AFETT 20 Tips for a Longer Lasting, Winning Wardrobe

So you’ve bought a new suit and you can’t wait to wear it and show it off. Hold on! Did you know that you can make your clothing last longer by following a few simple tips? Every time you purchase an article of clothing makes sure that you read the label carefully to ensure that you know how to care for the fabric. If you are building your wardrobe and with a low budget you must be wary of how you intend to keep the outfit looking brand new. The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad & Tobago (AFETT) has compiled 20 tips to ensure that your clothing lasts longer and you look and feel great:

1. Buy clothing that fits you and not your “hopeful” body size.
2. Buy clothing that looks great in the store and at home 72 hours later
3. Check fabric care instructions so you would know how to keep your clothing longer. Can the fabric be washed at home or will it need professional dry cleaning care. Is the fabric suitable for the climate that you live in?
4. Check zippers, hooks, hems, seams, buttons and shoulder pads before you buy.
5. Use plastic or wooden hangers; wire hangers will change the shape of the garment.
6. Apply hairspray, body powder, perfume and deodorant before you dress.
7. If you have an ink stain use an alcohol based hairspray to remove it easily.
8. For grease and butter stains use a spot treatment and launder
9. If your wire hanger left a rust stain on your garment, then use a rust stain remover.
10. If you have a stain then blot with a dry white napkin.
11. Never use hot water on a stain, as it most always will set the stain
12. Never use spray starch on black polyester trousers. Simply steam iron.
13. Use lint brushes to remove small particles from silks without damaging the fabric
14. When you hand wash your colored clothing it is best to air dry. You can put it on a hanger to air dry. When finished use a hand held steamer to steam the wrinkles off the clothing.
15. Have a small box to place the extra buttons from the garment purchased. When the button pops off at least you have a back up.
16. When purchasing clothes, look for one basic colour for the bottom. Your top can be of various designs and colours which will compliment the bottom. Always accessorize and you can create 5 different looks from three pieces of garment.
17. Get yourself a handy electric fuzz remover. You can make a dull garment come alive in seconds.
18. Don’t fall for the club soda myth. Club Soda is effective for some drink spills and assorted food stains. It can also set stains and make future removal more difficult.
19. Make sure that whatever clothing you purchase that you wear the correct undergarment. It is not nice to see a white shirt and a colourful bra.
20. If you wear only 30% of your clothing in your closet –start weeding out the not worn and then retire it. If it is still in good condition and a ready to wear work suit you can probably donate to AFETT Suit Me Up.

Every Year, The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad & Tobago hosts a Suit Me Up Event that sells nearly new, ready to wear work suits at affordable prices.

This year AFETT will be hosting its sale at:
T&T Chamber of Commerce,
Columbus Circle,
Westmoorings
Saturday 3rd November, 2007

If you wish to donate your clothing to the association please see www.afett.com or email: fundraising.afett@gmail.com.

You can take your clothing donations to the following drop off points: