When to discard

Short answer: Throw it out when the elastic is slack, when the fabric has worn thin, or when there is a hole. All three are signs that the piece has reached its end and will not improve with another wash.

Slack elastic cannot be fixed

A waistband that no longer holds will not tighten again. That applies to underwear, socks and trousers with an elastic waist. Elastic loses its stretch over time, and no wash or dryer brings it back. If your bamboo underwear for men slides down during the day, it is time for new ones.

Thin fabric tears quickly

If you can see light through the fabric, it rarely lasts another month. Thin patches usually appear at heels, knees and the crotch, where fabric rubs the most. Hold the item up to a lamp if you are unsure. Once the fabric is see-through in one place, the rest tends to follow soon.

Holes grow

A small hole in knitted fabric gets bigger with every wash. Knit is made of connected loops, and when one breaks it pulls the next ones with it. This is especially true of socks, where holes at the toe and heel are common. A pair of bamboo socks for men and women with a hole will not get better with wear.

Can slack elastic be repaired

Rarely. A tailor can replace the elastic, but on an inexpensive piece it costs more than a new one. On pricier items it can make sense, especially trousers where the rest of the fabric is still in good shape. Underwear and socks are rarely worth repairing, as they wear evenly all over.

Check the wardrobe when seasons change

A good time to go through your clothes is when the season changes. Take the pieces out one at a time and check elastic, fabric and seams. Anything worn out can go straight away. That way you avoid packing away worn clothes only to find them six months later, just as worn as before.

Sweats and joggers

Sweats and joggers often wear at the cuffs, knees and waistband. When the rib at the sleeves goes slack or the knees start to thin, the piece is nearing its end. A bamboo jogging suit can often be worn at home for a long time. Holes and see-through fabric are still the limit.

Extend their life with gentle washing

Clothes last longer when treated gently. Wash at the temperature on the care label, turn items inside out and let them air dry when you can. The tumble dryer is hard on elastic. Air outer layers instead of washing them every time. Then it takes longer before a piece needs to go.

What to do with discarded clothes

Worn-out clothes often make good cleaning rags. The rest can go to textile collection where your local council offers one. Check the local rules, as they vary. The main thing is that the item does not sit in a drawer taking up space when it is no longer worn.

Frequently asked questions

When should you throw out a piece of clothing

When the elastic is slack, the fabric has worn thin, or there is a hole. None of these improve with time or with another wash.

Can slack elastic be repaired

Rarely. A tailor can replace it, but on an inexpensive piece it costs more than a new one, and the rest is often worn as well.

Do holes in knitted fabric grow

Yes. Knit is made of connected loops, and a small hole gets bigger with every wash and every wear because the loops pull on each other.