Washing instructions and tips for caring for your clothes;
Sorting:
Sort garments by their color, similar colors together whites, darks etc. as colored garments that are meant to be washed at a higher temperature can release excess dye into your wash.
• Always read the label and washing instructions before you wash your clothes.
• Close zippers and hook and loop tape fastenings before washing as delicate items may get damaged.
Washing:
• Wash garments inside out to protect the fabric.
• Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s guideline for the amount of clothes to be washed. It is an urban myth that the more detergent you use will give you better results, it can leave residue on the garment and cause clothing to irritate your skin.
• Wash at 30C to save energy and money.
• Using fabric conditioner will keep your clothes looking newer for longer and help keep fibers feeling smoother and softer against the skin. (Always read instructions for exceptions)
• Use Wool/Silk detergents for delicates where it states on the care label.
• Ensure that your washing machine is full or three quarters full, this will help save energy by doing fewer washes. You could also lower your spin speed, use a synthetic cycle or select manually (around 800rpm) and line Dry where ever possible.
• Where applicable, reshape your clothes whilst damp.
Hand Washing:
• Always ensure the detergent is dissolved in water before adding the garment, avoid excessive rubbing or wringing and rinse out carefully.
Tumble Drying:
• Always check to see if a garment can be tumble dried, never tumble dry a garment that shouldn’t be tumble dried.
• Tumble dryers can use a lot of energy. If you are using a tumble dryer, use the maximum spin speed on your washing machine to help reduce drying times.
Ironing:
• Follow the instructions on the care label.
• Sort garments into similar fabric piles to reduce the need to alter temperatures on your iron.
• To avoid iron marks, iron garments inside out and delicate fabrics on a lower temperature setting.
• Do not iron over prints/trims or embellished items.
Fabric Qualities & Benefits;
Cotton
• Cotton is a cool, breathable natural fiber, very absorbent and comfortable.
• Always try to line dry when you can and wash inside out and use fabric softeners to keep your Cotton garment looking good.
Viscose
• Viscose is a hard-wearing fabric that is soft, comfortable and drapes well.
Modal
• Modal is a type of viscose which is soft, smooth and breathable take out – and is resistant to shrinkage, it stays particularly soft through repeated washing.
Linen
• Linen like Cotton is a natural fiber which keeps you cool and is comfortable to wear and not clingy. It resists soiling well and is long lasting getting better with age.
Wool
• Wool is a natural fiber and keeps you warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm. It is a good thermal isolator and is also very absorbent.
Polyester
• Polyester is very strong, durable, quick drying and easy to care for.
Acrylic
• Acrylic is ideal for sportswear as it is light, quick drying and also keeps you warm.
Lycra ®
• Lycra is a premium brand elastane it is ideal where stretch is desired giving great recovery performance in stretch garments. It is lightweight, quick drying, and breathable it is resistant to bacteria and used particularly in swimwear, hosiery, leggings & underwear.
Nylon (Polyamide)
• Nylon is strong, durable and quick drying, it has the ability to stretch and is particularly good for stockings.
Silk
• Is a natural fiber that has a soft handle, is tear resistant and drapes particularly well, it is kind to your skin and can be worn in all seasons.
Angora
• Angora is a natural fiber and is soft, light and has a silky texture and is 8 times warmer than wool.
Cashmere
• Cashmere is a natural fiber is strong and light and is extremely warm to wear.
Jersey
• There are three types of ‘Jersey’ –
◦ Single Jersey: A single faced fabric with natural stretch and recovery.
◦ Interlock Jersey: A double faced fabric with more natural stretch and recovery.
◦ Rib Jersey: A double faced fabric with a rib appearance having a lot of stretch and recovery.
Fluoro
• Wash your fluoro inside out.
• Don’t use softeners.
• If line drying ensure the garment is inside out.
• The color will fade in direct sunlight.
*The above are just general tips on caring and washing your apparel. Different manufacturers may provide other/special washing instructions for their garments. We encourage and advise our customers to always read the label and product information before washing.
