Love your clothes for LONGER

From treating stains to removing bobbles, here's how to prolong the life of wardrobe favourites

- CAROLINE BLOOR

When much-loved items look more shabby than chic, the temptation is often to bin them and buy new. Shockingly, the average person now buys 60% more clothing than 15 years ago, and keeps things half as long*. But with the high cost of living and our growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, attitudes are changing.

According to new research by AEG, 86% of us recognise that making our clothes last longer is good for the environment. And with an average annual spend on new clothes and footwear per person of around £400**, it's also good for your pocket! Use these tips to help your clothes look good for longer.

* Stop colours fading by using detergents specifically designed for colours. Detergents for whites contain optical brighteners to keep them white.