Tired of tossing clothes? These 10 products help your wardrobe go the distance
Make your clothes last longer (and save money in the process) with these tried-and-true helpers. (Amazon)
With prices inching up on clothes, overhauling your wardrobe might not be in the cards this summer. Trust me, as much as I love adding fresh pieces to my closet each season (I do shop for a living after all), I’m just as passionate about finding clever little helpers that keep my favorite clothes looking like new for years to come.
As someone who worked as a stylist’s assistant for years, I picked up some handy tips and tricks and discovered essential tools for extending the life of my wardrobe. Whether it’s a fabric shaver that revitalizes those old sweaters, high-quality hangers that prevent stretching, or laundry bags that safeguard delicates in the wash, these must-have items are true lifesavers for your fashion favorites. The best part? You can snag all these problem-solvers on Amazon for under $30, and starting as low as $6!
Quick Overview
Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover
$15 at Amazon
Gogooda 7-Piece Mesh Laundry-Bag Set
$9 at Amazon
Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack
$20 at Amazon
Utopia Home Velvet Hangers, 50-Pack
$22 at Amazon
Amazon Basics Foldable Portable Laundry Rack
$27 at Amazon
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Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover
This handy gadget removes fuzz, loose threads and pills, leaving old favorites looking brand new — all in less time than it takes you to buy a new sweater. The handheld device uses a rotating blade to remove unwanted pilled fabric without damaging the garment. The sharp parts are hidden behind a honeycomb mesh cover that protects hands and fingers, and there are three distance settings for tackling various types of fabrics. Read my full review of the fabric shaver here.
$15 at Amazon
Gogooda 7-Piece Mesh Laundry-Bag Set
While I’m too lazy to wash pieces by hand, I always put my delicates in mesh laundry bags before tossing them in the washing machine. The bags do a great job of protecting clothes from snags, tangles and other damage during the wash. Plus, they help keep colors from bleeding into each other. I found this seven-piece set with various sizes to fit all your laundry needs, and it’s only $8.
$9 at Amazon
Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack
Fabric-softener sheets are made with chemicals that can damage certain fabrics, which is why I switched to wool dryer balls. They are chemical-free and can be used for over 1,500 laundry loads, so they’ll save you money in the long run. Since they’re made entirely of wool, not only will they make your washables plush, they’ll shorten the drying time in the process.
$20 at Amazon
Utopia Home Velvet Hangers, 50-Pack
I’ve had my fair share of issues with wire and thick plastic hangers. They’ve stretched out my tops or poked holes in them, but these No. 1 bestselling velvet-flocked hangers have been a game changer. The slimmer profile saves space in my closet, and the velvet keeps my clothes from slipping off and ending up on the floor. Another amazing bonus? The velvet helps reduce creasing, so I’m ironing and steaming way less often.
$22 at Amazon
Amazon Basics Foldable Portable Laundry Rack
The heat and tumbling of the dryer can wear out fabrics, cause shrinking and even fade colors, so air-drying your clothes is a simple and effective way to help them last longer. While most of us already do this with delicate items like lingerie, silk, lace or knits, consider air-drying other pieces too. For example, when I’ve tossed my Lululemon Align leggings in the dryer, they came out pilled. But since I started hanging them to dry on a rack like this, I’ve had no issues at all. I do the same with jeans, and they actually look better when I don’t dry them in high heat.
$27 at Amazon
Tide Stain Remover Pens, 5-Pack
As someone who spills something nearly every time I eat or drink, one of these Tide pens is always in my bag (it’s compact, so it even fits in my smallest purses). This little lifesaver works wonders at getting stains out of my clothes, and it’s especially great for traveling since I’m often away from a washing machine. The pen quickly spot-cleans stains before they set in, making it easier