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Buyer Guide
Buying secondhand is only half the equation. Knowing how to care for each material means your pieces last longer, look better, and hold their value. Here is everything you need to know, fabric by fabric.
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The most common natural fiber. Durable, breathable, and easy to care for. Found in everything from t-shirts to denim.
Washing
Machine wash cold or warm (30-40°C). Use mild detergent. Separate whites from colours. Turn printed garments inside out.
Drying
Tumble dry on low heat. Remove promptly to reduce wrinkles. Can also be hung to dry — will be slightly stiffer but lasts longer.
Ironing
Medium heat (150°C). Iron while slightly damp for best results. Use steam for stubborn wrinkles. Iron printed areas inside out.
Storage
Fold knitwear, hang woven shirts and trousers. Store in a cool, dry place. Cedar blocks help repel moths.
Pro Tip
Wash in cold water to prevent shrinkage and preserve colour. Hot water breaks down cotton fibres faster.
Made from flax fibres. Lightweight, breathable, and perfect for warm weather. Gets softer with every wash.
Washing
Machine wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent — avoid bleach. Hand washing is even better for longevity.
Drying
Hang dry or lay flat. Avoid the tumble dryer — high heat causes excessive shrinkage and weakens fibres. Expect natural wrinkling.
Ironing
Iron while still damp on medium-high heat. Use steam generously. Embrace the natural creases — they are part of linen's character.
Storage
Fold and store in breathable bags. Never store in plastic — linen needs air circulation. Avoid hanging heavy linen to prevent stretching.
Pro Tip
Linen actually improves with age. Each wash makes it softer. Avoid fabric softener — it coats fibres and reduces absorbency.
A luxury natural protein fibre. Incredibly smooth, temperature-regulating, and delicate. Requires gentle handling.
Washing
Hand wash in cold water with a silk-specific or very mild detergent. Gently agitate — never wring or twist. Dry cleaning is the safest option.
Drying
Never tumble dry. Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water, then lay flat on a dry towel away from direct sunlight.
Ironing
Low heat only (110°C). Always iron on the reverse side. Place a pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. Never use steam directly.
Storage
Store in breathable garment bags. Avoid wire hangers — use padded ones. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
Pro Tip
If you get a stain on silk, blot immediately with cold water. Never rub. Take to a professional cleaner for anything serious.
A natural animal fibre prized for warmth, breathability, and resilience. Includes merino, lambswool, and tweed.
Washing
Hand wash in cold water (max 30°C) with a wool-specific detergent. Gently press — never wring, twist, or agitate vigorously. Machine wash only on a dedicated wool cycle.
Drying
Lay flat on a clean towel to dry, reshaping while damp. Never tumble dry. Never hang wet wool — it will stretch and lose its shape permanently.
Ironing
Steam is preferred over direct ironing. If you must iron, use low heat with a pressing cloth. Turn the garment inside out first.
Storage
Fold and store in drawers — never hang knitwear. Use cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel moths. Store clean — moths are attracted to body oils.
Pro Tip
Wool is naturally odour-resistant. Air it out between wears instead of washing every time. This extends the garment's life significantly.
A sturdy cotton twill fabric. Raw denim develops unique fading patterns over time. Less washing means better ageing.
Washing
Turn inside out and wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle. Use minimal detergent. Wash as rarely as possible — spot clean when you can.
Drying
Hang dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid the tumble dryer — it accelerates shrinkage and fading. Reshape while damp.
Ironing
Rarely needed. If you must, iron inside out on medium heat. Steam works well for removing creases without direct contact.
Storage
Hang on sturdy hangers or fold neatly. Raw denim can be rolled. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Pro Tip
For raw denim enthusiasts: wear for at least 6 months before the first wash to develop personalised fading. When you do wash, soak in cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar.
A natural material that develops beautiful patina with age. Requires conditioning rather than washing. Jackets, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Washing
Never machine wash. Wipe down with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a leather-specific cleaner. Test any product on a hidden area first.
Drying
Air dry at room temperature only. Never use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight — heat cracks and warps leather.
Ironing
Never iron leather. For wrinkles, hang in a steamy bathroom or use a steamer held at a safe distance. The leather will relax on its own over time.
Storage
Store in breathable dust bags — never plastic. Stuff bags and shoes with acid-free tissue paper. Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight. Condition every 3-6 months.
Pro Tip
Invest in a good leather conditioner. Regular conditioning prevents cracking and keeps the leather supple. Think of it like moisturising your skin.
A synthetic fibre that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying. Common in activewear, outerwear, and blended fabrics.
Washing
Machine wash warm (40°C). Turn inside out. Use liquid detergent — powder can leave residue. Wash with similar fabrics to prevent pilling.
Drying
Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry. Polyester dries quickly. Remove from the dryer promptly to avoid static and wrinkles.
Ironing
Low heat only (110°C). Polyester melts at high temperatures. Use a pressing cloth as a barrier. Steam is often enough to smooth out wrinkles.
Storage
Can be folded or hung — polyester holds its shape well. Store in a cool, dry place. Less susceptible to moths than natural fibres.
Pro Tip
Polyester tends to trap odours. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralise smells. Avoid fabric softener — it reduces moisture-wicking properties.
An ultra-fine, luxuriously soft wool from cashmere goats. Lightweight yet incredibly warm. Worth the extra care.
Washing
Hand wash in cold water (max 20°C) with a cashmere or baby shampoo. Gently press the water through — never twist, wring, or rub. Machine wash only if your machine has a dedicated cashmere/delicate cycle.
Drying
Lay flat on a clean towel, reshape gently while damp. Roll the towel to press out excess water. Never tumble dry. Never hang — wet cashmere stretches irreversibly.
Ironing
Steaming is preferred. If ironing is necessary, use the lowest heat setting with a pressing cloth. Iron inside out. Never press directly — the fibres will flatten and lose their softness.
Storage
Always fold — never hang cashmere. Store in breathable cotton bags with cedar or lavender. Pilling is natural; use a cashmere comb to remove pills gently.
Pro Tip
Cashmere doesn't need frequent washing. Air it out after each wear. Between washes, fold and let it rest for at least a day to recover its shape.
Universal Rules
Always check the care label first. Our guide is general — the manufacturer knows the specific blend.
When in doubt, wash cold and air dry. It is the safest option for any material.
Treat stains immediately. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the outer surface, prints, and hardware.
Avoid overloading the washing machine. Clothes need room to move for a proper clean.
Invest in quality hangers, garment bags, and storage solutions. Proper storage extends the life of your wardrobe by years.
For secondhand pieces, always wash or clean before first wear — you don't know the item's history.
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