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25 Best Clothing Hacks On The Internet (Tested!)

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I would like to wear pajamas all day, every day.

Alas, people don’t seem to like it when I do this, so I have to face the facts:

Style is a part of presence. Clothing shapes our image. Appearance contributes to our first impression.

I’m no fashionista, but I know the importance of fashion cues. In my bestselling book, Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, I identify four modes of communication: 

  • Nonverbal: Our body language, posture, facial expressions, and gestures.
  • Verbal: The words we use in spoken or written language.
  • Vocal: How we say our words with our volume, pace, tone, accent, or cadence.
  • Imagery: The ornaments, accessories, and clothing we wear. Fashion and accessories fall into this last category of cues. 

 What we wear has a big impact on our first impression.

Watch our video below on the top 10 clothing hacks everyone should know:

Your clothing can help you:

  • Communicate your personal brand
  • Show confidence
  • Round out your presence

However, clothing can also:

  • Detract from your charisma
  • Distract from your message
  • Destroy your impact

So, I put together a post on my favorite clothing tips and tricks that you can keep you looking fresh and put together.

Deodorant Skidmarks

Shower + Deodorant + Shirt = Skidmarks

Nothing is worse than putting on a nice clean shirt and getting white deodorant lines all over it. This happens to me daily, and I’ve tried using a tissue or a wet towel, but it usually just leaves giant wet spots all over the fabric—that might even be worse than the skid marks! 

Instead, I have an excellent solution for you: A sponge! A dry sponge removes even the peskiest deodorant stains like magic. This also works if someone has hugged you and gotten deodorant stains on your jacket’s upper arms or shoulders.

This sponge is my favorite.

Shoe Polish

I would love to get my shoes polished whenever they look dull, but I never have the time and always walk around with sad-looking leather. It might sound crazy, but the inner lining of a banana skin can polish up your shoes if you are in a rush.

Rub the peel all over the leather on the outside of your shoes (just as if you were using shoe polish). Once you have wiped the banana peel over both shoes, buff them up with a soft cloth. Voila—banana polished shoes. This hack also helps you recycle, reduce, and reuse!

Magnetic Magic for Button Gaps

Struggling with gaps between buttons on your favorite shirt? Here’s a discreet and effective fix: tiny magnets! They’re perfect for keeping everything in place, ensuring your style stays sleek and gap-free.

Simply sew a small magnet onto the inside placket of your shirt behind each problematic button. Make sure to pair it with a corresponding magnet on the other side. The magnets snap between the buttons, keeping the fabric taut and preventing unwanted peeks.

This hack is handy for those with fitted shirts whose fabric tends to pull apart. It’s quick and invisible, and you won’t feel the magnets. Just like that, you’ve got a seamless look with zero effort. Say goodbye to safety pins and hello to magnetic precision!

Anti-Wrinkle

I hate ironing. It’s such a pain and requires so much set-up time with the iron, water, plugs, ironing board, and starch—who has time for that these days? Not me! That’s why I use a hair straightener to get out mini-wrinkles. If you have wrinkles on the front of your shirt or collar, a hair straightener is a lifesaver and takes less than a minute. This is especially helpful while traveling.

Speaking of traveling, making friends and having great conversations has always been my favorite part of traveling. And nowadays, in a more disconnected world, it’s important to hone your social skills to build connections! That’s why we offer you this resource:

Master your People Skills

List iconCreate a Memorable Presence
List iconCommunicate with Confidence
List iconAchieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support.

Lint Removal… with a Pumice Stone

For an unexpectedly effective way to remove lint from clothes, grab a pumice stone—the same type you use to smooth your feet. Gently glide the pumice stone across the fabric’s surface, and watch as it picks up lint, fuzz, and pills like a magnet. The rough texture of the stone catches and removes unwanted fibers without damaging the clothing.

This method is particularly effective for sweaters and other knitwear prone to pilling. After a few strokes with the pumice stone, your garments will look revitalized and as good as new!

Your Secret Superpower

I once knew a peer who faced the same nerves before a big presentation. Her method for conquering her anxiety was as discreet as it was effective. She would write a small, empowering affirmation on paper and discreetly pin it inside her jacket or tuck it into her pocket or shoe.

Before an important meeting or presentation, write a short, powerful affirmation or motivational quote on paper. It could be something like, “I am confident and capable,” or a reminder of past success. Then, discreetly place this note in a hidden spot within your attire: inside your jacket, in your shoe, or even in a pocket.

