A quick fix for broken zips – and 84 other tips to keep your clothes looking good
Buy quality and handle garments gently. For tights, choose a slightly higher denier with elastane and reinforced toes and gussets, avoid rough shoes and sharp nails when dressing, wash in a mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle and never tumble-dry; clear nail polish will stop a ladder briefly, and darning with a very fine yarn can save a favourite pair.
Keep whites and darks separate. Wash whites only with other whites, use the hottest water feasible and avoid excess detergent; consider bluing rather than bleach, pre-soak with lemon juice and add white vinegar to the wash, and use sunshine to brighten. For darks, buy good black garments, spot-clean where possible, steam to refresh, turn items inside out, use a detergent for dark colours on a cold cycle and avoid tumble-drying.
Act fast on stains: dab with water or rinse under a tap rather than rubbing.