Our tips for everyday life
Wash (gently)
- Opt for cold : washing at low temperatures preserves colors, prevents fibers from wearing out too quickly, and consumes less energy.
- Delicate cycle : Does your machine have a "delicate" button? This is often the one to choose for your lightest or softest items (knits, bodysuits, cardigans, swimsuits, etc.)
- Wash less : there's no need to machine wash every item after just one use. Air out your clothes, spot clean stains, hang them in the bathroom (the steam deodorizes), and only wash when necessary. Your clothes (and the planet) will thank you!
- Gentle laundry : choose a simple, eco-friendly detergent, without excess. Too much product = damaged fibers and unnecessary pollution.
Dry (naturally)
- Air drying : natural drying is always the best option. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause discoloration, and allow fabrics to breathe. To restore slightly yellowed whites, sunlight is recommended (after washing with Marseille soap).
- Use the tumble dryer in moderation : if you insist on using it, opt for a low temperature and take out the clothes while still slightly damp to finish air-drying.
Put away (properly)
- Use good hangers : wooden or padded ones, to avoid distorted shoulders. Leave aside those flimsy metal hangers we salvage from our rare trips to the dry cleaners!
- Keep out of direct sunlight : it fades colors. Choose a dry, temperate location.
- Neatly folded : a folded garment is a happy garment (a little thought for my grandmother whose every garment is folded in the evening, even to the point of being put back in its tissue paper for the sweaters…)!
Repair (instead of throwing away)
A button pops off, a seam comes undone? Nothing abnormal (nor desirable, but let's not get discouraged). A quick trip to the tailor, or a visit to an alterations workshop, and you're good to go. Our workshop provides, upon request (and subject to availability), what you need to replace lost buttons. Repairing extends the life of your clothes, and it's often another great story to tell!
Iron or steam (if needed)
Most of the time, simply drying your clothes is enough to avoid ironing. But sometimes the pleasure of wearing them is tenfold when they're ironed. Consider using a low temperature or gentle steam to be kind to the fabric; a steamer is also the best friend on busy days ;)
Pleated skirts
Pleated skirts prefer 30 degrees; the slight warmth helps maintain their pleats, but tumble drying and ironing are strictly forbidden!
The right steps to make jeans last?
Jeans are a special case: the more you wash them, the less attractive they become. Purists even go so far as to say they should almost never be washed. Here are the best tips
- Wash less, wear more : jeans don't need to go through the washing machine every week. Air them out, shake them out, that's enough.
- Targeted stains : instead of a full wash, clean the stained area with a damp cloth and a little Marseille soap.
- When you really need to wash it : turn it inside out, close the zipper and buttons, and choose a cold cycle, without a vigorous spin.
- No tumble dryer : let it dry flat or on a sturdy hanger, this prevents it from stretching out.
- Freshness tip : If your jeans have lost their pleasant smell without being dirty, fold them and leave them overnight in the freezer in an airtight bag. This kills the odor-causing bacteria (and saves you a wash).
A garment that lasts is a garment that is loved and well cared for. No need for frequent trips to the dry cleaners: a few simple steps are all it takes to ensure your clothes last through your days, evenings, summers, and winters!