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22/10/2026
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Atelier notebook
How to extend the life of your clothes with custom repairs and alterations
A good repair can add years to a garment's life. Discover how care and artisan precision make all the difference.
One of the questions I get asked most at the atelier has nothing to do with making something new, but with something much simpler: "how do I make this last longer?"
Clothes go through everyday life with us, and with the right care they can stay in good shape for many years. Wear and tear usually doesn't come from time itself, but from incorrect washing, careless storage, or small flaws left unattended until they stop being small.
The habits that make the biggest difference
Always reading the wash label, however minor it may seem, prevents shrinking and color loss that can't be undone afterward. Storing clothes on proper hangers and folding delicate garments well prevents deformations that show up much sooner than you'd think.
"A loose button or an unstitched seam are minor problems only if they're dealt with in time."
What to check before a small flaw becomes a big one
When a client brings me a garment "to fix a button," I almost always check the nearby seams too. A small reinforcement in time keeps them from coming back in a few months with a much bigger problem.
How to wash so clothes last longer
Beyond reading the label, washing inside out protects color and keeps prints from wearing down against other garments. Using laundry bags for delicate pieces or items with fasteners prevents snags that tear more fragile fabrics. And lowering the water temperature, whenever the fabric allows it, extends the life of the fibers far more than most people imagine — excessive heat is one of the most common causes of premature wear, though it's almost never blamed for it.
When an alteration pays off compared to buying new
Not every garment is worth altering, but many can be brought back into use. Before deciding, check the fabric's condition, the change needed and how much it will be worn afterwards. Deteriorated fabric can limit the result even if the garment was expensive; a specific quote helps compare the options.
When a garment no longer fits the way it used to
We often stop wearing something not because it broke, but because it doesn't fit us the way it used to. That's where an alteration completely changes the story: adjusting a garment to your current shape can bring back one of your favorites, instead of replacing it.
Investing in quality, taking care of what you already have, and turning to alterations when needed is a more responsible way to consume — for your wallet and for the planet. If you have a garment that needs that care, you can contact Atelier Yvicor.
If you have already spotted damage, explore the options for clothing repairs and alterations.
Check that small defect before it gets worse
Tell us which garment it is and whether you have noticed a loose seam, a faulty fastening or an area wearing thin. A close-up and a photograph of the whole piece help prepare the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Which habits extend the life of clothes the most?
Reading the wash label, storing garments on proper hangers, washing inside out, and lowering the water temperature whenever the fabric allows it.
When is altering a garment worthwhile instead of buying a new one?
When the fabric's condition, the expected result and the quote justify the alteration. It is best to compare the options after examining the garment.
What should I do if a garment no longer fits the way it used to?
Adjusting it to your current shape usually brings back one of your favorite garments, instead of having to replace it with a new one.
"Taking care of your clothes is a way of taking care of the time you spend in them."
— Patricia Rojas
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