Care & Repair

Silk is a natural protein fibre known for a smooth hand and lustre, though its weight and surface vary by construction. Water, friction, perspiration and sunlight can affect dyes and finish. Follow the care label; where cleaning is permitted, use only the stated method and avoid rubbing or wringing. Blot a spill gently with a clean cloth and seek a specialist cleaner for stains or structured pieces. Store clean and dry, away from direct light. Do not assume every silk item is dry-clean-only or washable. Before treating a mark, identify the stain and the care method permitted for the exact garment; an unsuitable spot treatment can leave a ring or alter the dye.

Satin is a weave that creates a smooth face; it may be made from silk, polyester, viscose or another fibre. Its sheen can show water marks, snags or pressure. Check the fibre and sewn label before washing, steaming or ironing. If heat is permitted, use the label’s limits and protect the face with a pressing cloth. Avoid abrasive surfaces, rough jewellery and direct contact with a hot iron. Stains and delicate finishes are best assessed by a cleaner who knows the garment’s composition. Keep the smooth face from rubbing against rough accessories and fastenings. A garment bag can reduce contact during storage, provided the piece is fully dry.

Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric construction, not a fibre name; silk and synthetic versions behave differently. Its open texture can snag, distort or fray. Check the label before cleaning and avoid agitation, twisting or brushing. Support the fabric when moving a damp piece and dry only as the label directs. Keep it separate from hooks and rough trims in storage. For a lined or embellished garment, ask a professional cleaner before treating a mark or applying steam. When wearing or packing it, keep hooks, jewellery and textured trims from catching the fine yarns. Do not pull a snag back through the cloth.

Crepe refers to a textured surface or construction made with a range of fibres and yarns. Some versions drape softly; others have more body. The name alone does not determine washability, shrinkage or heat tolerance. Follow the garment label and test no unapproved treatment on the fabric. Avoid pressing directly on a textured surface. If a piece is lined, pleated or embellished, professional cleaning may be appropriate; tell the cleaner about all trims and layers. Allow the garment to rest on a suitable hanger or fold it along its natural seams. Do not attempt to flatten or recreate texture with pressure.

Korean Nida is often described as a soft, flowing fabric. Check the garment’s care instructions before cleaning. Use the stated care method, minimise friction and avoid high heat unless expressly permitted. If the composition or finish is unclear, do not apply stain removers or steam; consult the retailer or a specialist cleaner first. If the product listing gives a fibre composition or separate lining details, use those alongside the care label; the trade name on its own is not enough.

Chinese Nida is often described as a flowing fabric. For cleaning and ironing, follow the garment’s care instructions. Protect the surface from snags and store clean and dry. Where the label is unclear, ask for product-specific information or take the garment to a professional cleaner. For a new stain, avoid rubbing it into the surface. Keep the garment aside and ask a cleaner to assess it if the label does not give clear advice.

Polyester is a synthetic fibre that can be woven, knitted, brushed or blended, so garments with the same fibre may still need different care. Read the label for washing, drying and ironing limits, particularly where there are pleats, coatings or trims. Avoid high heat unless permitted, as it can affect some finishes. Treat stains according to the label and product composition; do not apply solvent-based products without advice. Store away from prolonged heat and direct sunlight. Blends and surface treatments can change how a polyester garment responds to heat and cleaning. Treat the full garment, not the fibre name alone, as the care reference.

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre. Its strength and dimensions can change when wet, depending on yarn, weave and finish. Follow the exact label and avoid assuming that a viscose garment can be machine washed. Do not wring or stretch a damp item; shape and dry it only as the care instructions allow. Use a professional cleaner for structured, lined or embellished pieces, or where the label is unclear. Keep damp garments supported until fully dry. If a label permits washing, follow its exact method and drying instructions; general advice for viscose cannot account for every dye, lining or finish.

Cotton is a natural cellulose fibre often used in a range of weaves and blends. Shrinkage, colourfastness and creasing depend on the fabric and its finish. The care label sets the safe wash, drying and ironing method. Separate colours only as directed and avoid assuming a dark or embellished cotton garment is colourfast. Do not use bleach unless the label permits it. A cleaner can advise on stains or construction that may not tolerate ordinary washing. A printed or dark surface may need different treatment from an undyed fabric. Use only the care method stated for the finished garment.

Linen is a flax fibre with a distinctive crisp texture and natural creasing. It may be blended or finished in ways that alter its care. Follow the garment label, especially for washing, drying and pressing. Avoid pulling a damp garment out of shape and do not apply heat to trims or embroidery. Store clean and fully dry, with enough room to avoid crushing. For tailored, lined or embellished linen, ask a professional cleaner before attempting home stain treatment. Creasing is characteristic of many linen fabrics and is not, by itself, a fault. Press only when the label permits and use the stated temperature.

Georgette is a lightweight, textured woven fabric that may be made from silk, polyester or other fibres. It can be sheer and delicate, and the underlying fibre affects its response to water and heat. Follow the sewn label; do not infer care from the fabric name. Avoid rubbing, snagging and direct ironing. For a layered or embellished garment, use a cleaner familiar with delicate constructions. Store on a suitable hanger or fold with tissue if the piece is prone to stretching. Because this fabric may be sheer, inspect the garment for lining and embellishment before cleaning. Support the full length so the fabric is not pulled by its own weight.

Jersey describes a knitted construction, not a fibre; it may contain cotton, viscose, polyester or elastane blends. Stretch recovery, shrinkage and heat sensitivity therefore vary. Follow the care label, support the garment when wet and avoid hanging a heavy damp knit where it may lengthen. Do not iron stretch fibres unless the label allows it. Fold when appropriate and keep fastenings or embellishments from catching on the knit. Avoid hanging a wet jersey garment from one point, which may pull the knit out of shape. If machine washing is allowed, use the label’s stated settings.

Velvet has a pile surface that can crush or mark, and its fibre may vary. Check the care label before cleaning or steaming; some velvets require specialist treatment. Avoid rubbing, pressing the pile flat or placing heavy items on top. Hang only if the garment’s weight and construction support it; otherwise store flat or folded with the pile protected. Refer stains and crushed areas to a cleaner experienced with velvet rather than brushing or applying heat at home. Pile direction can affect appearance, so avoid rubbing or spot-brushing. Keep the surface from being crushed under bags, boxes or other garments.

Wool and wool blends vary in fibre mix, yarn and construction. Heat, moisture and agitation may cause shrinkage or felting, but care depends on the garment’s label. Do not machine wash unless the label explicitly permits it. Air between wears when suitable, store clean and dry, and protect from moths using appropriate storage practices. For structured or embellished items, use a cleaner experienced with wool. Do not stretch a wet garment or place it close to direct heat. After wear, airing in a clean, dry place may be preferable to frequent cleaning when the garment is fresh and its label allows it. Store only when fully dry.

Embroidery, beads, sequins, crystals, metallic threads, lace and appliqué add different materials and attachment methods. A care method safe for the base cloth may still damage the decoration. Follow the sewn label and inspect the piece for loose elements before wear. Avoid soaking, abrasion, direct heat and pulling at threads unless the label gives clear instructions. A specialist cleaner can assess the full construction. Keep embellished areas protected from snagging in storage and travel. Place tissue between decorated surfaces when packing if it does not snag the finish. Keep any detached component and seek advice before attempting a home repair.