Care.

Made by hand, a piece lasts when it's looked after by hand. A few notes, by cloth. When in doubt, the care label sewn into your piece is the final word.

Silk

Dry clean, or hand-wash cold with a gentle detergent. Don't wring — press the water out and dry flat, away from direct sun. Iron on low, on the reverse, while slightly damp.

Linen

Linen softens with wear and creases by nature — that's the character, not a fault. Hand-wash or machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle, and press while damp if you prefer it smooth.

Cotton

Machine-wash cold with like colours, and line-dry or tumble on low. Iron on medium while still a little damp.

Wool & cashmere

Dry clean, or hand-wash cold with a wool detergent. Never hang — knitwear stretches on a hanger. Dry flat, store folded, and keep a cedar block nearby for the moths.

Crepe & tailored pieces

Dry clean to hold the drape and the seams. Steam rather than press; a hot iron flattens the texture.

Velvet

Dry clean only. Hang so the pile doesn't crush, and steam to lift it — never iron.

Between wears

Let a piece air after wearing before it returns to the wardrobe. Keep it on a wide or padded hanger, or folded if it's knitted. Treat a mark quickly, rather than letting it set.