Care Guide

Most clothes are thrown away long before they wear out. A little care buys years.

Knitwear

Wash cold, by hand or on a gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag. Never wring. Press the water out with a towel, reshape while damp and dry flat — hanging a wet knit will pull it out of shape permanently. De-pill with a comb or fabric shaver rather than picking.

Wool and wool-blend coats

Brush along the grain after wearing to lift dust. Air rather than wash. Dry clean once or twice a season, no more. Store on a broad shoulder hanger, never a wire one.

Jersey, cotton and everyday tops

Cold machine wash, inside out, with similar colours. Skip the tumble dryer where you can — heat is what breaks elastane down and turns a fitted tee slack.

Satin, lace and anything sheer

Hand wash cold with a mild detergent, or use a delicates bag on the gentlest cycle. Hang to dry away from direct sun. Iron on the lowest setting, on the reverse, with a cloth between.

Faux leather

Wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Do not machine wash, do not dry clean, and keep it away from radiators — heat makes the coating crack.

Sequins and beading

Hand wash cold or spot clean only. Turn inside out first so the beading is not dragged against itself. Dry flat, never in a dryer.

General

Wash less than you think you need to. Airing overnight fixes most things. Fasten hooks and zips before washing so they do not catch other garments.