How Long Do Clothes Last? Expand Their Lives Today

How often have you thrown a piece of clothing away after wearing it for less than a year? Too many to count? You're just like many people who discard clothes worn only a few times because they have gone out of style or become worn out. Shorter apparel lifespans exacerbate the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Do clothes have such a short lifespan, or do people just not keep them for as long as they should? This article examines the factors that influence the service lifespan of clothing.

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What do we mean by clothing lifespan?

When we talk about clothing lifespan or service life, we refer to the time between purchase and disposal. We can describe clothing lifespan in terms of how long it takes for apparel to deteriorate to an unwearable state or how long before a consumer no longer finds an item functional or fashionable and sends it to the garbage stream.

We can measure apparel service life in years of use, number of wears, washing cycles, and ownership cycles.

Why should you be concerned about how long clothes last?

The fashion industry produces 92 million tons of garbage yearly³, which will increase by almost half by 2030. Much of the discarded apparel is only worn seven to ten times, 36% less than fifteen years ago⁴. The shortened life of clothing is an environmental and social problem.

The environmental impact of textile waste includes chemical pollution of water, air, and soil, garbage accumulation, and unsustainable resource consumption. 

Producing one pair of jeans and a cotton t-shirt requires about 900 grams or 32 oz of cotton lint. Using data from the International Cotton Advisory Committee, this basic outfit demands about 579 liters of irrigation water. 

Considering irrigation water is typically drawn from surface and groundwater, let's assume it could be converted into potable water. Given that an average person needs 3.2 liters daily, producing one cotton shirt and jeans could sustain daily water needs for roughly 181 days. 

Furthermore, the industry can afford to be so wasteful because it gets cheap labor from overworked, underpaid, and exploited workers. 

Fast fashion is the driving force behind post-consumer waste. They make low-quality clothes at breakneck speed, using vanity marketing to encourage consumers to buy more than they need. Traditionally, a fashion season lasted at least half a year, but now, brands have micro seasons that are as short as a week.

7 Factors that Determine How Long People Keep Clothes

Global clothing utilization has dropped 36% over 15 years. In the US and China, it's notably low, with China experiencing a 70% decrease. Annually, $460 billion is lost as clothes are discarded after minimal wear. Many people have even admitted to owning more clothes than necessary⁵.

The popular 30-wear challenge tasks eco-conscious consumers to wear an item of clothing at least 30 times to neutralize the associated carbon footprint.

According to a study, clothes that went out of use have an average lifespan of 5.4 years⁶. Some of the clothes in that study were up to 50 years old and passed from generation to generation.

Many factors explain why some clothes only get seven wears and others are worn for decades. Let's examine a few:

Frequency of use

Exposure to sunlight, dirt, sweat, stretching, and pressure on garment stress points are some of the onslaughts clothes face in daily life. The more often a cloth is worn, the quicker it will get damaged. 

Socks and undergarments don't endure daily repeated use but last for about six months. Casual clothing worn around the house or on errands will wear out faster than clothes for special occasions like dinner dates, black-tie events, and wedding parties. 

According to the International Fabric Institute Fair Claims Guide, Jeans can last an average of two to three years, but many wear their favorite pair almost daily, shortening their life span.

Note that repeating outfits is not the problem; you just need to rotate your clothes regularly to prolong the useful life of each item.

Unuse 

Multiple studies have shown that most people wear only a small percentage of their wardrobe. Sometimes, a person abandons a piece of clothing because it no longer fits or feels fashionable. Most of the time, however, the clothes are impulse purchases the buyer intends to or cannot return. 

In the United States, 38% of shoppers buy clothes they never wear. A 2022 study revealed that in the UK, 26% or 31 items of the average wardrobe were unworn for at least one year².

Unused clothes have the shortest service life. They stay in the wardrobe for months or years and are soon discarded to make space for new items. Returning the items to the store doesn't help much, either. In the United States, most returned clothes end up in landfills. 

Moreover, clothes left unused for a long time can attract damage from moisture and pests. Animal or vegan leather apparel will also stiffen and crack.

Care and maintenance 

Every time you wash your clothes, the fibers weaken, and the colors fade a little. However, the proper technique can make clothes last longer than average. One study concluded that following a minimum practical requirement for caring for a wool sweater led to around 75% reduction in all environmental impacts¹.

The frequency and method of laundering garments can determine how long they last. For instance, most people wear their work pants or shirts multiple times before washing so they won't wear down from laundry fast. On the other hand, underwear and socks are worn once and washed, contributing to their six-month lifespan.

Dry cleaning is harsh on clothing, and it hastens wear and tear. Adhering to the care instructions on the label of an outfit can keep it in good condition for longer than average.

Construction quality 

The average lifespan of mass-produced clothing is short partly because of hurried, careless construction. Due to inferior stitching, the clothes fall apart soon after purchase. Sometimes, these outfits quickly develop holes, loose seams, faulty zippers, and other faults. Often, the flaws are not repairable. Poor garment construction is often deliberate; quick deterioration means consumers have to buy replacements regularly. 

Well-made garments have higher-quality stitches that withstand all the pulling and stretching they undergo. They also undergo strict quality assurance checks to ensure that the clothes reach the buyer without faults. 

