Fading: An Un-Love Story

What to do with faded black clothes? -Alison

Hey Alison, great question. We talk so much about investing in clothing that will last, but talk little about how in fact to make that happen. First I'll answer a few follow up questions, then get to the solutions.

Why do clothes fade?

Dark colored clothing get to that shade from dyes (no surprise there). When washing clothes, if the water is left a different color, it is because of dye being released from the garment itself.  This is how whites get not-so-white, and the reason behind the red sock turning clothes pink phenomenon.

When washing clothes in water with detergent, this will happen over time. Some people turn garments like dark jeans inside out to preserve color. In all actuality, this doesn't preserve the die on the inside, it is only to prevent against the middle spin thing of the washer from causing abrasions... thus wear and fading.  If you have a front load washer, it's less of an issue.

Also, the sun, hair products, and other chemicals can all lead to wear on the dye and how it relates to fiber, just as it can to your hot new hair color.

And what can I do about it?

-Hand wash with soaps made for dark clothes or Woolite. The dark clothes detergents actually have a small amount of dye in them to help restore the color, but this isn't such a great option if you have patterns on the clothes, because it ends up dying all colors, not just the black.

-Wash only with other black clothes. Remember the dye in the water I mentioned earlier? If you're washing all blacks together, this dye leakage that you are soaking in can help lead back to the garments that it leaked from. It's not really a fix, but it may help prolong fading.

-Dry clean. There's no water or color leakage here. So if your garments can be dry cleaned and they are worth preserving, this may be the route. You can also spot clean as necessary. Some people only dry clean their denim, particularly denim of the selvage variety. But that's another topic for another day.

-Dye the clothes to intensify the color. You can pick up a box of RIT dye from your local craft, fabric, or art store for a couple dollars and follow the directions to dye the entire garment in hopes of restoring the color. This method works best on natural fibers (cotton, wool, etc.), but can be used on synthetic fibers as well. But the same rule of thumb with dye applies: don't use it on patterned fabrics because it will change all colors, not just the blacks.

Learning to Sew

I recently had a question come to me on Twitter about suggestions when buying her first sewing machine.  Hooray for craftiness!

Sewing machines and one of those subjects that if you sew, you have an opinion about. It's kind of like asking somebody what's a good first car for a new driver... it just kind of depends.

I grew up learning the and around Singer machines, so this is what I know best.  When I decided to take lessons to increase my technical skill in sewing, the classroom had Singer machines.  I know them well, they are comfortable to me.  

For the new sewer who wants to work on a project here and there or do some casual work with a machine that has some flexibility, I'll play favorites.

7463 Confidence

Singer 7467S Confidence

From the outset, I don't know that the two machines functionally are very different.  I've worked on both machines in workrooms, and they seem to be pretty standard in classrooms.  Simply put, they do the job in a not too terribly finicky way.  They are simple, they thread easily, drop-in bobbin, and button hole stitching that is easy enough to get after a few practice tries.

When you get to the point where you are making clothes regularly and want to develop a more finished look, I'd start to look at sergers (the machines that stitch to enclose the edges... take a look on the inside seam of your shirt to see what I mean).  Again for the less than commercial sewer (most of us), you won't need anything too intense or even a 5-thread machine.  I personally own a Janome machine, and really do love it.  

Style It Solved

Fun news! I very recently created a Formspring account where readers, tweeters, and friends alike can pose (anonymously if you want you sneaks) questions about style, ideas, advice, tips & tricks.  Your question may get featured here on the blog.

Asked via twitter this week: 

What are some body conscious unique black tie dresses are out there? Also affordable.

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Vintage Renewal

Vintage and thrift shopping is like searching for treasure- but s well worth if if you have the patience and an sharp eye.  Hop on EBay, go to estate sales, visit local vintage and thrift stores and see what you can find.  If something looks great and the price is right, but just needs a little bit of lovin', chances are, $30 at a tailor may produce your favorite garment your closet has seen for a while.  When it's all said and done, this could easily be the cheapest, or most expensive option... but definitely the most open ended for you creative types. I once blogged about this here.

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Red Carpet Rentals

During the holidays this past year, I wrote about companies that function like leasing agencies of all things fabulous.  If you want to wear a fierce runway look, but can't stomach the runway price, this may be a great option to feel like a million bucks, while only paying a fraction of the cost.  Many of these companies carry current season couture and will take care of the dry cleaning so you won't have to.  This is also a great option if you're going to be in a lot of photos, and don't want to wear the dress ever again. 

Fletcher Maxi

Invest in Versatility

Of course, there are also some of you out there who just want to buy something without the tailors, rentals, shoots, ladders, and more. You also want something that is a value, without being necessarily cheap and disposable. *enter shameless promotion* If you're looking for something special, versatile, and reasonably priced find a dress that  you can dress up or down, and feel as if it isn't too "right now".  Check out The Co-Op's Fletcher Maxi Dress (fall & holiday fabrics available soon).  They are full length, fully customizable on the inside and outside, so you develop something that you will actually love to wear.  Style it for a formal event or brunch on your favorite Sunday patio- it's just that easy. 

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Statement Jewelry

It is perfectly possible to take the most basic dress you can find with a great fit and dress it up with the most in your face jewelry you can find.  We'll call this statement accessories.  By using jewelry (costume or otherwise) as the focal point of your look, you just may be able to save a little bit of money in place of getting a really elaborate dress. Chances are, people just may remember you for the jewelry and the overall look more this way, regardless of how basic the dress.

Do you have a style questions? Send them my way and find the answer here on the blog.