Emma from Astrid Wild – From trail to everyday: how to make your outdoor garments last longer

Pure Passion. Knowledge from people who know their craft.

Astrid Wild makes outdoor clothing designed for women who move between different environments – from mountains and forests to everyday life. But how do you actually make outdoor clothes last longer, and how often do you need to wash them? We spoke with Emma from Astrid Wild about habits, materials, and how she personally cares for her garments in her daily life.

What is the most common mistake people make with their outdoor clothes?

It's often about imbalance, that people wash either too often or too rarely.

When it comes to technical outerwear, like shells with water-repellent treatment, many people avoid washing them altogether. But over time, dirt, grease, and sweat break down the material's function, and then the garment actually needs to be washed to continue performing. A simple sign is when the fabric starts to absorb water and darkens from moisture.

At the same time, we see the opposite with other garments, such as mid-layers and trousers. They are often unnecessarily washed instead of being aired out or spot-treated. This wears out the fibers and affects both fit and feel over time. Outdoor clothes are not only worn out by use, but also by how and how often they are washed.

What wears clothes out more – use or washing?

It depends on how you use the garments. If you are active several days a week, then use certainly takes its toll. But that's also what the garments are made for. Outdoor clothing should withstand movement, weather, and activity. Washing, on the other hand, is recurring wear and tear that over time affects the structure, color, and feel. It's not about avoiding one or the other, but about finding a balance.

How do you consider lifespan when designing garments?

We think a lot about how the garment should live with the user over time. Fit is important; if the garment feels good, you'll want to use it. We also work with durable materials and construction, but also with versatility. Garments that work in multiple contexts are used more often, and that's what practically extends their lifespan.

We also use natural materials like wool, which don't need to be washed as often, and design collections that are timeless rather than trend-driven.

How many days can you wear the same garment before washing?

Probably longer than many others would consider fresh :) I don't wash a garment unless it's visibly dirty or actually smells.

What determines if something needs washing – dirt or smell?

For me, it's primarily smell. When it comes to machine washing, I see no reason to wash something just because it's been used, unless there's a clear need, if it's not dirty or doesn't feel fresh.

How do you refresh clothes without washing?

I use several simple steps, like removing small stains by hand, with a little water or dish soap on a cloth. Airing out garments is also something I do often. And if something starts to feel less fresh, I sometimes use a fabric spray while the garment is hanging. It's an easy way to remove odors without needing to wash.

How do you pack for 3-5 days without needing to wash?

A lot depends on the materials you choose. I like to pack base layers and underwear made of wool, as they don't need to be washed as often. I also avoid light-colored garments that show dirt immediately, and think more in layers than in single thick garments. If you choose correctly from the start, you can manage longer with fewer garments!

Which materials last longest – wool, synthetics, or cotton?

Most materials last a long time if you take good care of them. The important thing is to understand how they behave. Some need to be washed more often, others benefit from being aired out. It's less about choosing the "right" material and more about how you care for it.

What's your best advice for making outdoor garments last another season?

Follow the washing instructions, only wash when necessary, wash gently when needed, and allow garments to breathe between uses. Avoid needlessly compressing them in bags or drawers and try to preserve their shape over time. Small habits make a big difference.

Is there anything you absolutely shouldn't do – that many people still do?

There are some classics. Washing wool at too high temperatures, mixing different materials carelessly in the same machine, using too much fabric softener, or unnecessary tumble drying. These are small things, but they have a greater impact than you might think.

How does washing affect function, fit, and feel over time?

It happens gradually. Colors fade, fibers break down, and the structure changes. The more often you wash, the faster this happens. Extending the time between washes helps to preserve the garment's original feel.

For me, it's about maintaining the feel – how the garment fits, functions, and feels to wear. But also about using it longer, and thereby reducing both impact and the need to buy new.

If you could only change one thing in how we care for our clothes – what would it be?

Perhaps not be so afraid of "getting dirty"? Or simply try to change your perception of what "dirty" actually is. I believe a big problem today is that we have become so terribly afraid of dirt and bacteria, that we wash and clean our homes in a way that rather has the opposite effect, where both the bacterial flora in our homes (and in our bodies) deteriorates. I find bacteria super interesting (especially after getting to know you, Linda, at Pure Effect) and I think many would benefit from learning more about it!

Takeaway

Caring for outdoor clothing doesn't have to be complicated. Airing, spot treatments, and washing only when necessary go a long way. When you focus on what happens between uses, garments last longer – in both function and feel.