• Cotton can be machine or hand washed. To prevent garments from shrinking and to keep them looking their best, wash at 30°.
• Place delicate items in a mesh bag to help prevent snagging or twisting during machine cycles.
• Pre ‑treat stains before washing by dabbing a small amount of stain remover on the area. For darker pieces, patch test on an inside seam to check the colour won’t be affected.
Hang cotton out to dry, as heat from tumble dryers can cause it to shrink. This also saves energy.
From crisp poplin to soft jersey, cotton is a natural fibre that comes from the boll of a cotton plant. Whatever form it takes, cotton is always breathable and regulates heat to help you maintain a comfortable temperature.
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• You don’t need to wash denim and jeans all the time. A few times per season should be more than enough. This makes denim last longer and helps the environment.
• In-between washes, you can spot clean surface dirt with a damp cloth.
• To wash denim, a gentle machine wash at 30°C or lower is ideal. There are also specialist detergents available.
• Wash denim inside out to stop the colour fading.
• Hang out to dry, as heat from a tumble dryer could cause shrinkage. The weight of the denim will help to pull out any creases. Avoid using an iron as heat can weaken the fibres.
Denim is a fabric defined by its twill structure ‐ which is exceptionally durable. Originally worn by workers, today this classic cloth is a staple in many wardrobes. Denims can range from 100% cotton to blends that allow them to stretch.
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• Silk shouldn’t be washed after every wear. Instead, hang silk garments to ventilate, away from direct sunlight which can damage the colour.
• Silk is best hand-washed with a specialist detergent in lukewarm water, without soaking as this can release some dye. Rinse the silk garment without wringing.
• To machine wash silk, wash at 30°C or lower, on a low spin using a small amount of detergent. A mesh bag can help protect silk garments from snagging or twisting too much in the washer.
• To dry, lay the silk garment on a towel and roll up the towel to absorb excess moisture. Then lay flat on a drying rack or hang to air dry.
• To iron silk, use the lowest temperature on an iron, or for an energy-efficient method, simply hang in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam will reduce creases.
Silk’s lustrous quality comes from the prism‐like structure of its fibres, which reflect light. These low‐density fibres are spun into a lightweight, breathable yarn. Silk appears fluid and delicate, but this textile is surprisingly strong and was once used in the canopies of parachutes. As a non‐conductor of heat, silk can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
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• Like many fabrics, linen clothes need washing less than you’d expect. Hang them up to ventilate between wears.
• Machine wash with a low spin at 30°C. High temperatures can weaken the fibres and affect dyes. When hand washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
• Hang linen pieces to air dry. Tumble drying can shrink or damage the fibres. It also uses lots of energy.
• Take care not to use thin wire hangers or clips that could leave impressions or pull the shoulders out of shape.
• Linen can crease easily. Hang in the bathroom while taking a hot shower and use the steam to reduce creases.
Linen is a natural fabric, spun from the fibres of the flax plant. These long fibres make it resilient, able hold its shape for longer and non-pilling. The strands are thicker than cotton, giving linen its distinctive texture. Characterised by an airy feel and light, breathable weave, linen is quick to dry and comfortable to wear, making it ideal for travel or the summer months.