As the summer season winds down, it’s almost time to pack away your favourite warm-weather clothes—but not before giving them a little TLC. By addressing minor issues now, you can ensure that your summer wardrobe is ready to go for you the moment the sunshine returns.
Here’s a simple guide to fixing common summer wear problems, so your clothes can last — and continue to look incredible — for many summers to come.
1. Removing Fabric Pilling / Bobbling
Pilling on lightweight summer fabrics can make your clothes look worn out long before their lifespan is up! Pilling or bobbling occurs when fabric fibres tangle due to friction, and form tiny balls on your clothes.
- What You Need: A lint-roller (for surface-level fuzzies) or cashmere comb
- How to Fix: Lightly run a cashmere comb over the pilled areas to gently remove the fuzz and bobbles. To prevent future pilling, wash garments inside out and on a gentle cycle using a specialist fabric detergent to reduce friction.
2. Patching Up Light Fabrics
Summer fabrics like linen and cotton are prone to small tears or holes, but they can be easily mended with a patch:
- What You Need: Patch material (matching or complementary fabric), needle, thread, iron-on adhesive (optional).
- How to Fix: Cut a patch slightly larger than the tear. Pin the patch over the hole and sew it securely with a basic running stitch. For a quicker fix, you can use an iron-on adhesive patch—just follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Fixing Buttons
Button-down shirts and blouses are summer staples, but it’s easy to lose a button or have one come loose after frequent use:
- What You Need: Needle, thread, replacement buttons (if needed), scissors.
- How to Fix: Start by cutting off more thread than you think you'll need (around 18 inches!), threading the needle, and tying a knot at the end. Then, place the button on the fabric where it belongs, push the needle up through one buttonhole from the underside, then down through the opposite hole. Sew up and down 4-6 times until the button is secure. Finally, push the needle to the underside, tie a knot close to the fabric, and cut off any excess thread.
4. Restoring Elastic
Elastic waistbands in shorts, skirts, or swimwear can lose their stretch over time:
- What You Need: New elastic, scissors, needle, thread, seam ripper.
- How to Fix: Use a seam ripper to carefully open a small section of the waistband. Remove the old elastic and cut a new piece to the same length. Thread the new elastic through the waistband, sew the ends together, and stitch the waistband closed.
5. Stitching Loose Hems
Loose hems are a common issue with summer dresses, skirts, trousers, and shorts. A quick fix can save these pieces from further unraveling:
- What You Need: Needle, thread (matching the garment colour), scissors.
- How to Fix: Turn the garment inside out. Pin the loose hem in place, then use a basic running stitch to sew the hem back up. Tie off the thread securely and trim any excess.
6. Repairing Snags in Light Knits
Knitwear like summer cardigans or lightweight sweaters can snag easily:
- What You Need: Crochet hook or sewing needle.
- How to Fix: Gently pull the snagged thread to the inside of the garment using the crochet hook or needle. Tie it off or weave it into the surrounding fabric to prevent further unraveling.
Final Touches
After mending your summer clothes, give them a good spritz with one of our knitwear mists or clothing sprays to refresh them and take the time to properly store your repaired items in a cool, dry place. This way they’ll be in top shape, ready for next summer.
SHOP SUMMER BESTSELLERS
Got a repair job that's getting out of hand? Our seamstresses will sort you out. Here's how the Clothes Doctor repair services work...
1. Get a quote. Browse through our repair service to see our prices for an array of repairs or alterations, and let us know what you need by requesting a quote from our team.
2. Send your items for repair. Join the movement and prevent your clothing from ending up in landfill. If you're UK-based, just pop your garments in a jiffy bag and self ship to our team, or choose to get a CollectPlus label. We'll take good care of them!
3. We'll deliver. 7-10 days later, your revived clothes will be delivered to the comfort of your home. Congrats! You've just joined the Clothes Doctor revolution to embrace a more sustainable wardrobe.
1. Get a quote. Browse through our repair service to see our prices for an array of repairs or alterations, and let us know what you need by requesting a quote from our team.
2. Send your items for repair. Join the movement and prevent your clothing from ending up in landfill. If you're UK-based, just pop your garments in a jiffy bag and self ship to our team, or choose to get a CollectPlus label. We'll take good care of them!
3. We'll deliver. 7-10 days later, your revived clothes will be delivered to the comfort of your home. Congrats! You've just joined the Clothes Doctor revolution to embrace a more sustainable wardrobe.
By taking the time to mend your summer clothes now, you’re not only extending the life of your favourite pieces but also making a sustainable choice that benefits both your wardrobe and the planet. Happy mending!
