Maintaining clothes for extended periods and wearing them year-round may seem convenient, but it can have adverse effects on both health and skin. To prevent potential skin diseases, it is important to understand the drawbacks of this behavior. Find out more about the impact of long-term clothing use and how it can affect your well-being.
This lack of reverence for the longevity of clothing mainly applies to items worn closest to the skin, like socks and underwear. It is crucial to acknowledge the impact of this negligence on such garments’ shelf life.
To manage your wardrobe, it’s important to understand the shelf life of each clothing item. This knowledge will help you determine when to dispose of or replace them. Additionally, you can explore ways to preserve clothing items for an extended period if replacement isn’t feasible. By implementing these practices, you can optimize the longevity and utility of your clothing collection.
What do we mean by the shelf life of clothes?
Before knowing the shelf life of clothes, of all kinds, it is necessary to explain the concept of “the shelf life of clothes,” which may be new to some people who have not heard of it before.
The shelf life of an item depends on various factors including the type of fabric, how it is used (e.g., underwear, work clothes), and the frequency of washing.
In addition, these clothes are exposed to many changes, and the condition of the fabric deteriorates when worn repeatedly, due to dust, wind, sweat, and various stains.
When all of these factors are considered, it is then possible to determine the shelf life of each piece of clothing. However, certain pieces have a specific shelf life, which is called the “shelf life” of the clothing, which must be adhered to, so let us learn about them.
6 months for socks
Socks are considered one of the most common types of clothing items that must be replaced quickly, as their shelf life does not exceed 6 months.
Socks can be worn for extended periods throughout the day, as they are confined within shoes. This prolonged confinement may lead to tissue damage, necessitating proper care. Don’t neglect the health of your feet and choose comfortable socks for optimal well-being.
Because this piece needs to be washed after every use, it is susceptible to damage faster, due to the cleaning materials it is exposed to, which often contain chemicals that often lead to damage and sagging of its tissues.
Shelf life of socks Shutterstock
But if the socks are of good quality, or are not worn constantly, in this case, they can be kept for a longer period, and vice versa.
Change cotton undershirts every year
The shelf life of cotton T-shirts ranges between 6 months and one year, as it is considered better to replace them with new pieces after that, to avoid exposure to skin diseases.
The reason behind the short lifespan of these cotton shirts is their frequent use, as well as wearing them directly on the skin, which makes them easily damaged.
The most prominent signs that indicate that it is time to replace the cotton undershirt are the stretching of its fabrics, the difficulty of getting rid of stains, and the appearance of small grains on it.
Do not exceed 6 months for underwear
Underwear is also used like socks, as it is worn constantly, and is exposed to many changes over time, which accelerates its deterioration, and becomes unusable after only 6 months.
The fabric fabrics from which underwear is made are exposed to wear quickly, and they become rough and uncomfortable, which may lead to constant itching.
In addition, bras, for example, because they contain many elastic fabrics, are subject to sagging and become unusable properly.
In addition to being exposed to sweat and oils that the body secretes throughout the day, which can accumulate in fabric and persist even after washing, it is important to address these issues for better hygiene and cleanliness.
Everyday clothes live longer
Unlike cotton undershirts, regular undershirts that are worn in daily life can last longer.
Its lifespan may reach 3 years, depending on the degree of use and frequency of washing, because the same shirt is often worn once a week or less.
This is the case with most clothes worn in daily life, which are re-worn much less often than underwear, which needs constant washing.
3 years for cloth trousers
Pants are usually worn more than cotton shirts and blouses of all kinds, because one pair of pants can suit many looks, without having to change them.
Therefore, the shelf life of trousers, and here we are talking about those made of fabric, can range between one and two years, before the fabric begins to decompose and erode due to frequent use.
To preserve this type of pants further, it is advisable to wear them less and then wash them. In this case, they can live up to 4 years.
The fabric of jeans is stronger than most
As for jeans, which no wardrobe is devoid of, they last longer than those made of fabric and can be worn for up to 3 years repeatedly, even if they are washed constantly.
Jeans are known for their long-lasting nature, thanks to the durability and strength of their fabrics. These fabrics are specifically designed to withstand external factors and frequent washing, ensuring they remain resilient and last a long time. Invest in high-quality jeans that are built to endure and maintain their longevity over time.
When keeping jeans for a long time, it’s important to consider their quality. Some jeans are made with mixed textures, which can be checked by examining the attached adhesive. Ensure durable jeans for longevity.
Longest winter clothes
Winter clothing, including coats, sweaters, and leather jackets, is renowned for its durability compared to other types of garments. Stay warm and stylish during the colder months with these long-lasting fashion essentials.
This is because it is less susceptible to sweat and body oils, and it does not need to be washed permanently and frequently. It is also worn only in outdoor spaces, and then removed upon arriving in an enclosed place.
The shelf life of heavy winter clothes may reach 5 years and may exceed that, depending on the number of times they are worn during one season.
However, waterproof coats, which are worn to protect against rainwater entering the underwear, may be damaged after only 3 years of purchase, because they are the most susceptible to changing fabrics.
What happens to expired clothes?
After knowing the shelf life of most types of clothes, it is natural that the question asked now is: “What will be the fate of the clothes after their expiration date has expired?”
The answer is simple, they can be placed in special places for recycling clothes, and if they are not there, they can be presented to people who sell them to companies that work in recycling.
It is necessary to avoid throwing them in the garbage because all kinds of clothes have fabrics that are difficult to decompose in the soil, which leads to pollution.
Moreover, it is not advisable to donate it, as mentioned earlier, due to its unsuitability for continued use, which may potentially result in the recipient contracting skin ailments.
