Join our Salem community members in choosing quality clothes that save money, last longer, and reduce waste. Poorly made clothes wear out quickly, clutter closets, and end up in landfills. Well-made clothes are available for every budget, built to last, and can be worn for years to come. Quality clothes just make sense.

Know the Numbers

Consumers are buying more clothes and wearing them less. The average consumer now buys 60 percent more clothing items each year and keeps them for about half as long as they did 15 years ago.

• Clothing producers are increasing production to meet this demand. Worldwide, clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2014, with the number of garments exceeding 100 billion by 2014.
• Many garments are of low quality and don’t last as long as they used to. In fact, the lifespan of consumer products, including clothing, shortened by 50 percent from 1992 to 2002.
• These items end up in landfills. Americans throw away over 32 billion pounds of textiles each year!
• Making clothing uses significant resources: it can take 1,500 gallons of water to manufacture just one T-shirt and pair of jeans—that's enough water for you to drink over 13 years.
• Extending the life of clothing by just three months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by up to 10 percent.

Learn How to Help

Quality doesn’t have to mean “expensive.” Well-made clothes aren’t determined by the price tag, and simple care can make those pieces last longer, saving you the hassle and cost of replacing them. You can extend the life of your clothes and your investment by taking a few easy steps:

Step 1: Look for Signs of Quality

• Fabrics: Consider the quality of the fabric (thickness, softness, stretch, etc.) and its suitability for the item. Will it be comfortable and durable?
• Thread and Stitches: Check for good quality thread and strong, even stitches. Gently pull the fabric to see if the thread breaks. Look for rippled, puckered, or twisted hems and seams.
• Edges and Hems: Avoid garments with cut or “raw” edges, as these can lead to unraveling and loose threads.
• Matched Patterns: Ensure that patterns, like stripes or plaid, match up at the seams.
• Linings: For lined garments, check that the lining hangs loosely without causing pulling or puckering.
• Buttons and Buttonholes: Buttonholes should be well-stitched with no loose threads. Test the button in the buttonhole to ensure it’s easy to fasten.

Step 2: Care for Your Clothes

• Clean Correctly: Follow care labels when washing to keep clothes looking better and lasting longer.
• Consider Cold Water: Use cold water and less detergent to prevent fading and wear.
• Group Similar Items: Turn jeans and graphic shirts inside out to prevent fading, and wash similar items together to avoid wear.
• Use the Dryer Sparingly: High heat can fade and shrink materials. Line dry when possible, or use the lowest dryer setting.
• Stain Removal: Research the best method for removing specific stains—cold water, hot water, or stain treatment can make a difference.
• Simple Fixes: Learn to reattach a button, mend a tear, or apply a patch.
• Call in the Experts: Find a good dry cleaner and tailor to help keep your clothes clean and well-fitted.

Step 3: Wear Those Clothes Often!

Every item in your closet has a cost-per-wear: the longer you wear that shirt or pair of jeans, the more you get out of your investment. A closet stocked with quality items will outlast one filled with poorly made, disposable clothes. Choose quality—you’ll look good, save money, and help care for our environment.

About This Campaign

Make Every Thread Count is a public awareness campaign encouraging Salem residents to think differently before buying clothes, make smarter choices at the register, and extend the life of their clothing. Our residents are smart, practical consumers, and this campaign demonstrates how simple steps can greatly reduce the environmental impacts of a material commonly found in Oregon’s waste stream.