trouble (but more on how to get those in a future post!). For those of you who need a guide on how to measure yourself or for a free tape measure because you don’t have one or keep losing yours, just sign up for my email list here. And don’t worry - I won’t flood your inbox!

2. Take clothes to a tailor or seamstress!

   When I was starting to really focus on fashion and sincerely think of it as a potential career, a family friend (who was a professional tailor to a number of big name Hollywood clients) told me that celebrities buy off the rack 9 times out of 10. The reason they always look so good? You guessed it - they take them to tailors! I educated a number of those around me in my close, personal circle as to why this is a good thing since normally we don’t think that tailors or seamstresses are worth it or even available for anything other than special occasion. That’s not true! I’ve worked with numerous clients altering their $5 clearance dresses from Old Navy that fit strangely in a couple of places and now they’re their favorite pieces! Seamstresses/Tailors are especially helpful with those workwear pieces you’re looking to invest in, button downs, and pants. My best piece of advice (especially with button downs)? Fit the largest part and take the rest in! You may pay a good amount of alterations but you’ll still most likely spend less buying off the rack and altering as opposed to buying custom.

3. Learn how to mend.

   I’m planning on a couple of tutorials as to how to do this on certain garments but basically the kind you go with depends on whether your fabric/garment is a knit or woven. Do you have specific requests on what to mend? Sweater? Sock? Jeans? Comment on this post and let me know! I’ll try to cover as many as possible (including ones you don’t need a sewing machine for)!

4. Limit your dryer usage. Buy a drying rack!

   Seriously. I studied in Italy for a semester in college and my clothes from Italy and afterwards have lasted so much longer than anything I ever had before because I started paying better attention to how I was caring for those clothes. We didn’t have a dryer - just placed everything on the drying racks (I recommend THIS ONE!)- and I didn’t even miss it. If you *have* to use a dryer, limit how hot it is. Low to delicate is best! When your clothes are in the dryer, they’re getting tossed around recklessly and banging into every other article in there, creating friction. Combine that with heat? You’re doubling the friction there. Ever have a pair of jeans get holes in the thighs? Same concept!
   Also *Pro Tip #1: I prefer to use delicate and light settings on my washer for the same reasons as the dryer. I NEVER use hot water!!!
   **Pro Tip #2: Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post on my go-to ways for washing/drying your clothes!

5. Suck it up and get a Steamer.

   They’re not expensive so I don’t know why people refuse to get one. There are a number of travel sized options which are perfect when you’re only steaming a couple of things at a time and not 50. Honestly, I’ve had clients pay me JUST to come over and steam something for them. THIS ONE is similar to the one I have! If you’re scared of an iron, don’t know how to work one properly (don’t worry - I can help with that one too!), are just trying to get a small wrinkle out, or don’t feel comfortable ironing a special occasion outfit, steamers are GAME CHANGERS. Also, if you get the one I mentioned, it’s travel sized so it’s perfect to pack for a vacation or work trip!

6. Go to a cobbler

   Has anyone heard of these before? Cobblers (also shoemakers) are shoe artists and, yes, I do mean artists. They’re a lot more popular in Europe because of the emphasis placed on quality as opposed to quantity. I actually had never used a cobbler until a couple of years ago. My absolute favorite pair of high heels had been destroyed after years of wear and the store (Payless, RIP) is no longer in operation. I took them to the nearest shoe repair shop in the hopes that he could repair the most-loved shoes in my wardrobe and he DID. Now obviously not everything can be saved but it never hurts to ask and see if it’s possible. You’d be amazed at what they can do!

7. Keep a separate set of scissors for fabric only.

   You may laugh but I’m dead serious. If you know me or anyone who sews, chances are we’ve yelled at you not to use our fabric scissors. The reason? Paper and other materials dull scissors at a faster rate than fabric does. I have (no lie) 4 sets of scissors that are dedicated solely to fabric cutting so that when one pair goes dull, I can switch out until I get a bulk amount to take them the scissor sharpeners - and yes those exist too. If you ever decide to change up a garment (say turn a shirt or sweatshirt into a crop or hem your pants) you need to make sure those scissors are nice and sharp otherwise you’ll have trouble making a clean cut and could ruin your fabric or garment.
   

   I hope you grabbed some helpful tidbits from this post! Make sure you keep an eye out for the rest of the series in the upcoming weeks (months depending on how frequently I post them?) and let me know what you can’t wait to see!

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