Your wardrobe staples are undoubtedly the most frequently washed items in your closet. While they get the most wear, your favorite clothing is also most susceptible to damage like staining, wearing and ripping. Sometimes, it can be hard to let go, but you need to know when to move on, whether it’s your work scrubs or a lucky first date sweater. Learn the signs it’s time to replace your worn-out staples and refresh your look. 

1. You’ve Had Them Longer Than You Can Remember 

If you can’t remember where or when you bought your clothing item, and it’s looking a little tired, it’s probably time to replace it. Even if your top or pants aren’t showing any obvious signs of wear, like a rip or a stain, items that have been in your closet for so long you can’t recall how they got there may not be serving you as well as they should be. When thinking about replacing your scrub pants or top, remember that these items must be in good condition to remain effective in protecting you and your patients from possible contamination. Therefore, you should inspect your scrubs every six months for signs of wear to see if it’s time for an update.

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2. It Has Stains That Don’t Come Out 

A stain that won’t budge is a clear sign it’s time to replace your favorite pair of pants or your top. If you’re wearing these items while lounging around your home, a stain might not seem like a big deal. However, wearing clothes with a stain to your workplace is sure to make you appear sloppy and unprofessional. 

Unfortunately, your appearance can lead to bias in the workplace, with one study finding that women who took more care in their appearance were more likely to earn a higher income. When caring for patients, working with clients or another customer-facing job, looking disheveled can send a message that you don’t take your work seriously. Consider what the condition of your wardrobe says about you as a professional and take steps to replace pieces that could compromise your reputation. 

3. The Edges Look Worn or Misshapen 

Your wardrobe staples are guaranteed to go through the wash more than your other clothing, especially if those staples are medical scrubs. The type of clothing affects how frequently you need to wash it; for example, jeans can be worn three to five times before washing, whereas a basic shirt with no undershirt should be cleaned after one to two days of wearing. 

A knitted sweater can withstand fewer washes than a basic t-shirt, so consider wearing delicate tops like these up to six times before washing, as long as you wear an undershirt with them.  However, if you work in a surgical ward, your scrub uniform requires professional cleaning after every shift to protect vulnerable patients. In this case, you’re likely to see signs of wearing after a few months, depending on the quality of your scrubs. 

To know if it’s time to replace your favorite article of clothing, examine areas susceptible to wear, like the crotch of your pants or the underarms of your shirt. These areas may begin to rip first along the seam, suggesting it’s time for a replacement. If your shirt collar or the edges of your sleeves start to look wrinkled or misshapen, this also indicates the item has been washed too many times, and it’s time for a change. The elbows and knees of your pants and shirts are also some of the first spots you’ll see indications of wear. For fitted slacks or leggings, the knees of your pants may become ill-fitting, loose or discolored. On tight, long-sleeved shirts, small holes in the elbow are a clear sign you need to buy a replacement. 

4. The Color Is Fading 

Faded garments look drab and indicate the fabric fibers are significantly worn. This leaves your clothes vulnerable to tears and fraying. Before your pants split in public or you find holes under the arms of your favorite shirt, replace your faded wardrobe staples with new items. You can protect your new wardrobe staples from fading by adding a cup of salt to the washer when you first wash the garment. This locks in the color and prevents excess dye from bleeding out onto your other clothes. You can help your colored wardrobe staples last longer by washing in cold water with mild detergent and setting your washer to the gentlest cycle possible. 

Turn your garments inside out before you wash them. This protects the outer layer of fibers from fading. Add fabric conditioner to your laundry load. Fading is partially due to friction between garments in the washer. A fabric conditioner lubricates the material fibers, reducing the amount of friction. 

5. It’s No Longer in Style 

Just because a piece of clothing is holding up against your washing machine and stain remover, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to refresh your wardrobe. Sometimes, high-quality clothing lasts for a decade, but it still looks worn and tired in other ways. If your wardrobe staples aren’t keeping up with the current fashion trends, consider whether you can purchase accessories to update your look or whether it’s time to retire these pieces. Although your clothing might be dated, it’s not unwearable due to a hole or stain; look for a way to upcycle the material or donate it, rather than throwing it away. 

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6. It’s Not Your Size Anymore

Your body size naturally fluctuates over time, so clothes that may have fit you five years ago might feel a little tight now. Wearing over- or undersized clothes can make you appear sloppily dressed and make you feel uncomfortable.

In some cases, you may be able to take a favorite piece to a tailor or dry cleaner to be adjusted. However, for clothes that are several times larger or smaller than your size, it’s best to donate them to Goodwill and invest in clothing that fits your body perfectly. If you’re shopping for new scrubs online, look at a scrub size chart before making your selection to ensure the size you buy is suitable for your current measurements. 

Keep Your Wardrobe Staples Looking Their Best

Whether through gentle care or replacing items when they become worn, keeping your favorite clothing looking fabulous and professional is essential. As soon as you notice signs of wear, like stains, tears or an improper fit, it’s time to switch out your go-to pieces.