This hack serves as a private boost of confidence. You gently touch the spot where you’ve placed the note whenever you feel a wave of nerves. It serves as a silent reminder of your strength and preparation, invisible to others but incredibly impactful for you.

Bonus: Want some great positive affirmations to use? Check out 417 Daily Positive Affirmations For Personal Growth

The 2-Second Shirt Fold

Want to optimize your folding skills? Lay the shirt flat in front of you with the front side facing up. Imagine a line running down the middle of the shirt and two more lines: one between the top and the middle and the other between the middle and the bottom. Pinch the shirt at the intersection of the top and middle lines with your left hand and the bottom line with your right hand.

Cross your right hand over to the top line on the far side and pinch that section of the shirt so you’re holding three points. Lift and uncross your arms swiftly, lay it down, and fold the remaining part back. If you’re more of a video-type learner, here’s a nifty video on how to do that!

YouTube video

Tuck for a Sleek Look

For a perfectly taut dress shirt that stays in place all day, try tucking it into your underwear before putting on your pants. The elastic band of your underwear acts as an anchor, keeping your shirt smoothly in place even as you move. This method is particularly effective for tailored shirts that bunch up or come untucked throughout the day.

This hack not only prevents the dreaded muffin top effect but also ensures your shirt remains sleek and wrinkle-free, enhancing your overall appearance and confidence.

Bonus: Want an even more surefire way to avoid muffin topping (for men)? Try these shirt gaiters.

Quick Zipper Fix with a Key Ring

Is your zipper constantly sliding down, creating awkward situations? Here’s a clever, discreet fix: attach a small key ring to your zipper pull.

Slide a small key ring through the hole on the end of your zipper pull, then loop the ring around the button of your pants before fastening them. Once buttoned, the ring sits flat against the fabric, effectively locking the zipper. Your zipper stays up, and your look remains polished all day long.

This hack is particularly useful for jeans or trousers with a stubborn zipper.

Fat Feet

Have you been forgetting to hit the gym? Eating extra cookies? And now your feet are too wide for your favorite pair of shoes? We have all been there–no judgment! I have a suggestion for you. Fill 2 Ziploc bags with water, seal them tight, put them in your shoes, and place them in the freezer. The water will freeze overnight and expand your shoes without damage. The freezer also helps zap away smelly shoes too.

Lively Laces for a Unique Touch

I once had a colleague who always wore the most distinctively tied shoelaces. One day, out of curiosity, I complimented his style and asked about them. He shared a fun hack that’s stuck with me ever since: using colorful laces and creative lacing techniques to transform even the most standard office shoes into a unique style statement.

Here’s how you can do it: Pick up laces in bold colors or patterns that complement or contrast with your shoes. Then, instead of the traditional criss-cross, try lacing methods like the straight bar, lattice, or loop-back styles. There are plenty of tutorials online for inspiration.

Smelly Pits

The dreaded sweat ring. You know what I’m talking about? That nasty yellowish, brownish ring around the pits of your white shirts? Please don’t wear a shirt with those stains! However, you don’t have to throw it away either. Instead, before you wash it, spritz a little lemon juice on the area to break down the stain. Then, wash it with bleach and air dry it in the sun. The sun is a natural bleacher and can also help your shirt smell fresh.

Collar Clip for a Crisp Look

Maintain a sharp, professional collar with this simple hack all day: use a small binder clip as a makeshift collar stay. If your shirt collar is starting to curl or lose shape, just slide a small binder clip onto the underside to keep it crisp and in place. This is particularly useful for those long days at the office or during important meetings when you need to look your best.

Vertical Hang for Maximum Closet Space

Transform your closet with a DIY vertical hanging chain to maximize space and organize your clothes. Here’s how: Find a sturdy chain from a hardware store and some S-hooks that fit the chain links. Hang the chain from a hook in your closet or the rod itself. Then, attach S-hooks to the chain at varying intervals. You can now hang your clothes, hats, or accessories from these hooks. Easy-peasy!

Runs Are Always Bad

No one likes to get the runs. And I don’t just mean the bathroom kind; I mean the runs you get in your tights. I snag my pantyhose on a hang nail or a sharp corner and then watch it slowly creep up my leg throughout the day. Clear nail polish will stop that run or snag in its tracks! If you can’t get home to change or don’t have a spare pair, you can paint a dab of clear nail polish on the base of the hole. I always have a jar of clear nail polish in my car or desk just in case I get a run in my stockings.

