What would we do without clothing? Besides attract a lot of attention, we'd probably spend at least part of the year shivering. Clothing is our outer layer that we can add to or remove as weather and fashion dictate.

How Does It Work?

Unless you’ve been living in a nudist colony all your life, you know that clothing refers to articles of dress or wearing apparel made from cloth and other pliable materials. Clothing includes shirts, blouses, dresses, socks, sweaters, jackets, under garments, and other apparel that serve both practical and aesthetic functions. Natural (cotton, silk) and man-made (polyester) materials are woven into fabric, then cut and sewn together into articles of clothing.

What Can Go Wrong?

Clothing isn't made to last forever. However, the most common clothing problem that needs fixing is stains, a discoloration caused by food and drink, powders, oils, or dyes. Buttons occasionally need to be replaced. Infrequently, seams (joints between cloth components) fail and tears (within the fabric of cloth components) happen. Additionally, zippers can stick or break. Fortunately, many of these problems can be solved easily and the article of clothing can be returned to service at minimal cost.

Fix-It Tip

Here are some practical tips on dealing with stains:

• Treat stains immediately. Soak any washable garment with a stain in cold water before laundering or applying a stain remover. Some stains, such as blood, coffee, and wine, can set in warm water, making them more difficult to remove.
• Sponge a stain, don't rub it. Rubbing only spreads the stain and may damage the fabric.
• Read and follow clothing-label care directions before applying stain treatments. If it says no bleach, don't even use color-safe bleach on it.
• Test your stain solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric.
• Check that a stain is completely gone before drying the garment because heat can make stains permanent.

How Can I Identify the Problem?

Laundry day is a good time to check all clothing before it goes into the washer. Look for discolorations, missing buttons, and tears. Sort problem clothing by the solution: stain removal or sewing. Treat any stains immediately. If possible, set aside any clothing that needs sewing for a time when you can do a few pieces at the same time. It's much more efficient to do all your sewing once a week or once every couple of weeks depending on your schedule and how important the items are. A favorite shirt may need a new button tonight (see below). If a zipper won't zip properly, see the Jacket Fix-It Guide . If there is a tear or separated seam, see information on sewing in the Tools Fix-It Guide .

Fix-It Tip

Protect delicates by washing them in a zippered nylon mesh bag. Launder all clothing according to the care label directions.

What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?

Stain-fighting roducts include these:

• Oxygen cleaner
• Enzyme-containing laundry detergent
• Bleach or color-safe bleach

Sewing repairs will require these:

• Assorted needles
• Assorted thread
• Assorted buttons

Don't know how to sew? See information on sewing in the Tools Fix-It Guide .

As with so many fix-its, the job is easier if you're organized. Keep your stain removal aids near the washer and your sewing materials somewhere handy, such as in a basket near your favorite TV chair.

What Are the Steps to Fixing It?

Remove spots and stains from washable garments:

1. Following the product's directions, apply an oxygen cleaner directly to the spot or stain and let the garment sit for several minutes.
2. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using detergent and color-safe bleach (unless the care label says not to). For bleach amounts, follow instructions on the container. Wash delicates by hand or use the delicate cycle of your machine.
3. Repeat if necessary, letting the garment soak for a longer time.

Once the button is sewn on, remember to tie the thread in a knot so it won't come off again soon.

1. Match the replacement button to those on the garment. Or replace all the buttons to give the garment a new look.
2. Button the other buttons and align the garment to locate button placement.
3. Insert a threaded needle through the garment from the back side and take one or two small stitches to mark button placement.
4. Sew the button on, using the stitching pattern as seen on other buttons on the garment. Sew loosely enough to leave space to button the garment when finished.
5. From the wrong side of the garment, insert the needle under the button stitches and pull the thread partially through, forming a loop. Insert the needle through the loop, and pull the thread snugly to form a knot. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors.