When to Wash It
How long can your clothes go between washing? In these eco-friendly (and economically tough) times, you don't want to use all that water and electricity on something that's still relatively clean. Besides, doing laundry is such a bitch. See below for our suggestions on how many times you can wear an item before washing—with a few necessary caveats.
Dress Shirts
This is dependent on wearing an undershirt underneath and you don't mind a slightly wrinkled back and elbows.
Wash after: 2 to 3 wearings
T-shirts
Maybe two or even three, if it's an old favorite you change into at night or on the weekends.
Wash after: 1 wearing
Jeans
Denim nerds argue to never wash them. But you'll know it's time when they get baggy at the knee or in the butt—or if you get something on them.
Wash after: 5 to 10 wearings
Underwear & Socks
Even if it means washing them in the hotel sink when your luggage is lost.
Wash after: 1 wearing
Sweaters
The finer the knit, the more likely you'll have to wash it more frequently. Chunkier knits can withstand more wearings.
Wash after: 8 to 10 wearings
Blazers, Suits & Coats
This does require some maintenance, such as removing lint with a roller, airing them out after a wearing and steaming out any wrinkles.
Wash after: Each season
