How to Care For Your Clothes in Five Easy Steps

Busy schedules don’t always leave room for meticulous wardrobe care. But a few small rituals can make all the difference in keeping your clothes looking sharp and lasting longer. At The Seam, we’ve seen how proper care transforms a wardrobe - and how simple changes can extend the life of pieces you love.

1. Choose steam over iron Ironing presses fibres flat, which over time can dull the life of your clothes. A handheld steamer is quicker, gentler, and kinder on delicate fabrics. It refreshes garments in minutes — perfect for a last-minute meeting or evening out. This model from Steamery (£79) has excellent reviews and sits comfortably in the mid-price range, though there are plenty of other good options available online.

2. De-bobble your knitwear Pilling can make even the finest jumper look tired long before its time. A fabric shaver - often called a de-bobbler - quickly removes those small balls of fibre, reviving wool and cashmere instantly and restoring texture and shape. The Telegraph recently rounded up some of the best de-bobblers available, a useful guide if you’re looking to invest in one. And if you’d rather leave it to the experts, our Makers can handle knitwear de-bobbling as part of our specialist care services.

3. Lay wool flat to dry Wool fibres are at their weakest when wet. Hanging a damp jumper stretches it out of shape, but drying it flat helps maintain form. Roll it gently in a towel to absorb water, then reshape and leave flat to dry on a clean surface or mesh rack. It’s the best way to ensure your knitwear lasts for years.

4. Wash clothes inside out Turning garments inside out before washing protects colour and detail. It’s especially effective for jeans, printed T-shirts, and pieces with embroidery, helping them stay vibrant and intact through many washes.

5. Resist over-washing Not every wear calls for a wash. Over-laundering wears out fibres unnecessarily. Spot cleaning or a quick steam often refreshes clothes just as well - and helps them last longer.

Wardrobe care doesn’t have to be complicated. With these small adjustments, you’ll keep your clothes looking their best, season after season. At The Seam, we believe in extending the life of every garment, whether through everyday habits or specialist repair.