A Look at Your Wardrobe: Should You Repair your Old Dress or Is It Time to Buy a New One?
The decision between whether to fix an item of clothing or buy something new is one everyone faces at one time or another. Repairing a piece of clothing can save money, not to mention keeping an old favorite from the Goodwill pile, but sometimes the best choice is to start again with something new.
Some people find it very difficult to get rid of old clothes and feel guilty about disposing of the clothes they have spent money on. They also get nervous when they consider throwing something out for fear they might want to wear it again. This article will explain when the best option is to buy something new or make that repair, especially when it’s a simple repair that you can handle yourself. Otherwise, spring for something seen at Filly Flair.
Can It Be Fixed?
When an item of clothing loses a button, gets torn, or ends up faded and shredded when it comes out of the washer, the first question that should be asked is whether it is best to buy something new or if is it something that can be repaired. A ripped seam, a small hole, a missing button, or other simple repairs are easy to make. On the other hand, pilling on a sweater or pants, broken zippers, or large holes and snags may be more difficult to deal with.
If you really want to fix an item, for whatever reason, but you don’t have the know-how to do it, there is probably a YouTube video that can show you how it’s done. As a last resort, it could also be taken to a tailor for the repair. This could be costly, so the relative merits could be taken into consideration.
Counting the Cost
Repairs and alterations can be costly—sometimes considerably more than an item is worth. If the item is badly needed or has sentimental value, it could be worth the money to have it repaired or altered professionally. It not, it could be cheaper to replace it. In some cases, it doesn’t matter how much it might cost to have it repaired, it’s worth the effort to get the repairs done.
Considering Quality
Another consideration as to whether an article of clothing should be repaired or replaced is the quality of the item. If the item is relatively inexpensive and is likely to tear again, it might be cheaper to throw it away and start again with something new.
After all, it’s probably not worth repairing it. If you happen to be close to heading out the door and have time to fix it, go ahead and do it, but when you get back, plan to buy something new to replace it.
The quality of the item is another factor to consider if it begins to stretch over time and lose its shape. This often causes some owners to throw the item away. Others, however, will find new reasons to love it all the more. And who doesn’t love to have something handy that they just love to kick around the house in?
Do You Love It?
If the article of clothing is something you rarely wear or if it doesn’t fit well anymore, it’s probably not worth the money to fix it or have it fixed. Again, situations like this are judgment calls. If it’s something you dearly love and attach a great deal of sentimental value to, go ahead and keep it. Repair it even if it might not look it’s best and you wouldn’t get caught dead wearing it out of the house.
This situation also leads to another problem with clothes that are old or in need of repair: having them end up shuffled to the back of a drawer or the closet never to see the light of day again. In these cases, could you get rid of it? Further, if you have a few items that meet this description, the chances are good that you have many more. Maybe a decluttering session is in order, which leads to the next question.
When Was the Last Time You Wore It?
Should you repair it or throw it away? When was the last time you wore it? Whether it needs a repair or it’s just old, if you haven’t worn it for a while, there’s probably a good reason for it. Please get rid of it.
Repairing an item of clothing can save considerable amounts of money. And if you or someone you know has the skills to repair an item at a relatively low cost, why not? This will keep your wardrobe looking good, and you will also get to save a lot of those old favorites that you can’t seem to get rid of.
It’s also worth mentioning that getting rid of something old and worn can be cathartic. Doubt it?
Try it? It’s something that psychologists have suggested for years. Just when you think life has become a series of “same old, same old” days, purge your closet and buy some new togs. Better yet, buy a whole new wardrobe and decide how you feel. Chances are excellent that you will feel like a whole new person. And if you don’t agree, try it.
There are times when repairing is just not worth it, or when the cost of having a repair made isn’t justified. As a rule of thumb, anytime you can make a minor repair or pay for one to be made, instead of buying something new, do it. But as time goes on and clothes get older, there will come a time when all you have left are just a closet full of old, worn clothes.
This is great since it shows the thrifty side of yourself that knows how to take care of things and make them last, but there is also a time when you should reward yourself for the same level of effort by getting something new to start again with. And why not? You’ve earned it.
