There is nothing quite like going on a shopping spree and refreshing your wardrobe. We all like to have outfits for every occasion, from sophisticated evenings and summer days out to everything in between. However, do you ever think about just making do with what you have? Furthermore, have you ever thought about repurposing old items that have seen better days?
Changing times
There was certainly a time when this idea was not really on people’s radars. Back in 2019, for example, research by sustainable fashion brand Thought revealed that 15 per cent of Brits put clothes in the bin when they were broken or damaged. In addition, just 36 per cent said they repaired clothes when they were damaged, and a fifth of participants in the survey said they couldn’t be bothered to invest energy or time into recovering worse-for-wear clothing.
However, with many of us becoming more environmentally aware and keen to embrace sustainable outlooks, this attitude has definitely shifted. Looking through old clothes and breathing fresh life into them can be exciting as a creative outlet, while it is also hugely satisfying to see waste avoided and practical materials repurposed with a new lease of life.
So, if you are interested in taking this step, what tools do you need? Here, we have compiled a list of a few essentials that you may want to consider.
1. Sewing machine
Buying a device like this might cost a bit initially, but it should prove its value in the long run. After all, it may well be your secret weapon as you mend long-ignored items or transform them into new wardrobe wonders.
So, which model should you go for? It’s worth researching within your price range and relative to the amount of usage you’re envisioning the machine will get. Of the top-calibre products, brands such as Singer, Janome, and Brother are renowned to be premium sewing machines on the market.
2. Superglue
This is another classic item that you should consider. Super glue can be very useful when sewing just will not do. You might need it for fixing shoes, adding new elements to old clothes, or mending accessories like handbags.
However, just remember to be careful. Super glue often lives up to its name, so it can be tricky if you get some on you. Fortunately, you wouldn’t be the first to wind up with superglue in awkward places and there are plenty of useful blogs online as to how to get superglue off your hands, nails and hair. For hands, it suggests methods that make use of soap, lemon juice, and even olive oil. In contrast, you may need Vaseline and acetone to remove them from your nails.
3. YouTube
This might sound like a strange choice compared to the others, but hear us out: advice and inspiration can be vital when trying to get more out of your wardrobe and this site simply has it in abundance.
There are loads of videos all about clothing hacks, from channels including 123 GO! So, have a browse, watch some content and see what ideas you can find. That little bit of inspiration could go a long way as you look to revamp your style and create new fashion from your old items.
New ways to enjoy old clothes
Clothes and fashion are a key part of life. The things that we wear can define our identity, how we feel and, of course, the way we look. As such, it is always important to get them right. However, that does not mean you need to rush out and buy new items at every opportunity. Put simply, fashion does not have to cost the earth.
Sometimes there is more to enjoy in older items than you realise, so hopefully, this advice has given you food for thought on how to move forward on this issue.
