Repair Damaged Clothing and Accessories By Amanda Armstrong
Think that moth-eaten sweater's fate is the giveaway pile? Not so fast.
Slack Elastic Waist
If the elastic runs within a hemmed fabric casing: The inner piece of elastic can be tightened or replaced by a seamstress for $20 or less.
If the elastic band was created using elasticized thread: It will be visible on the underside of the waistband―and it also tends to stretch out more easily. If this is the case, the
time and the expense of replacing it may not be worthwhile. Fixing this kind of elastic waistband runs $45 on average and
usually requires a special machine (though in some instances, a seamstress may be able to repair it by hand). "Even with more
expensive clothing, it's typical that the elastic doesn't always have the same life expectancy of the garment itself," says
Joseph Hallak Jr., owner of Hallak Cleaners and president of the National Cleaners Association, in New York City.
Either way: Compare the original cost of the clothing with the cost of the repair to see which option makes the most sense.
Odds of revival: 50-50.
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Repeated poor-quality dry cleanings can lead to fiber breakage―and an empty wallet. An old-fashioned hand washing is not only cheaper, but leaves the cashmere considerably softer. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap and lay flat to dry. Remove excess water by rolling the garment in a towel―never wring it.
