Quick Tips for Garment Care

Dear reader,

There’s something deeply comforting about taking care of the things we already own. Not just for the sake of frugality or the planet (though both are good reasons), but because it invites us to slow down, to notice, and to tend.

Here are a few gentle rituals I return to when it comes to clothing care—small habits that make my wardrobe last longer and feel more loved:

• Wash less, air more. Most clothes don’t need a full wash after every wear. A bit of fresh air, a dab with a cloth—often that’s enough.

• Pre-wash routine. I make sure that zips and hooks are closed, pockets emptied and I turn clothes inside out.

• Go low. I rarely wash anything above 30°C, and even 20°C works beautifully if your machine allows it. Clothes come out clean and grateful.

• Steam instead of press. Steaming softens creases without flattening fibres—especially lovely for delicate fabrics like silk and satin.

• Treat your hangers kindly. Or rather, choose the hangers that treat your clothes kindly. Thick and padded ones help maintain shape, especially for heavier pieces.

• Visit your tailor. A stitch in time, truly. We've taken trousers in, mended tears, and brought favourites back from the brink. It’s a quiet joy.

• Tumble sparingly. I save the dryer for towels, socks, and sheets. The rest dry flat, swaying gently like laundry in a French film.

• Spot stains with urgency. Act quickly—coffee, berries, ink. The faster you tackle it, the better your odds. Think of it as a small rescue mission.

These tiny rituals make my clothes last longer, but they also deepen my connection to them. If you have your own care habits or tips, I’d love to hear them.