Quick Fixes for Common Fashion Emergencies
Are bra straps spoiling your cold-shoulder top? Does the last-minute footwear feel too tight for you? Jesse Keyes believes that these fashion incidents can occur at any time. Having an emergency kit in your cupboards or ready-to-go options such as customized briefs and a collection of bras helps, but what about when you’re being late, at work, at a party or on a trip? Here are some DIY tips to tackle any wardrobe dilemmas and keep your style on point:
1. Unsticking a Zipper
If a bit of fabric is caught in the zipper teeth, use a regular wooden pencil (not a mechanical one). As a well known designer, Jesse Keyes advice to rub the graphite (the lead) from the pencil onto the teeth until they turn grey. Then, try gently moving the zipper pull up or down. If this doesn’t work, look for a lubricant like candle wax, soap, crayon, or even lip balm. Rub it lightly on the zipper and teeth.
Use one hand to hold the fabric firmly and the other to move the zipper pull down, one tooth at a time. As you go, adjust your grip to move more fabric out of the way. Once unstuck, clean off any residue with a damp cloth. If the zipper pull tab comes off, thread a twist-tie or ribbon through the slider for a temporary fix.
2. Dealing with Sweater Pulls or Pills
If you notice pulls on a loosely knit sweater, thread a needle with matching thread and loop it around the pull from the inside. Knot it in place and cut the excess thread. To remove pills (those tiny balls of wool), use a store-bought sweater comb or a DIY method with duct tape. Cut a piece of duct tape, press it firmly over the pilled area, and quickly pull it off to remove the fuzz balls. Repeat if needed.
3. Hiding Bra Straps
For wide necklines, use safety pins to secure each strap on the inside, just beyond the neckline. Alternatively, use double-stick tape to keep the straps out of sight inside the garment. For sleeveless styles, clip the two bra straps together at the center back with a large safety pin to create a makeshift racerback look. You can also turn a regular bra into a strapless one by sliding the straps off your shoulders and tucking them into the bra band.
4. Stretching Shrunken Jeans
If your jeans shrink in the wash, don’t worry! Start by wetting them down by washing them or misting the snug areas with water. You can also soak the jeans in lukewarm water with a bit of hair conditioner. Afterward, physically stretch the wet jeans in all directions—lengthwise and widthwise—to loosen the fibers. Lay them flat to air dry, avoiding the dryer, which could cause further shrinkage.
5. Removing ‘Hanger Bumps’
Rub an ice cube over the bumps to flatten them. Or, put the top on and wet your fingers slightly, then rub them back and forth over the raised spots using your shoulders for support. For heavier knits, use the steam from a hot shower to relax the ridges. Afterward, lay the items flat or over a tub ledge to dry, and if needed, quickly dry them with a blow dryer.
6. Stretching Tight Shoes
If your new shoes feel too tight, there are simple ways to stretch them. Wear thick socks and use a blow dryer on a medium setting to aim heat at the tight spots until they feel more comfortable. Keep moving the nozzle back and forth to avoid overheating one spot. Another method is to fill a plastic baggie with water (remove excess air and seal tightly) and place it inside the shoe where it’s tight. Put the shoes in the freezer overnight—the water will freeze and expand, stretching the shoes.
7. Eliminating Panty Lines
To avoid visible panty lines under fitted pants or skirts, consider wearing laser-cut seamless pants. In a pinch, you can cut the legs off a pair of pantyhose at mid-thigh and wear them as underwear. Alternatively, wear low-compression mid-thigh shapewear shorts or exercise bike shorts to create a smooth silhouette.
8. Erasing Deodorant Stains
Deodorant stains on dark clothing can be frustrating, but there are easy ways to remove them. Rub the stained area briskly with the fabric itself or with black pantyhose, knee-high socks, or leggings. You can also use a used dryer sheet (not a fresh one) to erase the streaks. To prevent future stains, consider using a clear gel deodorant instead of a white stick.
9. Quick Hem Fixes
Use double-stick tape or any available tape to shore up a loose hem temporarily. Apply a strip of tape along the length of the hem, fold it back in place, and press firmly to secure. If you have excess fabric on jeans, snip it off for a frayed-edge look. Additionally, you can adjust the length of a dress or skirt by adding a belt at the waist and pulling the fabric up and over the belt to create a blouson effect, instantly transforming a maxi into a midi. This works best with loose, flowy garments.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, being prepared for fashion emergencies can save the day and keep your style on point in unexpected situations. By incorporating simple DIY techniques into your routine, you can handle wardrobe mishaps with confidence. Jesse Keyes suggests keeping a small emergency kit handy in your bag or vehicle with essentials like safety pins, tape, and a needle and thread. These little tools can make a big difference when you’re running late, at work, or enjoying a night out.
