This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Syracuse chapter.

While it may seem like a miracle that your freshman year roommate is your exact size – even down to the fact that her left foot is also a half size bigger than her right – if you don’t have proper borrowing etiquette, it can quickly take a turn for the worst. Here are some simple tips on the proper way to borrow each other’s clothing and keep everyone happy.

1. Always Ask

Even if you and your roommate have established an “everything goes” sharing policy, it never hurts to ask. There might be an article of clothing that is either new, expensive, or that has sentimental value. For instance, imagine getting down in Dj’s and someone spills a sticky drink on your roommate’s sweater, and you later find out that it was her late grandmother’s and the only possession she has left of her. Pretty uncomfortable situation if you ask me. In order to avoid this extremely awkward scenario, all you have to do is ask before it’s too late.

2. Keep It Clean

When you are out flaunting your friend’s white tank top, you better treat that bad boy like it’s your own child. Do everything in your power to protect it from drunken spills, vomiting mouths, and late night drunchie stains.

3. Wash It, Dry-Clean It or Replace It

Sometimes these spills and stains are inevitable, which is totally understandable as long as you do something about it. Wash it, dry-clean it, or replace it if the damage is beyond repair. There is nothing worse than getting your favorite top back and seeing a huge stain in the middle of it or having it smell like a frat basement.

4. Return Promptly

If the article of clothing is in salvable condition and you have washed or dry-cleaned it, the next step is to make sure you return it within a reasonable amount of time. I say an acceptable timeframe is within a week. Sticking to this timeframe is a sure way to avoid resentment and the potential for losing your borrowing privilege. No one is going to lend you anything if they don’t think you are going to return it.

5. Show Your Appreciation

No matter how small your sign of gratitude is, it is always important to make your appreciation known. Even if it is a simple thank you, the lending of your own clothing in exchange, or buying them a coffee, it is important that you make the lender feel appreciated. This will increase your chances of being lent to again, and it’s overall just a classy move.

Follow these tips to make your borrowing experience the best it can be and to avoid the loss of granny’s beloved sweater.

Do’s and Don’ts of Borrowing Clothes

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