Wear, Care & Share: Making Kids' Clothes Last Longer

Parents will be able to relate all too well to the challenge of keeping up with the clothing needs of growing children. However, with a few simple strategies, you can extend the life of your children's clothing, saving both time and money while reducing waste.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

• When it comes to buying kids' clothes, quality matters. While it might be cheaper to purchase fast-fashion items, investing in higher-quality garments can pay off in the long run. 
• Look for well-made pieces with durable fabrics and sturdy construction. While they may cost a bit more upfront, they're likely to withstand the wear and tear of active kids and multiple washings, ultimately saving you money in the long term. 
• USB & More provides excellent options, such as the Kiddies Super Club 150 T-Shirt, kids’ long-sleeve t-shirts by FRWD, or these kids hybrid fleece jackets by Barron. 

Rotate, Mix & Match

• To prevent excessive wear on specific garments, encourage your children to rotate their clothing regularly. Doing so not only prolongs the life of individual items but also allows you to make the most of their wardrobe. 
• You could mix and match different pieces to create new outfits and keep things fresh without putting undue strain on any single garment or on your budget. This practise will extend the lifespan of the clothes while fostering creativity and individuality in your child’s style choices.

Practise Proper Care

• Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of kids' clothing. Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label, including washing, drying and ironing recommendations. 
• Use gentle, child-safe detergents that are suitable for their delicate skin and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach whenever possible. Teach your children to treat their clothes with care, including avoiding rough play that could lead to tears or damage.

Repair, Repurpose and Share

• Finally, repurpose and share or swap kids’ clothing for added longevity. Instead of discarding a garment with minor damage, try to repair it promptly. Additionally, get creative with repurposing old clothes into new items or accessories.
• Turn worn-out jeans into shorts, transform stained shirts into cleaning rags, or repurpose fabric scraps for craft projects. Items that have been outgrown can be given to younger siblings, neighbours or a charity shop to ensure they get maximum wear.

With a little mindfulness and effort, your kids’ clothing can last longer than you think. Shop online with USB & More for quality kids wear, then remember to rotate, mix and match, practise proper care, and share or repurpose clothing for a more sustainable future for our kids and the planet.