Five habits that double the life of your clothes

Wash cold. Hot water is the single biggest cause of shrinkage and colour loss. Thirty degrees cleans everyday wear perfectly well.

Turn things inside out. Abrasion in the drum is what fades a dark tee and pills a knit. Inside-out puts the wear on the seam side.

Skip the fabric softener on anything technical. It coats fibres and destroys moisture-wicking — the reason gym kit starts holding smell after a few months.

Dry in shade. Direct sun is brutal on dye, especially indigo and deep colours. A shaded line beats a dryer on almost every fabric we make.

Wash less. Most items need airing, not laundering. Fewer cycles is the cheapest longevity upgrade there is.