Washful thinking
Fashion designer starts debate by saying she doesn’t clean any of her clothes unless she absolutely has to – but what are the accepted number of wears per item?
I wouldn’t change my bra every day and I don’t just chuck stuff into a washing machine because it’s been worn. I am incredibly hygienic myself, but I’m not a fan of dry cleaning or any cleaning, really
SHE’S one of the UK’s greatest experts when it comes to fashion – and now haute couture designer Stella McCartney has sparked a massive national debate on how we should care for our clothes.
As she launched a Beatlesinspired collection in tribute to her father Sir Paul, the 47-year-old style guru said people shouldn’t wash her clothes.
Instead, she suggested just brushing off any dirt.
She also revealed she doesn’t change her bra daily and doesn’t automatically wash clothes after one wear.
Stella is a long-term advocate of sustainable fashion and the advice is based on her environmental concerns over the way we clean clothes.
Chemicals used in dry cleaning, and even just the detergents used in household washing, can have a major impact on pollution levels in our waterways.
Stella, who has made being ethical a big part of her fashion profile, said: “The rule on a bespoke suit is you do not clean it. “You do not touch it. You let the dirt dry and you brush it off.
“Basically, in life, rule of thumb – if you don’t
absolutely have to clean anything, don’t clean it.
“I wouldn’t change my bra every day and I don’t just chuck stuff into a washing machine because it’s been worn.
“I am incredibly hygienic myself, but I’m not a fan of dry cleaning or any cleaning, really.”
Stella’s comments have started a laundry debate.
Everyone agrees that if it’s stained or smells, clothes should get washed without a second thought.
But while we all have different opinions and tactics on tackling our laundry, what are the accepted rules?
SHEETS – wash every two weeks, or more frequently if you are sweatier than usual.
JAMMIES – three or four nights before a wash.
PANTS AND SOCKS – one wear only.
LEGGINGS AND TIGHTS – one wear, especially for helping re-tighten the material around the knee.
T-SHIRTS – one wear.
DRESS TROUSERS AND SKIRTS – five to seven wears.
FORMAL DRESSES – dry clean after every wear. SHORTS – two to three wears.
GYM GEAR – one wear for any cardio or sports gear that involves sweaty workouts, but three or four wears for items not sweated in, especially if made of water-resistent materials.
SHIRTS – three to four wears.
SWEATERS AND HOODIES – up to five wears, depending on sweat and stains.
TANK TOPS/VESTS – one wear only.
CAMISOLES – one wear.
SUITS – this varies depending on the material. A wool suit should by dry-cleaned after three or four wears, or four to five for synthetic materials. If you are in a sweaty or smoky environment, it may have to be more frequently.
SWIMSUITS AND BATHING COSTUMES – one wear. WHITES AND SILKS – these should be washed after every
wear, because they are more likely to discolour.
DIRTY CLOTHES – anything that gets dirty or stained should be cleaned immediately.
WINTER WOOLIES – gloves, hats and scarves should be washed once a month in winter.