Clothing care isn’t the most interesting topic, but it is crucial to keeping your items looking like the day you bought them. We’ve all been there, buy something we love, wear it once, wash it, and then it somehow doesn’t feel quite the same. Often, it’s not the piece, it’s just that different fabrics need different kinds of TLC. Taking a little time to read the care labels and understand your fabrics can make all the difference in how long your favorites stay in rotation.
Read Clothing Labels for Care Instructions
Nobody understands how to care for a particular item more than the manufacturer. They place care instructions on the labels typically found along a seam or at the back of the neck. The instructions aren’t just there for looks, they’re there to be used! Sometimes, the instructions can seem odd, or even like extra work; but we’re here to dispel that myth and help you understand what these tags are staying!
Deciphering Clothing Care Labels:
- Hand Wash - While you can perform this by scrubbing the item in a sink by hand, you can also use your machine! Set your washer on the most gentle cycle, cold water. This will ensure the fabric doesn’t stretch unnaturally or ruin any dyes.
- Lay Flat / Hang To Dry - Drying fabric using heat will break down fibers in the fabric faster. The faster they break down, the more worn they will appear or will even look stretched out. If your label says lay flat or hang to dry, utilize a drying rack or a surface like a counter to dry the item.
- Dry Clean Only - If your tag says this, IT MEANS IT! While dry cleaning can seem costly or inconvenient, NEVER try to wash items yourself. Dry cleaning will ensure the clothing item retains its shape, texture, or dye.
*BONUS HACK - Not sure what those tiny care label symbols mean? Snap a pic with your phone and use your camera’s built-in translate or search feature (Google Lens or iPhone photo Visual Lookup) to decode them instantly. No more guessing if that triangle means “bleach” or “don’t even think about it.”
Tags can be confusing at times. That's why we always interpret the care instructions and include them in our product descriptions on our website. If you're still needing help, never hesitate to reach out to our shop!
Another trick is to know how to care for certain fabrics, because when all else fails, caring for the fabric is the best way to handle tricky items. Keep reading to understand common fabrics and how to care for them!
Understanding Fabrics:
- Denim - Most commonly found in jeans or jackets, denim is one of the fabrics you’re likely familiar with. Denim should be air dried, and if desired, can be tumble dried on low for a few minutes to finish the drying process. Drying denim on higher heat or for the entire drying process will break down the stretch of the fabric faster, causing it not to fit properly.
- Rayon - This is one of the most versatile fabrics and you’ll likely find it in a lot of your clothing. It is stretchy and breathable in nature and proper care is important to maintaining that. Rayon may need to be ironed or steamed before wearing to rid the fabric of wrinkles.
- Cotton - It’s a fabric that is commonly associated with shrinking, but a popular option due to breathability, durability, and sustainability. Cotton should be washed in cold water and you may need to hand stretch the garment after removing it from the wash cycle to return its shape. Lay flat or hang to dry. It may need to be steamed or ironed to ensure there are no wrinkles and the fabric returns to original shape.
Color Care:
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Wash Like with Like - Separate darks, brights, and whites to prevent bleeding.
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Cold is Gold - Wash brights and darks in cold water to slow fading.
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Flip It & Zip It - Turn clothes inside out and zip up closures before washing to protect color and fabric.
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Skip the Sun - Air dry in the shade, sunlight can fade fabrics fast.
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Less is More - Use the right amount of gentle detergent; too much can strip color.
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Vinegar Trick - Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle occasionally to lock in color and soften fabrics.
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Wash When Needed - Fewer washes mean longer-lasting color, spot clean when possible.
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Beware of Bleach - Even “color-safe” bleach can be harsh; test first.
*BONUS HACK - Before your first wear your denim pieces, turn your jeans or jacket inside out and soak them in cold water + 1 cup white vinegar + 1 tablespoon salt for about 30 minutes.
Why it works: The vinegar helps lock in the indigo dye, the salt acts as a natural fixative, and the cold water prevents bleeding, so your denim stays rich and vibrant way longer (works for all denim colors).
Dealing with Odors:
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Air It Out - Hang clothes in fresh air right after wearing to prevent smells from setting.
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Skip the Pile - Don’t let damp clothes sit—wash ASAP to stop mildew.
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Vinegar Rescue - Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize stubborn odors.
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Baking Soda Boost - Sprinkle into your wash or soak clothes in a baking soda solution before laundering.
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Inside Out - Wash activewear inside out so sweat and deodorant residue wash away fully.
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Cold Then Hot - For workout gear, rinse in cold water first, then wash warm to help break down odor-causing bacteria.
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No Fabric Softener - It can trap odors in moisture-wicking fabrics.
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Steam It Out - A quick steam refresh can kill odor-causing bacteria between washes.
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Store Smart - Keep clothes in a cool, dry space—heat and humidity = odor magnets.
How to Store Your Clothes so They Last Longer:
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Clean Before You Store - Dirt, sweat, and oils can stain or attract pests over time.
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Fold vs. Hang - Fold knits and sweaters to prevent stretching; hang dresses, blouses, and trousers to keep them crisp.
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Upgrade Your Hangers - Use padded or velvet hangers to avoid shoulder bumps and slipping.
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Give It Space - Overcrowding causes wrinkles and misshaping—let your clothes breathe.
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Avoid Sunlight - Direct sun fades fabrics fast—choose a cool, dark spot.
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Use Breathable Bags - For special occasion pieces, store in cotton or linen garment bags (never plastic).
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Shoes Matter Too - Use shoe trees or stuff boots with tissue to maintain shape.
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Rotate Seasonally - Swap out seasonal pieces so everything gets wear and stays fresh.
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Skip Wire Hangers - They can rust, snag, and warp fabric.
At the end of the day, caring for your clothes isn’t about rules, it’s about giving your favorite pieces the best chance to look and feel amazing for as long as possible. With a little extra attention (and a few smart hacks), you can keep colors bright, fabrics fresh, and fits just right. After all, when your wardrobe lasts, your style does too, and that’s always worth it!
