A study has found that paying more for clothes doesn’t always mean they will last longer. Researchers at the School of Design at the University of Leeds performed durability tests on 65 items of clothes retailing from under £5 to around £150. The research showed that durability of both high and low-priced garments ranged from excellent to very poor. Durability refers to how long an item of clothing remains functional and wearable, without requiring much maintenance or repair when faced with normal wear and washing. T-shirts, hoodies and jeans were assessed for several factors including seam strength, resistance to ripping, colour bleeding, shrinking or losing shape. The research – commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub and retailer Primark – found women’s T-shirts priced under £10 outperformed one retailing at around £40. While hoodies priced between £11 and £20 were ranked higher on the durability scale than those priced at just under £50 and around £100. Only negligible differences in durability were found for a pair of women’s jeans priced at around £15 compared to a pair retailing at more than 10 times the price. Of all the garments tested, only menswear hoodies showed consistently higher performance than the lower priced ones. Alongside the study, Hubbub commissioned a survey of 3,000 UK adults on attitudes towards clothing care, revealing that 67% of people expect expensive clothes to last longer. The poll also found people tend to take more care when it comes to costly items, with 64% more likely to hang them up after wearing, 62% removing spills and stains, and 54% willing to carry out repairs. “Durability must become central to the debate on sustainability,” said Aoife Allen, director and fashion lead at Hubbub. “Durable clothes reduce the need for replacement purchases, increase the chance of a longer second life and offer better value for money – a significant concern in the context of the current cost of living crisis.” Other issues can also be considered when thinking about the environmental and social impact of your clothes – such as the materials used in production and transparency of the supply chain. Allen believes retailers and consumers alike must help to tackle the huge issue of clothing waste. “The fashion industry should be designing clothing to last longer, and we can help to make people aware of the simple steps that they can take to help all their clothes last longer,” Allen continues. “This research highlights that the same level of care should be given to all garments, regardless of price, to extend their life as much as possible.” So how do you make clothes last longer? Wash at lower temperatures High temperatures can cause clothes to fade more quickly and they aren’t necessary unless garments are very dirty, “For general washing of clothes that aren’t visibly stained, try washing at 30 degrees or lower and use the eco-setting on washing machines,” says Stephanie Campbell, senior creative partner (fashion) at Hubbub. “Most detergents now clean very well at low temperatures. Try using a shorter washing cycle which can also help prevent clothes from degrading.” Get to grips with care labels It’s important to check the instructions on care labels, especially when washing for the first time, to avoid any disasters. “Following the care symbols helps to avoid shrinking or damaging clothes and helps you care for them in the best possible way, so take the time to check them before washing,” says Campbell. For example, some delicate fabrics shouldn’t go in the washing machine, while others should be put in a net bag to protect them. Only wash an item when you really need to Chucking clothes in the laundry basket after every wear can have a detrimental impact on durability. “Washing clothing too much can cause colours to fade and the garment to start to break down,” says Campbell. “Unless an item is visibly dirty or has a stubborn stain, try spot cleaning marks or airing out odours to keep your clothes looking fresh.” Act fast if you spill something, she adds: “Remember to always treat stains as soon as you can – the longer you leave them the harder they are to get out.” Air your clothes out Air drying is the best way to keep clothes in good shape – as long as you pay attention to the ‘dry flat’ warning on the care label for certain items such as those made from cotton, linen or silk. “Tumble drying can shrink or damage items, so air drying can help to keep outfits fitting well and in good condition,” says Campbell. “It reduces energy bills too.” Repair instead of replacing Try to stick to the ‘make do and mend’ adage no matter how much you paid for an item. Campbell says: “Making a quick fix on a hole as soon as you’ve noticed or finding a local tailor that offers repairs is a simple way to get more wear out the clothes you’ve got and keep on enjoying your favourite items.” Love what you’ve got Sustainable fashion influencers know that ‘shopping your wardrobe’ is key to reducing your clothing waste – and saving money. “Enjoy what you already own, or swap with pals,” says Campbell. “Mix and match what’s in your wardrobe to create new outfits. Add accessories and embellishments or make alterations to update an item and breathe new life into it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chanel is set to host a fashion show in Manchester 4 key men’s swimwear trends to rock this summer 10 ways to style up your picnic

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Lewis Hamilton said his “disappointing” result in qualifying for the British Grand Prix must serve as a “wake-up call” for Mercedes. Hamilton will start his home race in front of a 150,000 sell-out crowd at Silverstone only in seventh place, with team-mate George Russell one spot better off on the grid. As Max Verstappen, perhaps predictably, raced to his fifth consecutive pole position, McLaren stung a surprise with Lando Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri second and third respectively in their upgraded machines. Informed of his position over the radio, Hamilton said: “We are so slow.” McLaren’s resurgence means Hamilton is now even further away from the front – qualifying half-a-second off Verstappen – despite Mercedes bringing a new front wing to Silverstone. “It is not a blow, but it is just a wake-up call for us,” said Hamilton. “Others are overtaking us and we need to do more. “I will be optimistic and do my best to get on the podium, but realistically I am not sure we can. We have two Ferraris and two McLarens ahead of us so it is going to be a tough race. “It is always a great feeling to be at the British Grand Prix, but today it was disappointing that we could not deliver for the fans. Hopefully we can tomorrow.” Hamilton is the most successful driver at the British Grand Prix – winning seven of the last 10 races staged here. But 580 days have now passed since Hamilton last took to the top step of the podium – a run of 32 races which extends back to the final round of the 2021 season. Mercedes’ major upgrade arrived at Monaco in May, and Hamilton delivered successive podiums at the ensuing rounds in Spain and Canada to provide him with hope he might soon be back in winning contention. But he finished only eighth in Austria a week ago, and he is facing a tall order to salvage a respectable result on Sunday. McLaren have been well off the pace so far this year, but their new package – which Hamilton likened to Verstappen’s dominant Red Bull machine – has propelled them ahead of the Silver Arrows. “I am not surprised by McLaren because if you look at the car it makes sense,” said Hamilton. “If you put it alongside a Red Bull, it looks very similar down the sides and it is working. They had the edge on us at the last race so I anticipate tomorrow will be the same. “McLaren have been on a bad run for so long so I am happy for them. We have another team up in the mix which is what we want to see in the sport.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Max Verstappen pips Lando Norris to pole position at British Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton 15th in practice for British GP as Max Verstappen dominates again Lewis Hamilton promises to keep his cool on team radio after Austrian flashpoint

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 8, 2023--

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