More importantly, repairability is one of the qualities of well-made clothing. So if a seam does rip or a button pops, you can right up.

Fabric type

Some fabrics are more durable than others because of the strength of the fibers or the manufacturing method. Hemp, linen, silk, and wool are some of the most durable natural fibers. Polyester and nylon are also more durable than cotton.

A pair of jeans will outlast cotton underwear if they are used the same way because of how differently the fiber for jeans is processed. In the same way, woven textiles are more durable than knitted ones.

There's also the issue of material quality. Fibers come in different grades, which affect the durability of clothing. For instance, high-quality polyester will retain its shape, strength, and appearance for years, but an inferior one will quickly lose strength and develop holes.

Conscious shopping

Many buy clothes on a whim, influenced by social media, peer groups, or cheap deals. Sometimes, unhealthy self-image and unpleasant emotions can lead individuals to engage in endless retail therapy. 

These kinds of purchases are usually impractical and offer no long-term value. In many cases, the clothes don't fit the buyer's style and get tossed away quickly. At other times, they're no longer fashionable after a couple of wears because trendy fashion items go out of season quickly.

People who practice conscious shopping choose eco-friendly brands and buy less. They consider sustainability and emotional durability before investing in a piece of clothing. They tend to keep and use items in their wardrobes for a long time.

Financial standing 

People in Europe and the United States wear their clothes less often before disposal than the rest of the world. One reason for this is Westerners' relative financial capacity. They have more money and access to credit, so they can often afford to shop for new stuff. 

As of 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Surveys reported that men spend an average of $208 on clothes alone annually while women shell out $398. Meanwhile, the average European spends €800, according to a previous Eurostat analysis. 

Wealthier individuals and fashion influencers likely spend much more. And with fast fashion, the more you buy, the more you have to throw away. Households with less money tend to devote a smaller portion of their income to fashion needs. They keep their clothes for longer so they can prioritize other essentials.

How to Build a Wardrobe That Lasts

Many of the factors that influence how long you keep and use your clothes are within your control. Your choices matter most. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices for an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and pocket-friendly wardrobe.

Get personal styling right

Your personal style combines self-expression with practicality for your daily activities. When you understand it, you'll choose clothes that reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable and confident without interfering with your efficiency.

People who have gotten the hang of personal styling purchase clothes based on their styling needs and not on passing trends. Their choices are careful and deliberate. A wardrobe built on personal style will hold appeal to its owner for a long time.

Personal styling is more about how you wear what you wear and does not need to be a bank-breaking endeavor. The Internet offers lots of advice, but you can consult stylists or image professionals if you don't like experimenting independently.

Prioritize quality

A wardrobe lasts longer when its items are durable. On average, regular dress shoes last six months, but Goodyear-welted shoes can last between five and ten years.  

Mass production isn't known for excellent craftsmanship, so you'll have to find alternative sustainable fashion brands that prioritize excellent standards. Although these brands have a higher price point, not having to replace an item of clothing just six months after purchase makes them worth it. Investing in well-made apparel is financially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

If you no longer want some high-quality apparel due to a preference or size change, reselling or donating them will be easier.

Taking care of your wardrobe helps maintain its physical durability. For tips on how to make clothes last longer, check out our article. 

Create a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a selection of clothing and accessories you mix and match to create different looks. It is usually small, ranging from 20 to 50 items. Many opt for it because it reduces decision fatigue and promotes sustainability.

Capsule wardrobes discourage impulse buys, clutter, and waste. The deliberate curating of one ensures that you buy stuff that fits your style and will be worn.

To build a capsule wardrobe, you must start with the basics, like jeans, t-shirts, and blazers. Then, you can get items for the winter season. You should invest in timeless pieces, like a little black dress or dress shirt. Choosing versatile items that you can dress up or down is essential.

How to Prolong the Life of Apparel You No Longer Want

Have fashion items that have no use to you but are still in good condition? Don't hold on to them; it will result in clutter and might cause physical deterioration. 

Resell it for cheap 

Why not make a few extra bucks while being environmentally responsible? Some items with vintage value might even fetch a higher price. Thrift stores, consignment shops, local garage sales, and online marketplaces are great places to resell clothing.

Do a clothes swap

With a clothing swap, you can declutter and revamp your wardrobe simultaneously. You can swap clothing at swap boutiques online or on-site. You can also find online fashion communities that organize periodic clothing swaps or set up one for you and your friends.

Donate to the needy 

Your unwanted garments can meet the clothing needs of low-income, homeless, or out-of-job persons who need help getting back on their feet. Before you donate through international charities like Goodwill or Soles4souls, explore donation opportunities in your local community.

Conclusion: How Long Do Clothes Last?

The service life of clothing depends on several factors, including frequency of use, garment craftsmanship, material integrity, and responsible consumption. While some clothes may last for years with proper care, others will wear out sooner. People throw out others while still in good condition because they are no longer trendy.

Using clothes for as long as possible until the material becomes worn out is an essential practice for sustainable fashion. Understanding the factors that influence how long clothes last can help you build a wardrobe that has physical and emotional durability.