General Wash + Care Tips for Closet Staples

New to Tradlands? Just got the delivery of your newest closet essential? We're here to help. Make your product last and make sure this investment lasts years to come. We've created some general tips on how to care for your new investment piece from Tradlands. 

We know, we know, we sound like a broken record, but you should only wash your clothes if absolutely necessary. By that, we mean a clear stain or odor coming from the garment that needs to be dealt with.

We find that lazy washing is the number one cause of issues in longevity with our pieces and many others like ours. Not all washing machines and dryers are created equally and some are much rougher on clothes than others. Not to mention the water in your area may be harder or more mineral-based which can lead to a number of issues with longevity in your garments.

If you do need to wash, wash on the coolest and most gentle setting for almost all garments. Sure, if you're washing stinky, sweaty gym clothes, wash with warmer water and a rougher cycle to make sure they are cleaned through and through, but unless you're wearing your Linen Dress or Cotton Sweater for a triathlon, they do not require the same attention and are better off because of it! 

When washing, we also hope you'll consider placing delicate items like linen or linen blend garments into a mesh garment bag to wash as they won't end up stretched out around the center of the washing machine and be pulled or warped after the wash. Putting like items into their own mesh bags to wash is a brilliant idea. 

This also makes a difference when washing items with buttons, zippers, or other decorative pieces that could get snagged, chipped or ripped from the garment entirely during the wash cycle. If you cannot get a mesh washing bag (or a few!), we also recommend washing clothes inside out. This can help avoid the ruined pockets on the outside or snagged buttons too. 

Finally, wash like items and colors whenever possible. Yes, your parents were right when they said you should sort your laundry if you care about it. And if the pieces you're buying are slow fashion and responsibly made, they're likely a larger investment piece that you'll want to take care of. Wash similar colors, like whites, brights, and darks together. Wash all denim together and only the denim. Wash delicate items with other delicate items. You get the idea. 

Cold, gentle, and hanging dry are the three most important parts of washing garments like ours. Hand washing is even better, but we realize not everyone has the time or energy to make that happen. Washing like items and colors will avoid bleeding, staining, or other issues associated with fabric colors. 

Ultimately, every piece you purchase should be treated as an investment. These items were not simply made to sit in a box or hang in a closet. They are made to be worn, worn well, and worn often, and taking care of them in between each wear makes the world of difference in how they look through their lifetime and how they last.