5 Clothing Items That Are Meant to Last a Lifetime
Fast fashion is popular these days, but obviously, those items don’t last. They’re usually of cheap quality and fall apart with frequent use and washing. There may be a time and place for those items, but you should also own clothing that lasts forever.
These pieces may cost more, but they are luxury goods made from the best materials and crafted to last. They are usually more comfortable, functional, and tailored to your body. Here are five must-haves to keep in your wardrobe forever, maybe even passing them down to the next generation.
- Sports Jackets
A sports jacket or coat is an essential item in every man’s wardrobe. It fits in that tricky gap between wearing a full suit and going casual. A sport coat is great for date night, business casual events, and cocktail parties. When you need to look smart but not too dressy, a sport coat with jeans or nicer trousers is just perfect.
Because this piece of clothing is so versatile and vital, choose one that lasts. You’ll invest a little more for it, but you get a lot in return. Not only will it last a lifetime, but a high-quality sport coat just looks nicer and fits better. A cheap coat looks cheap. Choose a good quality sports jacket in a neutral color, and you can wear it forever.
- Spanx
A sport coat may be a staple for men, but Spanx has long been relied on by generations of women when dressing. These shaping pieces create a flattering, smooth look under dresses, pants, and more. You can find cheaper shapers, but Spanx products are high-quality and designed to last.
If you wear them daily, you may need to replace shapewear more frequently but used only occasionally; a good quality piece can last forever. Experts don’t recommend you wear them every day, though. Doing so can cause some digestive issues and skin rashes. Wear your Spanx in the right size and with plenty of breaks, and they will truly last.
- Converse
There are a couple of reasons to buy a pair of converse sneakers to last for decades. One is that they’re simply a classic style. They’ve been making these iconic shoes for more than 100 years. Originally designed for basketball, Converse now comes in various styles and colors and is versatile enough for most people.
The other reason to splurge on a pair of genuine Converse is that they last. Designed to be durable, a well-cared-for pair can last your entire lifetime and be passed down to your kids. Choose a classic high or low-top style in a color you love.
- Wedding Dresses
Wedding dresses are the ultimate when it comes to a lifelong wardrobe piece. If you splurge on nothing else in your closet, you’ll want to spend money on a quality dress that you can store, pass down to your children, or even wear again. Why not?
A wedding dress is a lifelong piece for an obvious reason: it stands for a lifetime commitment. You’ll want to be able to return to it later, so choose a high-quality dress made from suitable materials. Even if your marriage doesn’t last in the unfortunate situation, you will want to give your children the option of being able to use your dress later.
- Denim
Denim can definitely be a throwaway, but it doesn’t have to be. If you buy quality pieces, you can enjoy a pair of jeans, a denim skirt, or a jacket for your entire life and give your kids or even grandkids the option to try a retro style.
Like the sport coat and a pair of classic sneakers, denim never goes out of style. Trends come and go, but a good pair of jeans or jean jacket is always in fashion. To make your denim pieces last, start with high-quality products that cost a little more.
Then, take good care of them. This is a durable material, but it will wear down over time. You can make denim last longer by washing it infrequently. Some people even profess to never washing their jeans. Unless they get really dirty or stinky, spot cleaning with a rag is usually good enough and will help them last longer.
Invest in a Lasting Wardrobe
None of these pieces are cheap, but that’s the point. Invest more now and get real mileage out of your classic pieces. Inexpensive purchases are for ultra-trendy styles that will be out by next year. Splurge on the basics and the classics and keep them forever.