HERE'S HOW TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR CLOTHES
If you're planning on cleaning out your closet in the New Year, don't be so quick to toss your old favorites.
You can easily make a lot of fabrics, including leather, look new again.
For less than $15, a fabric de-fuzzer can remove ugly pills and make your sweaters smooth again.
Got nasty shoulder puckers from putting your sweaters on hangers? Simply steam them away with a blast from your iron. Pat in place and let the fibers rest.
Tiny moth holes can be repaired by your dry cleaner. But, if it's bigger than a dime, toss it.
A collar that's showing wear or stains can simply be taken off and flipped over by a tailor.
To keep your jeans from shrinking, this tip from Consumer Reports' textile expert Pat Slaven:
"Take them out of the washer, and while they're still damp, step on the hems, and give the waistband a tug. Then air-dry them," Slaven said.
Some useful products to keep on hand: Lip balm, to loosen stuck zippers; a crochet hook to easily fix clothing snags; and spend six bucks for a brush and neutral-colored polish that'll brighten your leather shoes.
If your favorite boots are truly worn, a visit to the cobbler can add years to their life.
"I've seen shoes come in here that are 25 years old. With a little bit of maintenance and a little bit of small repairs, you can get your stuff to last a lot longer for years to come," said Ralph Nuzzi.
If you're tired of buttons breaking on your good shirts, take this tip from Consumer Reports ShopSmart: Button the shirt up and turn it inside out before washing. Your buttons will be protected.
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