Garment care

Most pieces last far longer with a little care. The single best habit: wash less, wash cooler, and dry flat.

Always read the label first

The care label sewn into the garment overrides anything on this page — it is written for that specific fabric and finish.

Knitwear, jumpers and cardigans

Wash cold on a wool or delicate cycle, or by hand. Never wring. Press the water out with a towel, then reshape flat to dry, away from direct sun and radiators. Hanging a wet knit is what stretches shoulders out of shape. Fold knitwear to store it; don't hang it.

Linen

Wash cool and separately for the first wash. Linen creases — that is the fabric, not a fault. Shake it out and hang it while damp and most creases drop. Iron on medium while still slightly damp if you want it crisp.

Viscose, cupro and rayon

These drape beautifully and are the least tolerant of heat. Cold wash on a delicate cycle inside a mesh bag, or hand wash. Do not tumble dry — they shrink. Hang to dry and iron on low.

Cotton and shirting

Warm or cold wash. Wash prints and dark colours inside out to keep them from fading. Cotton can take a warmer iron than most fabrics.

Denim

Wash as rarely as you can and always inside out, cold. Raw and dark washes will lose indigo in the first few washes — wash them separately at first. Air dry; the dryer is what kills stretch and fit.

Lace, sequins and embellishment

Hand wash cold or dry clean. Turn inside out, use a mesh bag, and never wring. Iron on the reverse, with a cloth between the iron and the trim.

Leather

Never machine wash. Wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth. Keep it out of prolonged direct sun, let it dry naturally if it gets wet, and use a specialist leather conditioner once or twice a year. Store on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.

Scarves and accessories

Hand wash cold and dry flat. Store scarves loosely folded or rolled rather than knotted, so the fibres don't set into creases.

Pilling

Small bobbles on knitwear are normal friction, not a defect. A fabric comb or a battery shaver run gently over the surface takes them off and the piece looks new again.

Questions

Not sure how to treat something? Email info@mariaraglan.com with the style name and we'll tell you.