ELFA INSIGHTS

Sustainable wardrobe

Why invest in a well-assorted and carefully-planned wardrobe?

Because you’ll save time, energy and money. You won’t need to buy new items because you can’t find what you’re looking for and you won’t get annoyed over little everyday things. When it comes to sustainability, it is best to wear what you already own and make sure it lasts longer. So it’s smart to invest in good-quality clothing with enduring designs that will remain in style and stand the test of time. It is also extremely important to care for your clothing and store it correctly.

Garment care with Emma Elwin

It’s a good idea to regularly sort your wardrobe to keep it tidy and make room for the items that you actually wear and use. Find out what a sustainable wardrobe means for Elfa Insights member Emma Elwin. Plus how correct storage and care increase the lifespan of her clothes.

Different items of clothing require different storage methods to keep them looking good and lasting longer. Sustainability expert Emma Elwin shares her top tips for storing clothes:

Knitted sweaters should be folded and ideally stored with cedar wood balls.
Trousers with a front crease down the leg should be hung with the crease
facing outward.
T-shirts can be folded or hung on a hanger.
It’s always best to hang up shirts, blouses and dresses.
Use a shoe tree to keep your leather shoes in their proper shape.
Suits and wool coats should be hung on a shoulder support hanger.

Garment care

There are plenty of smart tools in the market that help extend the longevity of garments. One piece of advice is to plan a wardrobe that has these tools easily available to make it easier to create care routines for your clothes.

Other advice and tips on how to care for your clothes:

As far as possible, try to avoid washing your clothes too much. Use linen spray instead and hang clothes out to air.
Invest in a wool or cashmere comb to remove pilling.
Look after leather shoes by applying a wax polish or cream at least every two months to keep them supple.
Use laundry bags to protect delicate items when washing them in the machine.

Elfa Insights 2021

Elfa Insights is Elfa’s think tank where we investigate trends, needs and challenges related to storage. We do so by conducting consumer surveys and collecting views and insights from leading experts in the fields of architecture, sustainability, fashion, interior design and future predictions. This gives us the opportunity to delve deep into our favourite subject, storage, and inspire others to bring order, structure and harmony to their home and thus create space for important everyday things.

Jannice Wistrand

Feng Shui consultant and certified interior designer. She is the founder of the consulting company Add Simplicity and her blog addsimplicity is one of the Nordic region's largest in interior design.

Christian von Essen

Writer, podcaster and future trend spotter. Runs a podcast called “Heja Framtiden” in which he takes a look at the future. Author of a book about the future of Sweden after Corona.

Emma Elwin

AD, fashion stylist and sustainability consultant. Founder of Make it last, a creative duo specialising in style and sustainability.

Elisabeth Halbjørhus

Qualified marketing professional and founder of the company Pureelisabeth AS, where she works as an interior design consultant and stylist. Active fashion, interior design and trends influencer.

Christine Dalman

Elfa’s Senior PR Specialist and Storage Expert for the past 30 years.

Major renaissance for the home

The pandemic has certainly sparked something of a renaissance for the home. People’s homes have become increasingly important to them during these times of uncertainty in the world. We need a haven where we can focus on our wellbeing. Our home has become the centre of our lives. It’s where we work, spend time with the family, exercise, eat our meals and relax – multifunctional, 24/7 spaces, quite simply.