Yes, It’s Time to Shift Your Wardrobe (Sigh)

Fall officially arrives on Sunday! Ah, fall. Pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, and that crisp air that’s practically begging you to layer up. But before you can embrace all things autumn, your wardrobe needs a little TLC. It’s time to gently nudge those summer clothes into hibernation and welcome back the woolens, cashmeres, and all things cozy. So, let’s break it down and get you ready for the big seasonal switch!

1. Storing Your Summer Clothes: Bye-Bye, Flip-Flops!

Look, we all love summer, but let’s be honest—your flowy dresses and shorts aren’t going to do you any favors when Maine’s weather suddenly shifts from scorching to shivery. So, it’s time to pack them away until next year. But before you shove them into a plastic bin and call it a day, here’s how to do it right.

Tip 1: Clean before you store! I know, I know—laundry AGAIN? But trust me on this one. Storing dirty clothes means you’re inviting in moths, mold, and who knows what else. So, give your summer faves one last wash. And don’t forget to remove any stains! (Looking at you, ketchup and grease from that last BBQ.)

Tip 2: Fold and hang before storing. Now, I get it—sometimes the temptation to toss things into storage is real, but let’s take a minute to fold and hang things properly. For your lightweight summer dresses and tops, folding them neatly helps avoid creases and ensures they’re ready to wear next season without hours of ironing. For structured items like blazers or jackets, hang them on padded or wooden hangers to help keep their shape. And when hanging, use breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and moths. (Plus, you'll get that little burst of satisfaction knowing they’re just right for next year.)

Tip 3: Store smart. Forget the plastic bins if you want your clothes to breathe (yes, they care about that). Opt for breathable fabric bags or old-school cotton pillowcases. And for your delicates, pop them into mesh laundry bags before packing them away.

Tip 4: Don’t forget the shoes. Flip-flops and sandals don’t belong on display anymore—tuck them away, but not before giving them a quick clean. Trust me, your future self will thank you when sandal season rolls around again.

2. Preparing Fall Fabrics: Welcome Back, Wool and Cashmere!

Now that your summer threads are safely stowed away, it’s time to break out the fall heavy-hitters: wool and cashmere! These luxurious fabrics are the MVPs of fall and winter, but they need a little love before you can throw them back into rotation.

Tip 1: Give them a once-over. If your wool sweaters have been chilling (yes, pun intended) in storage, they might need some TLC. Look for any signs of moth damage (those little pests love a wool buffet). If you spot a few holes, don’t panic! A good tailor can save the day, or you can try your hand at darning if you’re feeling crafty.

Tip 2: Freshen up. Wool and cashmere tend to absorb odors over time, so give them a nice airing out before wearing them. If they’re a bit wrinkled, skip the iron and opt for a steamer. A good steaming will not only remove wrinkles but also kill off any lingering germs or critters. Not feeling like steaming 20 sweaters – bring them in to Oak Hill Dry Cleaners and we can do a press-only order to get your fall vibes rolling.

Tip 3: Wash sparingly. Wool and cashmere don’t like being washed often, so unless there’s an obvious stain or smell (sorry, but spilled coffee counts), you can skip the wash cycle for now. If you do decide to wash them, go gentle and go dry cleaner. An eco-friendly dry cleaner is usually the safest way to clean, de-pill and freshen up even the most delicate cashmere, wool or silk.

3. Seasonal Garment Care Tips: Keep Your Clothes Cozy All Season Long

Fall and winter fabrics need a little extra attention if you want them to stay in good shape. So, here are a few more tips to make sure your wardrobe’s ready for anything the season throws your way (including that rogue cup of hot cider or foam-topped pumpkin lager).

Tip 1: Store smarter, not harder. For heavy fall coats, invest in some quality hangers—no wire hangers here, folks! You want to keep their shape. And for the love of all things cozy, please don’t squish your wool sweaters into a drawer. Fold them neatly to avoid stretching.

Tip 2: Fight the fuzz. Wool is prone to pilling (those little fuzzy balls that show up after a few wears), but don’t worry! A fabric shaver or sweater comb is a game-changer. Just give your sweaters a gentle once-over before wearing them, and they’ll look as good as new.

Tip 3: Moths are real, and they’re out to ruin your sweaters. But fear not! Cedar blocks or lavender sachets work wonders in keeping these tiny terrors at bay. Plus, your wardrobe will smell amazing.

So, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to embrace sweater weather, sip on that PSL, and give your wardrobe the attention it deserves. Transitioning your clothes from summer to fall doesn’t have to be a chore—think of it as a way to reconnect with those cozy sweaters you’ve been missing all summer long. Trust me, your fall wardrobe will thank you (and so will your future self when spring rolls around).

And to ensure everyone has the happiest sweater weather, Oak Hill Dry Cleaner is offering their Fall Wardrobe Refresh Special. Bring in four sweaters and get the fifth cleaned for $5. Bring in two heavy winter coats and get the third cleaned for $10. *Terms apply and offer runs now through 12/22/24.