CARING FOR WINTER FABRICS
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At taylor our aim is for pieces to last many years, this is the reason we source high quality fabrics. There is immense value in purchasing high quality timeless garments but, like all things, care and a little love will help make our garments last over time.
KNITWEAR
Knitwear can be made of a combination of different fibres, it is always essential to read and follow your care instructions that are specific to that yarn before you start washing. Quality knitwear pieces are designed and made to last a long time, but require a little bit of love and care to remain in a beautiful condition. Some more fluffy or loose fibre yarns may be susceptible to piling over time. Ensure knitwear is washed inside out to reduce piling during the washing process. But if piling does occur, simply comb with a pill comb or electronic de-piller which shaves off the pills from the surface of the knit. Repeat as needed throughout the life of the garment.
Tied Lucent Sweater - Sediment
DRY-CLEANING
Super fine, delicate yarns like Cashmere are best if they are dry cleaned. If you are dry cleaning your knitwear, when it is returned, be sure to remove all garments from the protective dry-cleaning plastic immediately. Wrap them in tissue paper and place in cedar-scented bags instead (to deter moths). Our 100% merino garments are best with a delicate machine wash.
Always use a delicate, liquid detergent to wash your knitwear. Generally you should use a detergent specifically designed for knitwear. Standard, granular detergents have harsh chemicals and can cause holes to form in your knitwear. Here at taylor we pride ourselves on being as environmentally friendly as we can, being kind to the planet. To read more about the different laundry detergents click here.
STORING YOUR KNITWEAR
Knit garments should be folded and placed over the bar of the hanger, not hung from the shoulders. The weight of the fabric pulls the material down, which causes hanger bumps and can stretch heavier knits out of shape. Another option is to fold your knitwear in thirds so you don’t get a fold line running down the front. If your piece does become stretched or misshapen, you can reshape it by turning it inside out, placing it in a bath of lukewarm water and soaking for 10-15 mins. Then gently press excess water out and arrange flat on a towel to air dry, or alternatively drape a towel over your heated towel rail and drape your knitwear delicately over the top to dry.
To see our latest range of knitwear click here.
WOVEN WOOL GARMENTS
As wool is a natural fibre, it has a natural elasticity to the yarn therefore for best results, hang wool coats and jackets on sturdy wooden hangers so the weight of the coat doesn’t stretch the shoulder area. Also, empty pockets after every wearing to keep them from losing shape. To read more about why we love working with wool plus the properties and benefits of this fabric click here.
If staining occurs treat the garment immediately. We recommend taking it to a reputable dry cleaner to remove the stain as they are more likely to get the mark out without 'setting' the stain. Make sure you follow the care instructions on the specific garment, but if you want to take matters into your own hands gently dab the area with a solvent based stain remover such as dry cleaning fluid or eucalyptus oil, applying small amounts at a time and working inwards to avoid spreading. Rinse the treated area with cold water, then hand wash using a detergent for wool and dry. Always do a patch test on the garment before attempting to remove a stain. To shop this seasons range of coats to keep you warm and protected this winter click here.
Left to right: Refined Reflection Coat, Originate Coat, Stripe Reflection Coat
SILK
Silk is one of the strongest of the natural fibres, which allows the yarns to be thin yet durable. Silk can be hand washed very gently in cold water, do not put in a washing machine. Many silks we use are not pre-washed so they will shrink initially as the fibre will twist on itself. This can be straightened out with a low heat iron, but the garment may remain shorter than it originally was so we recommend to dry clean for the best result.
Always store silk in a dry dark place, never keep it in plastic since the fabric needs to breathe. The silk fibre has a strong natural coating over it that gives it such a beautiful lustre and depth of colour. The downside of this, is if you leave in direct sunlight for a period of time in one position silk can fade/or discolour so make sure you store your pieces in a dark place.
There are many benefits to gorgeous silk, to read more about them all click here.
If you get an oil-based stain on your favourite silk piece, lay it flat and coat the mark with baby/talcum powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, shake the garment or lightly brush the powder off and the stain should be gone. If a bit still remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone. Never spot clean a silk garment as you will get a watermark - instead wash the whole garment and allow to dry naturally. Make sure you never put a silk piece in the dryer or wring it out to dry. To shop our range of 100% silk pieces here.
