We at Freja Studios believe in extending the life cycle of the garments in our wardrobes as much as possible, not only for the benefit of the planet but also because we believe in creating a sustainable and caring relationship with the things we own.
That’s why we have created a small guide for you with some of our recommendations on how to best care for your garments, making them last longer.
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STORING
Wool and cashmere knitwear should be lightly folded away, since hanging it up on a hanger may cause it to stretch. Let it breathe a little after wear (hang it over a back of a chair for example) before putting it away in the drawer or wardrobe to keep it extra fresh. Make sure there are no food stains or the like when storing it away as it might attract moths. Placing pieces of cedar wood in your drawers or on top of hangers adds an extra layer of protection (and smells nice!).
WASHING
We recommend to wash your knitwear as little as possible – simply hanging the garment out to air or a gentle steam (alternatively hanging it up in the bathroom whilst showering) will freshen it up again. For example, hanging a piece out to dry overnight is the perfect cure for the smell of cigarette smoke.
If you get a stain on your garment, spot clean it by hand with a gentle treatment for the specific stain and let it air dry. In case of washing please carefully refer to the care label on your individual garment. Be sure to use a gentle wool detergent and the special wool setting on your machine, or a cold setting. Lay the garment out flat to dry, and make sure to stretch it to its original shape, as it will have contracted slightly during the wash. We never recommend to tumble dry.
EXTRAS
Getting a small cashmere comb to brush and remove pilling that may occur will freshen up your cashmere garments and make them feel like new again.
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STORING
Silk is very sensitive to light, so your garments should always be stored in a dark, dry place. Direct sunlight will cause silk to fade and develop discolored patches over time. When storing long term, opt for breathable cotton bags or boxes instead of plastic containers as silk needs airflow to prevent damage.
WASHING
Spot clean stains by hand with a gentle treatment or, if the care label says the garment may be washed, wash using a cold/delicates setting. Use a mesh washing bag for extra protection. Never tumble dry silk as this will damage the fibers.
EXTRAS
Silk is sensitive to heat so only iron your silk garments according to the care label instructions or the lowest iron setting. Even better, use a steamer to remove creases.
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STORING
Storing cotton garments is pretty fuss free - store folded or hanging in a dry and dark space.
WASHING
Cotton can be washed without much extra thought, but choosing a lower temperature (30 degrees) will avoid shrinkage and preserve the colour of your garment for longer. Please always refer to the individual care label before washing.
Gently shaking out your garments while still damp is often enough to remove creases naturally, but cotton garments can also be ironed and steamed. Choose a lower heat setting to start with and gradually adjust if needed.
EXTRAS (DENIM)
Avoid washing your jeans for as long as possible (no more than after every 5–10 wears). This will help preserve the colour most of all but also the shape of the denim and, of course, saves water and energy. Spot clean when necessary and turn the jeans inside out and use a mild detergent when washing in a machine. Washing on a cold / wool wash setting helps preserves longer the dye colour. Do not tumble dry.
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STORING
Store hanging in your wardrobe to avoid creases.
WASHING
Unlike wool, linen does not have the natural anti-bacterial and odour-resistant properties, which means linen needs to be washed a little more often. We still recommend hand washing when possible, and to wash your linen garments, if the care label says the garment can be washed, with a gentle detergent on 30 degrees and hang dry. Avoid tumble drying as it might cause shrinkage.
EXTRAS
Linen creases easily, but the creases are also a part of the material's charm and characteristics. A little tip is to spray the garment with water 5-10 minutes before ironing to make the ironing much easier.
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Freja Studios always prefer natural fibres to synthetic ones, and aim to mainly source pieces that fit this requirement. Sometimes vintage or contemporary designer pieces will however consist of some synthetics such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic and elastane. Here, spot treating stains, airing and steaming the garments instead of fully laundering them will be even more important as to reduce the amount of microplastics released during washing. Washing colder and using shorter cycles also help in this regard, so does using a specialised washing bag that collects/reduces the amount of microplastics in the water.
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STORING
Leather needs to breathe, so avoid storing items in plastic bags or boxes. Never use a hair dryer or place leather in front of a heater when wet, as it can shrink and dry out too quickly. Rather, wipe off excess moisture and let it dry naturally, even if it takes a couple of days.
CARE
To clean your leather items, wipe them carefully using a soft, clean cloth. Dry damp leather with a clean, soft cloth to absorb any liquid and let it dry at room temperature.
If you have tough stains or wish not to clean yourself, you can also take it for specialist leather cleaning.
Use a leather conditioner every 3-6 months to keep the leather soft and prevent it from cracking.
A general note on washing
Machine washing your clothes less is a very good thing - it helps preserve your garments quality and has a positive impact on your wallet and the environment. Usually a simple hand wash for stains or airing out your garment will be enough to keep it fresh for a long time in between wears.
Read on for more in depth advice on different fabrics and materials.
Repairing and altering
Your wardrobe is a part of you, and we at Freja Studios believe that having garments repaired or altered to fit through the changes of life should be as natural as replacing them with something new once something has broken or doesn’t quite fit as it used to.
By taking a pair of trousers to the tailor to have them taken in or out, shortening a skirt to give it a new look, or repairing that sweater you have neglected for some time, you are ensuring that you can wear your garments for longer, slowing down how much you consume and making sure that less goes to waste. Fundamentally, repairing and altering is an act of care in a fast fashion system that thrives on careless consumption. Plus, there is a deep joy in getting something back from the tailor that’s been altered to suit you perfectly, as is the satisfaction with having repaired a garment yourself and thus given it new life.