Simple Care Tips for Denim, Fabrics, Colors & Everyday Wardrobe Favorites
Love Your Clothes Longer: A Guide to Proper Clothing Care
We’ve all experienced it.
You buy a piece of clothing you absolutely love.
You wear it.
You wash it.
And somehow…it doesn’t feel the same.
The fit changes. The color fades. The fabric feels different.
Before you blame the clothing, check the care instructions.
The truth is, many of our favorite pieces simply need the right kind of care. Different fabrics, finishes, and materials require different washing and drying methods to help them maintain their shape, softness, and color.
At Love Marlow, we carefully choose comfortable, high-quality styles designed for real women sizes 8–28. We want you to love your pieces for years, not just one season.
That’s why we’re sharing our best clothing care tips to help your wardrobe last longer
Start With the Care Label
The little tag inside your clothing isn't there to annoy you.
It's there to help you.
Manufacturers know exactly how a fabric was created and what it needs to maintain its quality.
Before washing a new piece, take a quick look at the care instructions.
It can save you from:
- Shrinkage
- Fading
- Stretching
- Fabric damage
- Losing the original fit
How to Read Clothing Care Instructions
Hand Wash
Hand wash doesn't always mean standing over a sink scrubbing your clothes.
Many modern washing machines have gentle or delicate settings that can safely clean hand-wash items.
Tips:
✔ Use cold water
✔ Choose a gentle cycle
✔ Avoid harsh detergents
✔ Don't wring or twist delicate fabrics
Lay Flat or Hang to Dry
Heat is one of the fastest ways to damage clothing fibers.
High heat can cause:
- Shrinking
- Stretch loss
- Warping
- Fabric breakdown
If your item says lay flat or hang dry:
✔ Use a drying rack
✔ Reshape the garment while damp
✔ Avoid direct sunlight when possible
Dry Clean Only
If a garment says dry clean only, believe it.
Dry cleaning helps protect:
- Fabric texture
- Shape
- Color
- Special details
While it may feel like an extra step, it can significantly extend the life of your favorite pieces.
Bonus Clothing Care Hack
Not sure what those tiny care symbols mean?
Take a picture of the label and use your phone’s image search or translation tools to quickly identify the symbols.
No more guessing whether that triangle means bleach or “absolutely do not do that.”
Understanding Common Clothing Fabrics
Knowing your fabrics makes caring for your wardrobe much easier.
Denim Care: How to Keep Your Jeans Looking Great
Denim is one of the hardest-working fabrics in your closet.
From jeans to jackets, proper care helps maintain the stretch, color, and fit you love.
For denim:
✔ Wash in cold water
✔ Turn denim inside out before washing
✔ Avoid frequent washing when possible
✔ Air dry whenever possible
✔ Use low heat only if needed
High heat can break down the stretch fibers faster, which can affect how your jeans fit.
This is especially important for stretch denim favorites like Judy Blue jeans.
Shop our Denim Collection to find your favorite jeans.
Rayon Care
Rayon is lightweight, breathable, and known for its beautiful drape.
Because of its delicate fibers:
✔ Wash gently
✔ Avoid high heat
✔ Lay flat or hang dry
✔ Steam instead of excessive ironing when possible
Rayon pieces are often summer favorites because they feel lightweight and comfortable.
Cotton Care
Cotton is loved for its:
- Breathability
- Durability
- Everyday comfort
To keep cotton looking its best:
✔ Wash with cold water
✔ Avoid high heat
✔ Reshape while damp
✔ Lay flat or hang dry when recommended
Cotton may naturally relax or shrink slightly, so proper care helps maintain the original fit.
How to Protect Clothing Colors
Nobody wants their favorite black jeans turning gray or their bright tops looking faded.
Use these simple color-saving tips:
Wash Similar Colors Together
Separate:
- Whites
- Darks
- Bright colors
This helps prevent dye transfer.
Cold Water Is Your Friend
Cold water helps protect:
- Color
- Fabric fibers
- Stretch
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Before washing:
✔ Flip garments inside out
✔ Zip closures
✔ Secure buttons
This protects the outside surface from friction.
Avoid Too Much Sun
Sunlight can fade fabrics over time.
When air drying:
✔ Dry in the shade
✔ Avoid direct sunlight when possible
How to Prevent Clothing Odors
Sometimes clothing doesn't need a full wash, it just needs a refresh.
Try:
Air It Out
Hang clothing after wearing instead of immediately tossing it into a pile.
Use Vinegar
Adding a small amount of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help neutralize odors and freshen fabrics.
Skip Fabric Softener for Activewear
Fabric softeners can trap odors in moisture-wicking fabrics.
Steam Between Wears
A quick steam can help refresh garments and remove wrinkles.
How to Store Clothes Properly
The way you store your clothing matters.
Fold Heavy Knits
Sweaters and heavier knits can stretch on hangers.
Fold them instead.
Use Quality Hangers
Padded or velvet hangers help prevent:
- Shoulder bumps
- Slipping
- Fabric damage
Give Clothes Space
Overstuffed closets can cause:
- Wrinkles
- Misshaping
- Fabric stress
Let your clothing breathe.
Store Seasonal Pieces Properly
Before packing away seasonal clothing:
✔ Wash first
✔ Make sure items are completely dry
✔ Use breathable storage bags
✔ Store away from direct sunlight
The Denim Care Trick We Love
Before wearing new denim:
Try soaking your jeans in:
- Cold water
- 1 cup white vinegar
for about 30 minutes.
This can help reduce excess dye transfer and keep your denim looking vibrant.
Why Taking Care of Your Clothes Matters
Clothing care isn't about following strict rules.
It's about protecting the pieces you love.
A little extra attention can help:
✔ Keep colors brighter
✔ Maintain the original fit
✔ Protect fabrics
✔ Extend the life of your wardrobe
At Love Marlow, we believe fashion should be something you enjoy, not something disposable.
When you take care of your favorite pieces, they can keep making you feel confident season after season.
Shop Quality Styles You'll Love Wearing
Looking for comfortable, stylish clothing designed for real life?
Explore Love Marlow’s collections featuring:
✔ Mid and plus size clothing sizes 8–28
✔ Judy Blue denim favorites
✔ Comfortable everyday styles
✔ Boutique fashion for every season
Shop online or visit our Sioux Falls boutique, we’re always here to help you find pieces you’ll love wearing and caring for.