Save on clothing costs by prolonging your wardrobe -- Page 2

Frank Piazza says that an increased demand for muslin garment bags means that consumers may be, happily, getting the message.

"Muslin, which is a cloth, allows clothes to breathe, while protecting them from dust and dirt," he says, adding that cedar chips placed in the closet will protect clothes from moths, serving the same function as mothballs, but with a pleasant outdoorsy scent.

Similarly, you should never pack your closet too tight. In addition to lack of air, there's the wrinkling-rubbing factor.

If one of your favorite garments is hopelessly stained, get some guidance at "Ask the clothes doctor" at Meurice Garment Care's Web site.

Go easy when undressing. Carefully remove the accessory the same way you put it on, but in reverse, of course. Improper pulling, advises Edelman, can be damaging to fabric, especially to those "cut on a bias" (on an angle), such as neckties, which are often fashioned of delicate silk.

Give new zip to zippers. Gently rub a sliver of soap or a candle on the zipper teeth to get the slider gliding again. You can even try a bit of lip balm as the lube, but be careful not to get any on clothing.

Don't be a knit-wit. Joan Crawford was on the right track: No wire hangers, ever! Also, never use a wooden hanger, satin hanger or any other kind of hanger. Knits have an unfortunate tendency to stretch and sag and distort when hung.

"Your best bet is to neatly fold such garments in drawers," says Piazza.

Don't get hung-up on the wrong hanger. Nonknits, of course, generally may be hung, but use the right kind for the job. Use shaped hangers with gently rounded shoulders to support jackets and coats, notched hangers to snugly hold strapped tops in place and padded ones for your most delicate lingerie.

Look before you launder. The care labels in garments are there for a purpose: They will tell you what mode of cleaning is safest and whether bleach may be used, and if so, what kind. Realize the manufacturer is on your side. It is to no one's advantage if you wreck an item of clothing by imprudent cleaning methods. If in doubt, call the manufacturer for clarification.

Give your clothes a good turn. Turn your garments inside-out before tossing them in the wash.

This is very important, says Heloise, particularly for dark clothing, as it prevents abrasions.

Other advantages: less unsightly pilling on sweaters and reduced risk of visible staining if there's color-bleeding or rust in the water.

Give them air -- yes, again! Dryers are wonderful and necessary, but whenever possible, air-dry. It's the gentle thing to do, especially if nonheat-loving stretchy materials such as spandex or elastic are involved.

Beware the clothesline. Heloise cautions against hanging laundry out in the sun, as it can cause some whites to yellow -- ah, maybe you thought you imagined it? As for vivid colors, she suggests that people may not be aware of the amount of sun damage that can occur: "The sun can fade things tremendously."

Leather I'm right or leather I'm wrong. To keep that motorcycle jacket or supple suede jacket looking just right, hang it from padded or shaped hangers that support, but won't pinch or stretch. Avoid spritzing hair spray or fragrance anywhere near such garments.

"With suede and leather, you really should wear a neck scarf," says Meurice Garment Care's Edelman.

In short, keep those skin oils, perspiration and toiletries to yourself!

Stretch that stocking dollar. First, if you're not buying stockings with reinforced toes (for closed-toe shoes) and spandex for snap and resilience, start now. Second, never put on hosiery while wearing rings or bracelets, or with a rough-edged fingernail. Indeed, it's a good habit to don thin cotton gloves while doing the deed -- something Heloise says that many of her readers do.

Toting a bottle of clear nail polish for zapping catches before they turn into runs is a good idea. But if the shiny spot that polish can leave bothers you, Frank Piazza suggests an alternative: "You can use a matte-finish touch-up meant for stocking snags." Brands such as Fray Check, for example, cost about $3 a bottle, comparable to nail polish.

Hand-wash hosiery, or, at least, place them in a net bag before tossing in the washer. You might to try the folk-remedy "strengthening" trick of storing washed and squeezed-out pantyhose in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight. Defrost before wearing!

Give high footwear costs the boot. Bare feet in shoes may look cool, but they expose leather to moisture and odor, so put a sock in it. Further safeguard leather with a protective cream or polish; should shoes get wet, allow them to dry naturally -- and thoroughly -- before wearing again. Shoe trees will keep your footwear ship-shape, and a rolled-up magazine or towel will keep boots standing tall.

Now, with all the money you save, go buy yourself a nice piece of jewelry. (If it's silver, store in a plastic baggy, to keep from oxidizing!)