Garment Care Tips

These are just some tips for caring for your garment, the general rule of thumb is usually to respect them as you would a person of the same age, but always edging on the side of caution seems to be a great rule also!
This is only a rough guide and how we look after our vintage clothes. However its important to remember that each garment has its own unique way it needs to be cared for, and you should access each item individually.
 
Storing Your Vintage Clothing
  • Keep vintage clothes stored where they can breathe, not in the clear plastic covers like the ones you get from the dry cleaners. Long term, these are not healthy for the fabric of the clothes.
  • Hang your vintage clothes on wooden hangers, or for best protection, cloth-covered padded hangers. (Metal hangers can leave rust stains on your clothes and they also leave stretch marks and "puckers" that are very hard to get rid of).
  • Keep your vintage clothes in a dry, dust-free place away from direct sunlight. constant humidity or damp can damage delicate fibres, and sunlight can irreversibly fade vintage prints and colors.

 

Washing Your Vintage Clothes - 

  • If you’re concerned that the fabric is too delicate, don’t wash it at all!
  • Never wash embroidered silks or satins, ever - its not pretty, and will end in tears!
  • Check if the garment has any washing instructions - if they do, amazing, just follow these.
  • Less is more. Repeated vigorous washing can damage the fibers of clothing.
  • Unless clothes are dirty, you can simply spot wash them or use a clothes brush to brush them clean to remove any stains or debris... Quite simply - If you don't need to wash your vintage clothes, don't!
  • Wash at 30 degrees where possible, use gentle cycles, a delicates bag, or lightly hand-wash - fabric permitting.
  • Turning clothes inside out to air in a shaded area outside or try hanging them in humid places, for example in the bathroom when you have a shower (not under the water but in the room) can help remove odour to keep clothes fresh without damaging the garment or the environment.
  • Always air dry your garments either use a clothes horse or hang to dry, or on an appropriate hanger.
  • If you want to dry clean specialty vintage items that are durable enough for the process, then use a reputable dry cleaner - check their yelp reviews and ask them if they have experience with the type of vintage garment you are wanting cleaned. Eco-friendly dry cleaners use non-toxic detergents that are better for your health and for the environment, whilst still getting the same quality clean.
  • With all vintage clothing and shoes, try not to wear them two days in a row without airing them. This gives them a chance to breathe and restores it for the next wear.

 

 

 

Threads and Frocks is not liable for any aftercare of the garment, this list is intended solely as a tentative guide.