Monday, 27 August 2012 09:12
Obodo Ejiro
Clothing takes up a chunk of the budget
for many Nigerian households because many pay so much for replacements
as a result of poor maintenance culture.
In these times of tightening economy, there is need to be frugal with the way we use what we already have so that they can last longer and look good whenever we wear them. Those who have been diligent in this direction have reaped the benefits which range from saving money for you and making you look better. Below are some tips adopted from artofmanliness.com, some of the points are tailoured towards men.
Brushing your suit jackets and trousers
All it takes is 30 seconds after each wear is important because it removes the dirt and food that has accumulated on the outer layers before they have the chance to settle into the fabric.
Minor garment repairs & alterations and a clean brush with stiff bristles to clean your clothes after each wearing. Brushing your suit jacket and trousers.
Most large problems start off as small ones; it’s our lack of immediate action that leads to these issues escalating. Are your trousers too tight in the backside? You’ll very likely split the seam before you lose the weight. Best to have the trousers opened up an inch – they’ll look and feel better. Does that suit jacket button look like it’s going to fall off? Cut the string and repair it tonight; once it falls off and you lose the button, you’ll either spend hours trying to match it or spend money on an entirely new set.
You need to know how to iron your clothing
Although non-iron fabrics are quite popular, especially with traveling businessmen, they fail to compare with the look and feel of freshly pressed 100 percent cotton shirts. Ironing is what gives a shirt its body and character; the sharp creases at the collar, the perfectly pressed French cuffs, and the smooth drape of a perfectly pressed back signal attention to detail.
General guidance & environment
Try to store your clothing and footwear in a cool, dry, clean, and dark environment. All four of these factors are important to retard bacterial growth, discourage insect infestation, and prevent UV damage and color fading. If clothing is going to be hung for more than 1 month without being worn, consider placing it in a breathable garment bag to prevent dust accumulation.
Hangers
As Washington D.C. image consultant Grant Harris likes to say, “Wire hanger are useful when you lock your keys in your car – not in your closet.” His point is wire hangers can permanently damage your clothing, especially woolens as they create unsightly creases that are very difficult to remove. Spend a little extra and purchase handsome wood shirt hangers (at least . inch thick) and wood suit hangers (at least 1+ inch thick at the shoulders).
Shoe trees
Wooden shoe trees should be a mandatory purchase for any man who wants to get more than a couple years out of his leather shoes. They maintain the shape of the shoe and prevent the leather from warping in a way that would promote premature cracking. They also absorb excess moisture from the soles and leather.
The beauty of maintaining your cloths is that it affords you the privilege of using them and passing them on to, other who may need them when you consider giving them away.
In these times of tightening economy, there is need to be frugal with the way we use what we already have so that they can last longer and look good whenever we wear them. Those who have been diligent in this direction have reaped the benefits which range from saving money for you and making you look better. Below are some tips adopted from artofmanliness.com, some of the points are tailoured towards men.
Brushing your suit jackets and trousers
All it takes is 30 seconds after each wear is important because it removes the dirt and food that has accumulated on the outer layers before they have the chance to settle into the fabric.
Minor garment repairs & alterations and a clean brush with stiff bristles to clean your clothes after each wearing. Brushing your suit jacket and trousers.
Most large problems start off as small ones; it’s our lack of immediate action that leads to these issues escalating. Are your trousers too tight in the backside? You’ll very likely split the seam before you lose the weight. Best to have the trousers opened up an inch – they’ll look and feel better. Does that suit jacket button look like it’s going to fall off? Cut the string and repair it tonight; once it falls off and you lose the button, you’ll either spend hours trying to match it or spend money on an entirely new set.
You need to know how to iron your clothing
Although non-iron fabrics are quite popular, especially with traveling businessmen, they fail to compare with the look and feel of freshly pressed 100 percent cotton shirts. Ironing is what gives a shirt its body and character; the sharp creases at the collar, the perfectly pressed French cuffs, and the smooth drape of a perfectly pressed back signal attention to detail.
General guidance & environment
Try to store your clothing and footwear in a cool, dry, clean, and dark environment. All four of these factors are important to retard bacterial growth, discourage insect infestation, and prevent UV damage and color fading. If clothing is going to be hung for more than 1 month without being worn, consider placing it in a breathable garment bag to prevent dust accumulation.
Hangers
As Washington D.C. image consultant Grant Harris likes to say, “Wire hanger are useful when you lock your keys in your car – not in your closet.” His point is wire hangers can permanently damage your clothing, especially woolens as they create unsightly creases that are very difficult to remove. Spend a little extra and purchase handsome wood shirt hangers (at least . inch thick) and wood suit hangers (at least 1+ inch thick at the shoulders).
Shoe trees
Wooden shoe trees should be a mandatory purchase for any man who wants to get more than a couple years out of his leather shoes. They maintain the shape of the shoe and prevent the leather from warping in a way that would promote premature cracking. They also absorb excess moisture from the soles and leather.
The beauty of maintaining your cloths is that it affords you the privilege of using them and passing them on to, other who may need them when you consider giving them away.
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