How to Care for Everyday Casualwear
Good clothing care starts with the garment label. A few consistent habits can also reduce unnecessary wear and help casual pieces retain their shape and appearance.
Follow the care label first
The care label is specific to the fabric, construction and decoration of the garment. Its instructions should take priority over general advice.
Check pockets, close fastenings where appropriate and separate colours before washing. Turning printed or decorated garments inside out may reduce direct abrasion during the cycle.
Avoid more heat than necessary
Excessive heat can affect fibres, prints and garment shape. Use the temperature stated on the label and avoid assuming that hotter always means cleaner.
When the label permits, gentler washing and air drying can reduce some of the stress created by high heat and aggressive cycles.
Dry and store garments thoughtfully
Reshape garments after washing and dry them in the manner recommended by the label. Heavy knit items may stretch if they are hung while wet.
Store clean, fully dry clothing in a ventilated place. Fold pieces that are likely to lose their shape on hangers and avoid overcrowding drawers or rails.
Treat stains early and carefully
Address stains promptly, but test treatments on an inconspicuous area and avoid hard rubbing that can spread the mark or damage the surface.
If a garment has special trim, printing or an unfamiliar fabric, professional cleaning advice may be safer than experimenting with strong products.