Bonus Tip: Clear nail polish is also great for jewelry that you are allergic to. Coat your earring post and stopper in clear nail polish; you can usually wear it for a few hours without breaking out.

Express Dry with a Salad Spinner

Caught in a pinch with a soaked shirt and zero drying time? A salad spinner is your unexpected savior.

Just pop your damp garment in, give it a whirl, and the excess water spins right off. It’s perfect for delicate items that can’t take the heat of a dryer. Quick, efficient, and gentle, your clothes go from soaked to slightly damp in seconds, ready to air dry in no time.

For those extra delicate fabrics, a protective mesh bag can keep them safe while they spin!

Moleskin Miracles

I truly don’t know how I lived without moleskin for so long. Moleskin is the anti-blister. Have shoes that drive you crazy? Don’t hop around on one foot at your next networking event or bleed through your socks.

You can get moleskin at any drugstore to protect ankles and even tame a wild underwire that snapped loose from your favorite bra. I always have a patch in my toiletry kit.

Bonus Tip: If you are at a wedding, always bring moleskin. You will save someone’s ankles.

Smelly Shoes

If your shoes smell bad, you have a problem. Don’t think you won’t get caught because I know you will—you’ll go over to someone’s house for some party or dinner, and they’ll all say, “Please take off your shoes before entering.” Don’t stink up the place! If you have smelly shoes, you don’t have to get rid of them. You have a few options to zap the smell:

  • Put them in the freezer for 24 hours. This can kill most odors.
  • Put them in the hot sun for a day to air out (but don’t let them get damp in the morning mist or overnight).
  • If you can wash your tennis or canvas shoes, coat them with baking soda and your normal detergent.

Garbage Bag Cover

If you’re hurrying to pack or need a temporary solution to protect your clothes from dust and dirt, use a garbage bag as a quick clothing cover. This hack is handy for moving, storing, or protecting special garments. Here’s how to do it:

First, take a large, clean garbage bag and make a small hole in the middle of the closed end. Slip the hangers of your clothes through the hole so the hook part is sticking out. Pull the bag down over your clothes, and you have an instant makeshift garment bag! The bottom of the bag will cover and protect the length of your clothes, while the hangers stick out the top, ready to be carried or hung.

Color Code Clips for Quick Coordination

Organize your wardrobe with a color-coding system using small, colored paper or binder clips. Each color represents a different piece of clothing or accessory in your wardrobe. When you discover a great color combination, clip the corresponding colored clips together. Keep these in your closet for an easy reference to create flawless outfits.

Timeless color combinations to consider:

  • Navy and White: Classic and crisp, perfect for casual and professional settings.
  • Black and Grey: Sleek and sophisticated, great for creating a modern, monochromatic look.
  • Red and Beige: A bold yet balanced mix that adds a pop of color without overwhelming.
  • Olive Green and Tan: Earthy and natural, ideal for a relaxed yet put-together style.
  • Burgundy and Gold: Rich and luxurious, excellent for making a statement or for festive occasions.
  • Charcoal and Light Blue: Subtle and professional, perfect for business attire.
  • Teal and Coral: Vibrant and playful, great for a cheerful, summery vibe.

Use these suggestions as a starting point and adjust based on your style and the specific shades in your wardrobe. The color code clips will help you remember and recreate your favorite combinations effortlessly!

Suede, Oh Suede

Oh, I love me some beautiful suede! But what I don’t love about suede is what happens when it gets scuffed or stained—it’s a death sentence for the beautiful fabric. However, you might be able to save your scuffed suede! A nail file can buff out scuffs or stains on your favorite suede.

  • Bonus Tip: It is worth investing in some waterproofing spray. Make sure it is suede-friendly, and give your jackets and boots a once-over before winter.
  • Suede Spray

Fabric Poops

There’s poop on that sweater. No, not bird poop, fabric poop. You know when you have worn a shirt or pair of pants so often that it begins to shed into these little balls of thready pills? I call those clothing poops, and they look nasty when you don’t take care of them. All you have to do is shave your clothes—yup, SHAVE! Take your razor and run it lightly along the fabric, this will shave off any top fabric poops. Use tape to take care of any leftovers.

