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Keep your clothes looking young

By JACKIE SILVER

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 7, 2009

We spend quite a bit of time, effort and money on picking just the right wardrobe pieces that will keep us looking our best. So it's really disappointing when a favorite blouse becomes faded, or a pair of jeans that have just the perfect fit shrink to ankle-length. Here are a few tips for preserving the beauty and "just-bought" look of your clothes so they can stay young, too.

• Purchase quality items that will stand the test of time. This doesn't mean you have to spend more. Shop the sales! Look for timeless, classic, high-quality pieces. For example, a lined jacket will usually hold up well compared to an unlined one.

• Store your clothing properly to avoid damage. Don't hang soft, delicate sweaters; fold them instead. Avoid thin metal hangers that can stretch out your clothes or pull threads out with their sharp edges. I've gotten the best results with padded satin hangers, which you can find on sale after the holidays. That's when I stock up.

• Be creative with your laundering. Not every item of clothing has to be dry-cleaned. With extra care, you can save money and preserve the life of your favorite, delicate articles. One way is to air dry them - either outside or inside. I prefer to dry my clothes inside on a drying rack. There are many practical products available today for just that purpose. (To find laundry care items that make a humdrum chore easier, check out www.leifheitusa.com/laundry-care.)

Taking just a little extra time and effort could help extend the life of your clothes, allowing you to decide when to get rid of them instead of being forced to discard them because they've worn out.

Jackie Silver is the founder and president of Aging Backwards, LLC, and author of "Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young." Send your questions or comments to jackie@agingback wards.com or follow her on Twitter, @AgingBackwards.

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