With our clothes specifically - dry clean any fur, faux fur, and patch-back pieces. Handwashing & air drying (hanging or flat) is best for other handmade pieces. Follow special instructions for silk, leather, and fur.
Spot-treat immediately for manageable stains.
If not stained, but maybe a little stinky… hanging outside in fresh air for a few hours - a day usually does the trick.
If the stick if from your body odor (happens to the best of us,) turn garment inside-out before hanging outside.
Avoiding heat (washer & dryer) is the simplest way to extend the life of any fabric.
There is a video on our instagram with instructions for how to care for our patch-back coats - see here. Including the best way to iron your patch if it gets crinkled. This video is pinned to the top of our profile for easy accessibility.
PS. we also offer restoration services for any non-animal product garments!
ex: you found an amazing faux fur coat, but it smells like it lived in a casino for it's whole life... We can take care of that for you!
General tips to care for all your clothes:
Ensuring your clothes last a long time involves adopting good care practices and making mindful choices in how you wear, clean, and store your garments. Here are some best practices to help extend the lifespan of your clothes:
Read Care Labels: Always follow the care instructions on the garment's care label. Different fabrics and styles may require specific care methods.
Avoid Over-Washing: Washing clothes too frequently can lead to wear and tear. If a garment is not visibly soiled, consider airing it out or spot-cleaning instead of washing.
Sort Laundry Properly: Separate clothes by color and fabric type when doing laundry. Washing dark and light colors separately helps prevent color bleeding, and washing delicate fabrics on a gentler cycle preserves their integrity.
Use Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water is generally gentler on fabrics and helps preserve colors. It also saves energy compared to using hot water.
Turn Clothes Inside Out: Before washing, turn your clothes inside out. This helps protect the outside of the garment and reduces friction between clothes during washing.
Choose the Right Detergent: Use a mild detergent that is suitable for the type of fabric you are washing. Avoid using too much detergent, as it can leave residues and weaken fibers.
Air Dry When Possible: Air drying is gentler on fabrics than machine drying. Hang or lay clothes flat to dry, especially for delicate items.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can fade colors. Dry clothes in the shade or indoors to preserve their vibrancy.
Store Clothes Properly: Hang clothes on appropriate hangers to maintain their shape. Fold knits and delicate fabrics to prevent stretching. Use garment bags for special or delicate items.
Address Stains Promptly: Treat stains as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove, and some stains can cause permanent damage.
Avoid Excessive Ironing: Ironing can weaken fibers over time. Only iron clothes when necessary, and use a lower heat setting for delicate fabrics.
Repair Instead of Discard: If you notice a small tear or loose button, repair it promptly. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Invest in Quality: Quality fabrics and craftsmanship often result in longer-lasting garments. Consider investing in well-made pieces that withstand wear and tear.
By adopting these practices, you can contribute to the longevity of your clothing and reduce the environmental impact of constant replacements.