Nobody’s perfect. Rips, snags, and stains happen to even the most elegant fashionistas. There’s nothing more embarrassing than ripping the seam of your pants or finding a big run in your stocking in public—especially during a big presentation, interview or date! Fortunately, that discomfort is short-lived because in those cases, quick fixes and repairs are a snap. Here are ten common fashion emergencies and hints on how to save face, and your clothes!
Stains
Catch and remove stains as soon as they occur with Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover. For stains caused by deodorant or antiperspirants, another quick fix involves vigorously rubbing a separate section of the same fabric over the stained area. That will disperse the stain, eradicating those pesky white streaks.
Wrinkles
Unless you avoid moving at all, your clothing is going to see a few wrinkles now and then. If a particularly annoying one pops up while you’re away from an iron, then gently dab the area with a damp (not soaking wet) cloth or paper towel and then dry it with a hair dryer or hand dryer to smooth it out.
Ripped Stockings
While there is no magical fix for runs in your tights aside from picking up a new pair during your lunch break, you can stop the tearing of your current pair with a little clear nail polish to make it through the day. Stick a piece of paper towel or tissue between your skin and the fabric first, then apply a thin layer of the clear polish over the end of the run. Let the area fully air dry or use a hair dryer or hand dryer before you jump back into your daily routine.
Static Cling
Static electricity in the air can cause your clothes to cling to you uncomfortably. To get rid of the cling, try spritzing a little aerosol hairspray on the affected area and flaring the fabric to release it from your body. If you don’t have hairspray, a light misting of water can serve as a temporary fix.
Depilling Sweaters
If you can’t stand those little fabric fibre balls that suddenly appear on your favourite sweater, you’re in luck. To remove these unsightly nuisances, take off your sweater and lay it on a flat surface. Go over it gently with a pumice stone or fruit zester to loosen and remove the pills. And remember that hand washing with Tide detergent and air-drying your sweaters is the best way to prevent further pilling.
Loose or Broken Hem
Hems aren't forever. Occasionally they unravel. Tape works in a pinch to keep that hem in line temporarily. However, at the end of the day, you’ll have to whip out a needle and thread for a more permanent fix.
Fabric Tears
Tape also works for some fabric tears, but you’ll find staples are a better bet. Excuse yourself to the bathroom (discretely taking a stapler with you) and remove the garment. Hold the torn fabric together at the seam inside garment and staple a few times, making sure there are no sharp ends sticking out. Gently put the garment back on and carry on carefully with your day.
Scuffed Shoes
Simply walking about and getting on with your day can cause your shoes to scuff. Fortunately, there are different fixes for different types of shoes:
- rub a little toothpaste or baking soda and water on canvas
- rub a pencil eraser on vinyl
- dab a little nail polish remover on patent leather.
Missing Button
No matter how tight or loose the garment, a button will pop off now and then. For a quick fix, locate a twist-tie or small piece of pliable wire (remove the paper if it’s a twist tie) and thread it through two holes in your button. Pull the two ends of the wire together on the other side and stick them through the buttonhole of your garment. Twist them together and pull the ends away from each other. To avoid scratching yourself and to keep the wires in place, set them against the inside of your garment with some tape.