Fabric care 101: How to keep your clothes looking as good as new for ages to come

As the most widely used fabric in the world, cotton is found in a myriad of items that touch nearly every aspect of daily life, from clothing to home textiles, automotive interiors to industrial products. This versatile fabric can usually handle rough laundering treatments without much fuss, but that doesn’t mean it's impenetrably durable against damage.

Whilst cotton can be washed in both warm and cold water, it’s ideal to use colder temperatures to prevent colour fading and shrinkage. Darker shades should be washed with similar colours to avoid bleeding, whilst whites can be washed together to maintain brightness. If you’re dealing with a tough stain, pre-treatment will do the trick without compromising the fabric's integrity.

In terms of drying, air drying is always the best option for any fabric, but if you choose to tumble dry your cotton, opt for a medium heat setting and remove the garments whilst they are still slightly damp to avoid excessive wrinkling and shrinkage. Cotton is particularly prone to wrinkling, so ironing is often necessary if you want a crisp look. Using a steam iron will usually suffice for softer creases, but the most efficient way to get rid of stubborn wrinkles on cotton is to iron it out on high heat whilst it’s damp.

Spun from the fibres of the flax plant, linen is essentially the more durable, breathable, lightweight, and sustainable alternative to cotton. However, the unique characteristics that make linen desirable also require gentle laundering methods to maintain its quality and lifespan, especially for delicate or finely woven linen items.

Hand washing linen is ultimately the gentlest approach, although you can also wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. It’s recommended to wash them separately from heavier fabrics or place them in a laundry bag to shield them from snags and tangles. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach as they can degrade the natural fibres, and you can skip the fabric softener as linen naturally gets softer with each wash.

Thanks to the hollow structure of flax fibres, which allows for excellent airflow, linen is quick to dry after washing. Hence, it’s best to air dry your linen to preserve its quality and softness. You can toss them in the dryer as well if you’re on a time crunch, but be sure to set it on a gentle cycle with low heat as excessive heat can cause the fibres to shrink. A key point to remember is that linen is susceptible to mildew and mould, so you should always ensure that all linen items are completely dry before putting them away. 

Linen is known to wrinkle easily, even more so than any other fabric, but it’s part of its charm. That being said, over-drying your linen in the dryer will only intensify those wrinkles, making them harder to smooth out. In such cases, a simple steaming is often all that’s needed to restore its relaxed, organic look, but if there are any tough-to-smooth crumples, just give it a few spritzes with water and iron it out on medium to high heat.

Leather truly shines with age, with every mark and crease showing how much it’s been well-loved over the years. But there’s a difference between the patina of its cherished use and the wear and tear of neglect. You want your leather to age like fine wine, and that comes with proper care and maintenance.

Each type of leather—be it full-grain, top-grain, suede, or nubuck—has specific characteristics and care needs. In any case, basic upkeep is key to preserving the quality and beauty of any leather for years to come. For routine maintenance, use a microfibre cloth or soft-bristled brush to wipe away any dirt or dust buildup. For deeper cleaning, smooth leather is generally more durable and can be gently hand-washed with a leather cleaner or mild soap, whilst suede and nubuck require specialised cleaning products and methods. Never wash leather in a washing machine unless it’s indicated to be safe on the care label.

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After cleaning, conditioning the leather is essential to restore moisture and prevent dryness, but make sure to use a high-quality leather conditioner designed for your specific type of leather and follow up every three to six months to maintain its suppleness. If you don’t want to risk using the wrong products or methods that may damage your leather, the safest and best option is to take it to your local dry cleaner for professional care.

Denim is one of those types of garment that we don’t usually put much thought into when it comes to laundering, because it is, after all, a utilitarian textile that was designed to withstand the wear and tear of the most rough and tumble of labours. It’s meant to be low maintenance, and sometimes even purposely distressed for a rugged, edgy look. But what if you have a nice pair of Maison Margiela or Celine jeans that you actually want to care for?

Well, to start with, when it comes to washing denim, less is often more. Washing your denim after every wear can lead to accelerated fading and degradation of the fabric. Instead, it’s recommended to wash them after several wears, depending on how active you are and the conditions in which you wear them.

When you do wash your denim, turn it inside out and use mild, colour-safe detergent with cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage. Whilst the convenience of a dryer may be tempting, air drying is best to preserve the shape and fit of jeans. If the dryer must be used, select a low heat setting to reduce the risk of damage.

Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, and it has distinct properties that set it apart from synthetic or even other natural fibres. Because silk is so absorbent, breathable, and sensitive to light and chemicals, it is as delicate as it is beautiful, and proper care is especially crucial to preserve its quality and longevity.

When it comes to cleaning, silk requires a gentle touch. Each silk garment should be checked for specific care instructions on the label, as some items may only be safe for professional dry cleaning, whilst others can be hand washed if done with care. If hand-washing is suitable, use a mild, pH-neutral detergent with lukewarm water and gently rinse without twisting, wringing, or scrubbing, as this can damage the fibres and distort their shape or leave it permanently wrinkled.

To remove excess water, lay the fabric flat on a clean towel, then roll the towel gently to absorb moisture. Never use a tumble dryer for silk and avoid direct sunlight when air drying, as heat and sunlight can quickly compromise the fabric, causing it to shrink, lose its sheen, or become brittle.

Should you need to smooth out any wrinkles, it’s best to use a steamer and keep it at a safe distance. If ironing is necessary, only do so on the lowest heat setting and always use a pressing cloth to create a protective barrier between the fabric and the iron. Ironing on the reverse side is also recommended to protect its sheen.

There’s nothing like being wrapped up in wool on a cold day, but that cosy softness of your favourite knitted sweater will only last so long before it becomes matted or stretched out without thoughtful care. That being said, wool is generally quite a low-maintenance material as it’s naturally moisture-wicking and odour-resistant, which means it doesn’t require frequent washing. Airing out your woollen garment between wears is often all you need to do to freshen them up; simply hang it in a well-ventilated space for a few hours to allow any absorbed moisture or odours to dissipate.

When it is time to wash, however, it’s essential to treat wool with care. Handwashing is usually the preferred method for some wool garments, particularly those made from finer wool types like cashmere or merino. But of course, dry cleaning is always the safest and most reliable option. If you do decide to take up the laundering yourself, use a gentle, wool-specific detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and designed to maintain the wool fibres’ natural oils and avoid scrubbing the garment as it can lead to felting.

If the care label states that it’s safe to be machine washed, check if yours is fitted with a wool setting. If not, select the most delicate cycle available. Always opt for cold or lukewarm water as high temperatures can cause wool to felt and shrink, and skip the fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and compromise its natural breathability.

Never dry wool with a dryer; instead, lay it flat to dry to prevent stretching. If ironing is necessary, set your iron to a low heat setting and use a pressing cloth to prevent direct contact. Alternatively, steaming wool is a safer option to soften wrinkles and restore their natural loft without risking damage.

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