Dual-Purpose Hanger Clips

Turn your regular hangers into versatile tools by attaching binder clips to them. This simple hack lets you hang skirts, shorts, and trousers easily and securely. Here’s how you do it:

  • Grab a couple of sturdy binder clips.
  • Clip them onto the lower bar of your hanger.
  • Use the arms of the binder clips to hold the waistband of your skirts or pants.

Instant Hemming with Double-Sided Tape

Ever find yourself with pants or a skirt that’s just too long for the shoes you’re wearing, but you don’t have time for a trip to the tailor? Don’t toss it! Double-sided fabric tape is the quick and effective solution for an instant hem.

Measure the desired length of your pants or skirt while wearing the shoes you intend to pair them with. Fold the fabric inward to the right length, then secure it by placing strips of double-sided fabric tape along the inside of the fold. Press firmly to ensure the fabric adheres well.

Prevention

If you spend money on your clothes, you want them to look good. I have a few yearly routines I do to help keep my closet fresh:

  • Spring: Get your coats and scarves dry-cleaned to remove any stains or smells from the wet winter.
  • Summer: Put your clean winter clothes away for the summer (especially if you live in a humid climate). I get big vacuum seal bags for my coats and parkas and seal them tight until Fall.
  • Fall: Shake out all of your sealed jackets and use a waterproof spray on your shoes and the shoulders of your jackets (where most rain falls).
  • Winter: Clean out. I do my “spring” clean in winter when there is nothing better to do and the weather is rotten. You can also move all your summer clothes to the back of the closet so you aren’t tempted during cold months. Take this time to replace any buttons or sew up any holes.

More Clothing Hack Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to Know

How can I make my clothes tighter without sewing?

To tighten clothes without sewing, one effective method is using safety pins for a temporary fix. Position them discretely on the inside seams to cinch in excess fabric without visible alterations. For a more permanent solution, fabric tape or iron-on hemming tape can adjust the fit of your garments. Simply apply the tape along the inside seams and iron to create a tighter fit. Additionally, shrinking clothes through washing methods, like hot water or a hot dryer, can help achieve a snugger fit. Always check fabric care labels first to avoid damage.

How do you fit clothes that are too big?

Fitting clothes that are too big can be done through several non-sewing methods. One approach is using elastic bands or belts to cinch in the waist of oversized tops or pants, creating a more tailored silhouette. Clothes clips or fashion tape can also temporarily adjust the fit of garments by securing excess fabric in less visible areas. For those looking for a more permanent solution, clothing can be shrunk by washing in hot water or drying on high heat, though this method should be used cautiously to avoid over-shrinking or damaging the fabric.

How do you shrink a shirt without sewing?

Using controlled heat from your washing machine and dryer to shrink a shirt without sewing. Start by washing the shirt in hot water, which causes the fibers to contract. Then, dry the shirt in a high-heat setting to further encourage shrinking. Be cautious and check the shirt periodically to avoid over-shrinking. Different fabrics react differently, with natural fibers like cotton and wool shrinking more easily than synthetics. For a more targeted approach, boiling water can shrink specific areas. Dip the part you want to shrink into boiling water for a few minutes, then dry it with high heat. Always refer to the care label first to ensure the fabric can handle this treatment.

What are two ways that old clothes can be reused?

Two creative ways to reuse old clothes are transforming them into cleaning rags or crafting new accessories. Worn-out t-shirts and towels make excellent cleaning cloths. Simply cut them into manageable sizes for dusting, polishing, or wiping up spills. They’re especially handy for tasks that might ruin newer fabrics. Alternatively, old clothes can be repurposed into accessories like headbands, scarves, or tote bags. With basic cutting and minimal sewing, you can give your old garments a second life as fashionable, functional items. Both methods promote sustainability and reduce waste, turning what was once old into something new and useful.

How do you upcycle clothes for beginners?

Upcycling clothes for beginners involves simple, creative modifications that don’t require expert sewing skills. Start with easy projects like cutting an old t-shirt into a trendy crop top or fringed beach cover-up. Transform worn jeans into stylish shorts, or add patches to cover holes and add flair. Dyeing is another beginner-friendly option; use fabric dye to refresh or completely change the color of a garment. Embellishing clothes with buttons, studs, or embroidery can give them a new lease on life. Begin with these straightforward, low-risk projects to gain confidence and gradually move on to more complex upcycling as your skills improve. Upcycling saves money, allows for creative expression, and contributes to a more sustainable wardrobe.

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