Garment Care
The way a garment is cared for plays an important role in how it ages, softens, and develops character over time. Different fabrics respond differently to washing, drying, and wear, and the chosen method of care will influence not only the appearance of the garment, but also how it feels and evolves through years of use.
Rather than resisting this process, the intention is to allow the garment to age naturally while preserving its quality, structure, and original fit for as long as possible. Some fabrics become softer and more expressive through washing, while others benefit from a more careful and minimal approach. Understanding these differences allows a garment to develop depth and individuality without losing its integrity.
Each garment is produced in limited quantities, with careful consideration given to the cloth, construction, and finishing details. Many of these details are designed to become more visible and expressive with time, gradually shaping themselves through wear and repeated care.
Fabric & Character
When examining a new garment, certain characteristics of the fabric become immediately noticeable. Some qualities are inherent to the textile itself — such as the fiber type, yarn process, or weave structure — and will remain present over time. Other characteristics will gradually evolve through wear and washing.
Fabrics are chosen not only for how they look and feel when new, but for how they age, soften, and develop character with continued use. Linen may become more relaxed and textured, wool can soften and conform naturally to the body, while certain cottons gain depth and movement through repeated wear.
Construction details and stitching also respond differently depending on the chosen method of care. Some seams soften and settle into the garment over time, while broader topstitching may begin to emphasize the natural texture and movement of the cloth after washing.
Dry Cleaning
Environmentally conscious dry cleaning is a good option for those who prefer garments to retain a newer and more structured appearance for as long as possible.
For delicate knitwear and certain wool garments, it is often the safest method of cleaning. However, in many cases, garments do not require frequent dry cleaning. Spot cleaning and allowing a piece to air out regularly is often enough to maintain freshness and extend the time between washes.
Wool garments in particular benefit from minimal intervention. Hanging them near an open window or in fresh air after wearing can naturally restore freshness without placing unnecessary stress on the fabric.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is generally the gentlest and most balanced approach to garment care. It allows the fabric to evolve subtly while largely maintaining its original color, shape, and structure.
Some textiles become more textured and expressive through hand washing, developing a softer and more naturally worn appearance over time. For those who prefer a cleaner and more structured finish, lightly steaming and pressing the garment after drying can restore much of its original crispness.
Water should be cool or around room temperature, combined with a mild natural soap or detergent if needed. The garment should be rinsed and gently agitated by hand, repeating the process as necessary to remove soap completely. It is generally best not to soak garments for extended periods, as this can increase the risk of dye bleeding or color transfer.
After washing, excess water should be removed carefully by gently pressing or lightly wringing the garment without placing too much strain on the fabric.
Drying & Reshaping
While still damp, the garment can be shaken out and lightly reshaped to restore its original proportions. Sleeves and body panels can be gently pulled back into form before the fabric dries and becomes less pliable.
The drying process itself plays an important role in the final appearance of a garment. Pieces can be hung on a soft hanger or laid flat on a drying rack, ideally near fresh air or an open window.
For those seeking a more textured or naturally crinkled finish, the damp stage is also the ideal time to experiment by lightly shaping or compressing certain areas before leaving the garment to dry completely.
Machine Washing
Machine washing is a more aggressive approach and is best reserved for fabrics that can tolerate additional agitation and movement.
Using a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin setting can help create a softer, more lived-in appearance while bringing out the full character of certain fabrics. This method can accelerate the natural aging process of a garment in a beautiful way, especially for those who appreciate clothing that feels broken-in and personal from years of wear.
At the same time, increased agitation generally shortens the overall lifespan of a textile compared to hand washing. A balanced approach is often ideal — occasionally machine washing for added texture and character, while relying primarily on gentler methods for long-term preservation.
Aging Naturally
The life of a garment can be imagined as a gradual progression from brand new to eventually worn thin, with its most beautiful stage often somewhere in the middle — fully broken in and naturally shaped by the wearer.
Over time, washing and wear reveal details within the garment that may not be visible when new. Stitching softens, textures become more pronounced, and the fabric gradually molds to the body and movement of the person wearing it.
With thoughtful care, garments develop greater depth, individuality, and character while maintaining their quality and integrity for years to come.