You have found a great piece. Here is how to keep it looking that way.
First wear
Check the care label before you do anything. Refresh a pre-loved garment by airing it, steaming or pressing it according to the label, and washing or dry cleaning only if it needs it.
Wash less
Most clothes are washed more than they need to be. Airing between wears and spot-cleaning small marks is kinder to fabrics, especially tailoring, silk and wool.
Follow the label
- Wool and knitwear. Cool, gentle wash or hand wash and dry flat.
- Silk and satin. Gentle cycle or hand wash, or dry clean if the label says so.
- Tailoring. Dry clean sparingly and brush between wears.
Store properly
Use shaped hangers for blazers and coats, fold knitwear rather than hanging it, and keep clothes out of damp or direct sunlight.
Removing smells and refreshing fabrics
Airing a garment outdoors or in a well-ventilated room removes most stale smells. A steamer can refresh wool, tailoring and many dresses. For lingering smells, follow the care label and use a gentle cleaner suitable for the fabric.
Stains and marks
Treat marks quickly and test any cleaner on a hidden area first. For delicate fabrics like silk and satin, take the piece to a dry cleaner and point out the mark.
Know when to repair and when to let go
Small repairs are worth doing on good garments. If a piece is beyond repair, consider recycling it through a textile collection rather than binning it.
Small repairs
Replace a missing button, fix a loose hem and reattach a hook before they turn into bigger problems. A local tailor can handle most small jobs affordably.
Care also affects value if you ever pass the piece on. Read how buyers judge condition, or return to sustainable fashion and why buy second-hand.