How can I help my clothes last longer?

Taking proper care of your clothes can help maintain their appearance, fit and performance for longer. Always follow the care instructions on the garment label, as these are specific to the item.

Washing

• Sort laundry into lights and darks and wash similar items together.
• Turn garments inside out before washing to help protect colours, prints and finishes.
• Fasten zips and buttons before washing to help prevent snagging.
• Avoid overloading your washing machine, as this can reduce washing performance and increase wear.
• Select the appropriate wash cycle, for example delicate for viscose, wool, knitwear or decorative machine washable items.
• Washing less frequently and washing at lower temperatures when suitable can help reduce wear.

Drying

• Reshape delicate, jersey and knitwear garments whilst damp.
• Shake out woven garments to remove excess water and minimise creasing.
• Line/flat drying can help reduce wear and maintain garment shape.
• Avoid tumble drying unless the care label states that it is suitable.

Ironing & Garment Care

• Iron printed, embellished or decorated garments on the reverse where appropriate.
• Fold and store flat your jersey and knitwear.
• Hang woven garments to reduce creases.
• Steam ironing will help reduce creases on natural fibre garments.

Swimwear

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water after use as sea and pool water can fade, discolour and damage fibres.
• Avoid wringing the fabric as this can damage the fibres.

Shoes

• Real suede and nubuck styles may benefit from a suitable protector before wear.
• A suede brush will help to keep the nap raised & the suede in a good condition.
• If shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper and dry naturally, away from a direct heat source.
• Lift away dry dirt with a soft brush or cloth. When cleaning real leather always brush gently with the direction of the grain.
• For heeled shoes, replace heel tips at a good shoe repair shop when they wear down to avoid slipping or causing further damage to your shoes.

A Few Things to Avoid

• Using more detergent than recommended.
• Using bleach unless permitted by the care label.
• Leaving garments soaking for prolonged periods.
• Using stain remover on wools, unless specifically designed for these products.
• Using fabric softener on specially finished garments (waterproof, water repellent, skiwear etc.).