Fabric Care Guide

Your garment's care label is your first and most reliable guide — always read it before washing, ironing, or steaming any piece. The guidance below covers general best practices by fabric type. Where your label differs, follow the label.

🌿 Linen

Linen is a natural fibre that softens beautifully with wear and washing.

  • Washing: Machine-wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cool to lukewarm water (30–40 °C). Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach — it weakens linen fibres.
  • Drying: Air-dry flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight. Tumble-drying on low is possible for some linen, but high heat can cause shrinkage — check your label first.
  • Ironing & steaming: Linen irons best while slightly damp, on a medium-to-high heat setting. A garment steamer is an excellent alternative and helps release wrinkles without flattening the fabric's natural texture.
  • Pilling: Linen rarely pills. If it does, use a fabric shaver gently.
  • Storage: Fold or hang in a cool, dry space. Avoid plastic bags — linen needs to breathe.

🌸 Cotton

Cotton is durable and easy to care for, but can shrink if exposed to high heat.

  • Washing: Machine-wash in cold or warm water (30–40 °C) on a regular or gentle cycle. Wash dark colours inside-out to preserve colour.
  • Drying: Air-dry when possible. If tumble-drying, use low-to-medium heat. Remove promptly to reduce wrinkles.
  • Ironing: Cotton can handle a medium-to-high iron. Iron while slightly damp for best results. Steam works well too.
  • Pilling: Pilling is uncommon in tightly woven cotton but can occur in jersey or brushed cotton. Turn garments inside-out before washing and use a gentle cycle to reduce it.
  • Storage: Fold neatly or hang. Store in a clean, dry place.

👖 Denim

Denim improves with minimal washing — the less you wash it, the better it holds its shape and colour.

  • Washing: Wash inside-out in cold water on a gentle cycle. Wash infrequently — spot-clean between washes where possible. Use a detergent formulated for dark or denim fabrics.
  • Drying: Air-dry by hanging or laying flat. Avoid tumble-drying where possible, as heat can cause fading and shrinkage.
  • Ironing: Iron inside-out on a medium heat setting. Steaming is effective for releasing wrinkles without flattening the weave.
  • Pilling: Denim rarely pills. Abrasion at seams can cause wear over time — avoid over-washing.
  • Storage: Hang or fold. Avoid stacking heavily — denim is resilient but creases under sustained pressure.

🧶 Knit

Knit garments (including ribbed and jersey constructions) require gentle handling to maintain their shape.

  • Washing: Hand-wash in cool water, or use a machine's wool/delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle or wool-specific detergent.
  • Drying: Never wring or twist. Gently press out excess water and dry flat on a clean towel to retain shape. Do not hang — this can stretch the fabric.
  • Ironing & steaming: Use a steamer held slightly away from the fabric, or press with a cool iron over a damp cloth. Direct high heat can damage knit construction.
  • Pilling: Pilling is common in knit fabrics, especially in areas of friction (underarms, sides). Use a fabric shaver periodically to remove pills. Washing inside-out in a mesh bag helps reduce pilling.
  • Storage: Always fold knits — never hang, as gravity will stretch them out of shape.

🐑 Wool

Wool is a premium natural fibre that rewards careful handling.

  • Washing: Hand-wash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Avoid agitation — it causes felting (irreversible shrinkage).
  • Drying: Gently press out water (do not wring). Reshape and dry flat on a clean towel away from direct heat or sunlight.
  • Ironing & steaming: Steam is ideal for wool — hold the steamer a few centimetres from the fabric. If ironing, use a low-to-medium setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment.
  • Pilling: Light pilling is natural in wool and a sign of quality fibre, not a defect. Use a fabric comb or shaver to remove pills gently.
  • Storage: Fold wool garments and store in a breathable bag or drawer. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths. Never hang heavy wool pieces — they'll stretch.

🔀 Blended Fabrics

Blended garments combine two or more fibres (e.g. linen-cotton, cotton-polyester, wool-acrylic). Care requirements are generally determined by the most delicate fibre in the blend.

  • General rule: If a blend contains wool or silk, treat it as you would 100% wool or silk.
  • Washing: Use cool water and a gentle cycle unless the label specifies otherwise.
  • Drying: Air-dry where possible. Blends with synthetic content (polyester, nylon) dry faster and are generally more tumble-dryer-tolerant — but always check your label.
  • Ironing: Use the heat setting appropriate for the most heat-sensitive fibre in the blend. When in doubt, use steam or a cool iron.
  • Pilling: Blends with short synthetic fibres can pill more readily. Wash inside-out on a gentle cycle and use a mesh laundry bag.

General Tips for All Garments

  • Always check your garment's care label first — it overrides all general guidance.
  • Wash garments inside-out to protect colour and surface texture.
  • Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate or loosely woven items.
  • Avoid overloading your washing machine — overcrowding causes friction and pilling.
  • Store garments clean — oils and residues attract moths and can set stains.
  • When in doubt, hand-wash in cool water and air-dry flat.