What Causes Clothes to Wear Out So Fast?

Everything we wear is subject to wear and tear. It’s often a mix of material fatigue from washing and the rigors of daily life that causes your clothes to wear out. Think about the repetitive movement of legs when you walk, the constant friction of your backpack against your shoulder, or the strain on buttonholes; over time, the stress on fabric fibers results in obvious signs of damage like fraying and thinning.

Yet, not all clothes give out at the same pace. The quality and type of fabric play significant roles in how long your garments last. For example, a cotton shirt may lose its shape faster than a sturdy twill pants, which tends to be more resilient. Even the way you care for your clothing, like how often you wash and dry them, can speed up the aging process.

External factors such as UV exposure from the sun can fade colors, while environmental pollutants and body oils can contribute to fabric breakdown too. To keep your wardrobe in peak condition for as long as possible, you’ll want to understand how external influences and laundry practices can support sustainability for you and your clothes.

1. Weak seams

Seams are often the weakest part of a piece of clothing. When these stitches on the seams aren’t strong enough to withstand regular wear and tear, they can cause a garment to fall apart long before the fabric wears out.

Weak seams are often caused by using a too-wide stitch (which is often the problem with cheap, manufactured clothing), using a weak thread, or by using sub-optimal finishing techniques. 

When purchasing clothes, examine the seams for tightness and uniformity. The fabric adjacent to the seam should not appear pulled or distorted. Additionally, when sewing or repairing your garments, you usually want to use a size 2 to 3mm stitch length. You can also learn how to reinforce seams by giving them a felled seam (for heavier fabrics), french seam (for delicate fabrics), or bound seams (for fabrics that fray easily).

2. The quality of the fabric it’s made from

When you choose clothing, the quality of the fabric is a critical factor that determines how well the garment will endure over time. High-quality fabrics generally resist wear and tear more effectively, preserving both appearance and functionality.

Factors that contribute to fabric quality include:

• Fiber Content: The type of fiber used in fabric affects durability. Natural fibers like cotton and wool have different wear characteristics than synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Fabrics that blend two or more types of fibers may combine the good qualities of both materials, like strength and softness.
• Thread Count: Higher thread count typically means a tighter weave and a smoother, stronger fabric. However, the optimal thread count varies depending on the type of fabric.
• Construction: How the fabric is knitted or woven impacts its resistance to stretching and abrasion. Tightly constructed materials often last longer than those with a loose weave.
• Finish: Fabric treatments and finishes can enhance qualities like stain resistance, wrinkle resistance, or waterproofing, which might extend the life of your clothing.

By selecting garments made from high-quality fabrics, you can ensure that your clothing investment withstands the rigors of wear and reduce the frequency of replacement. Remember, though, that high quality doesn’t always equate to higher prices; it’s about the attributes and construction of the fabric itself.

• Learn more about how to choose high-quality fabrics

3. Washing too frequently

Frequent washing of your clothes can significantly reduce their lifespan. Each cycle in your washing machine subjects fabrics to agitation. This constant movement causes fibers to break down over time and leads to fading and thinning of the material.

Detergents and bleaches contain chemicals that, while effective at cleaning, can also weaken fabric fibers with repeated use. In addition, High temperatures during washes accelerate this process, increasing the rate of deterioration. Vibrant colors can also fade with frequent exposure to cleaning agents and water, especially hot water, causing clothes to look worn out.

Some clothes, like underwear and socks, really do need to be cleaned after every wear. However, most clothes can actually be worn a few times before they need to be thrown in the laundry. Shirts can often be worn two or three times, while pants can be worn several times before needing the laundry.

4. Wear and tear

Regular movement from wearing clothes causes friction where fabric rubs against skin or other materials. This abrasion gradually breaks down fibers, especially in high-contact areas like the knees, elbows, inner thighs, and seat. This is why these areas tend to rub thin and get holes first.

Some types of fabric are simply more delicate than others as well. These fabrics can snag or rip more easily not because they are low quality, but because it’s just the way the fabric is constructed. Wearing more delicate fabrics on an everyday basis will end up causing them to tear, snag, and wear out more quickly than a more robust fabric.

5. Heat exposure

When you expose your clothing to high temperatures, it can cause the fibers to weaken and degrade over time. Materials such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers all respond differently to heat, but the outcome is usually an accelerated aging process for your garments.

You should be particularly cautious with washers, dryers, and irons. The hot water of a washing machine can weaken many fabrics and make them more prone to tearing during the washing cycle. In dryers, the tumbling action combined with heat can cause clothing to lose its shape and contribute to the breakdown of the material. Direct heat from an iron can burn or scorch fabric, especially delicate ones. Always use an appropriate heat setting and consider a protective press cloth as a barrier.

• Learn more about ideal heat settings when ironing different types of fabric

6. Over-stretching 

Knit garments are great, but it’s not uncommon for them to slowly lose their shape and over-stretch with time. This is particularly true for garments made from materials that don’t recover quickly from being stretched (that don’t easily snap back to their original length).

Over-stretching might occur when:

• Putting heavy items in your pockets.
• Tugging on sleeves or pant legs which can lead to the fibers losing their shape.
• Improper washing; for example, when clothes twist or spin excessively in the washing machine.

Fabrics like wool or cotton can over-stretch when they are wet or burdened with weight. Over time, fibers can fatigue, causing them to extend beyond their recovery capacity. Be mindful of your garment care to prolong its life and maintain its shape.

7. Improper storage

Improper storage of your clothes can significantly reduce their lifespan:

• Moisture: If you store clothes in a damp environment, they are susceptible to mold and mildew, which can weaken fabric fibers. Ensure your storage area is dry and well-ventilated.
• Overcrowding: Squeezing too many items into your closet can cause creasing, and the constant friction between garments can lead to fabric abrasion. Keep your storage spacious enough to allow your clothes to hang freely.
• Light Exposure: Direct sunlight or strong artificial lighting can fade colors and degrade textile strength. Where possible, store your clothes in dark, cool places to prevent light damage.
• Hangers: The type of hanger you use can affect the shape and condition of your clothes. Wire hangers can distort the shoulders of your shirts while padded hangers are gentler and help maintain the garment’s original shape.
• Knitwear: Generally, you want to fold knitwear to avoid it stretching out over time due to gravity. 

Simple actions can prolong your wardrobe’s lifetime. Regularly reevaluate your storage techniques to ensure your clothes stay in optimal condition.