Caring for your HB pieces can make a world of difference for how they will be fairing in a few years time. Here’s a few tricks and rituals I tend to do with my own clothing to ensure they are well looked after.
Rotating clothes
Just like shoes, having a couple of pairs of pants on rotation at the same time can help increase their lifespan because they have time to air out and are washed less often.
After a day of wearing, I usually spray a clothing freshener spray under the arms of my tops and will leave them hanging out to air, and dry for the night.
I also try to change into ‘home clothes’ if I’m cooking or lounging to minimise the need to wash my ‘outdoor’ clothes as often. This also helps keep knees from stretching.
Washing
Wash less - better for the environment and for your clothes! Instead prioritise airing out and spot cleaning.
When it is time to wash, doing by hand in cold water and with a natural detergent will help extend the life of your garment. This is what is written on every HB garment’s care label. Always try to follow instructions, they are there for a reason.
If choosing to use a washing machine: colours might fade faster and there may be a risk of shrinkage. Some reasons for this could be friction from garments rubbing together during spinning, or if warm water or a more intense washing cycle is chosen accidentally.
Always wash with similar colours and fasten up any zips or other closures before throwing in the wash.
Personally I always spray under the underarms and back or collars with a stain remover prior to washing. I like to do wash and wear test using my apartment block’s communal / commercial coin laundry to see how the Archive garments hold up. I always use cold water with dirt detergent (this isn’t an ad!).
Using the right detergent is important. Choosing wool and delicate wash for wools (see more tips for looking after wool here!) and the regular for the rest.
Try to pull garment back into shape once out of the machine and dry flat.
Please never put HB garments in the dryer!
Why some HB Archive garments may fade
All fabrics have been carefully chosen to be of natural fibres, and certified organic where possible. This means the natural fibres like cotton may not hold the dye as well as a synthetic like polyester would with more chemicals.
Sun exposure is another large factor that can contribute to colour fading. Try not to leave clothing hanging on the line too long. Adjusting how the garment is hanging over the drying period can help too.
Re-dyeing your HB garment can be a great way to refresh them and helps give new life to your much loved pieces.
Clothing storage
Always hang up your HB piece between wears.
Use wooden hangers that can hold the garments' weight. Avoid wire that may stick into garments over time, pulling them out of shape.
If not wearing during a season, launder and store away in a garment bag or folded within a pillow case. Soap (wrapped up) and placed between garments can keep them smelling fresh.
Please don't iron a dirty garment as it can set in stains. Instead, try hanging in the bathroom during a shower as the hot steam can help creases drop out.
Mending
If there’s a loose button, or more wear in one place ie. the crotch, neckline or a knee, the faster you can get to fixing, the longer the garment's overall wearable lifespan. Leaving too long may cause a hole to rip or grow further.
Not sure how to mend something? Ask your friends how they fix their clothes! I’ve learnt so much from watching and listening to other’s perspectives. I’ve also learnt many tricks through YouTube and sewing instagrams in my algorithm. You don’t need a degree to make sure your clothes last, you just need some practice, a little patience and attentiveness <3
Keep an eye out for the HB Directory of tailors and mending resources that will be coming out soon ! You can sign up to the Newsletter to see it first :)
