Dear readers,
In my recent YouTube video, I listed down 3 natural fabrics suitable for hot, sun-drenched days. Silk, linen and cotton have the wonderful advantage of staying cool and breathable while remaining elegantly chic.
But as all of these materials are of natural origin and some are quite delicate, taking care of them requires a bit of practice to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the season.
In today’s newsletter, I will share some practical care tips for all three fabrics, so you can enjoy wearing them to the fullest:
1. SILK
Silk is luxurious and delicate, requiring gentle handling to maintain its shine and texture.
Hand Wash or Dry Clean:
Hand washing silk is ideal to maintain its sheen and strength. Use a mild detergent and cold water, gently swishing the garment without wringing or rubbing. Alternatively, opt for professional dry cleaning for tougher stains.
Some modern washing machines have a handwash cycle available. I prefer using that one but I always make sure the water temperature is set to maximum 30 degrees Celsius.
Air Dry:
Avoid using a tumble dryer for silk garments, as heat can damage the delicate fibers. Instead, lay the item flat on a clean towel to air dry, away from direct sunlight.
Steam or Iron Carefully:
To remove wrinkles, use a steamer on low heat and steam the garment on the reverse to prevent damage. I do not recommend using an iron for silk as the hot plate could be too harsh.
Storage:
Store silk garments folded. Avoid hanging them for long periods, as it can stretch the fabric.
2. LINEN
Linen is a classic summer fabric known for its lightweight and breathable qualities.
Machine Wash Gentle:
Linen is a durable material and can be washed in the washing machine. Use a mild detergent to soften the fabric while washing, as linen has the tendency to harden. Remember to wash similar colours together only.
Air Dry:
Hang linen garments to air dry, preferably outdoors in the shade. Avoid wringing out linen, as it can weaken the fibers. If using a dryer, select a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage.
Iron While Damp:
Linen tends to wrinkle easily, but these wrinkles can be easily smoothed out with an iron. Iron the garment while it's still slightly damp, using a medium to high heat setting.
Storage:
Store linen garments in a cool, dry place. Hang them on padded hangers to maintain their shape and avoid creasing.
3. COTTON
Cotton is a versatile and durable fabric that's perfect for summer wear.
Machine Wash Warm:
Cotton can withstand regular machine washing with warm water and a mild detergent. Separate whites from colours to prevent colour bleeding.
Tumble Dry Low:
Cotton garments can be tumble dried on a low heat setting. Remove them promptly from the dryer to prevent wrinkles, or air dry them to save energy and prolong their lifespan.
Iron as Needed:
Cotton can be ironed at a high temperature to remove wrinkles and creases. For best results, iron cotton garments while they're slightly damp.
Storage:
Store cotton garments in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Fold them neatly to avoid stretching or misshaping.
Dear readers, I don’t know about you, but I am excited about the upcoming summer and everything that comes with it (ask me again when the temperatures cross the 35 degree Celsius mark). The only thing remaining is to wash and prepare my summer wardrobe applying all the tips above.
I wish you a beautiful summer season filled with elegantly chic outfit choices!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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