Fabric & Garment Care

1. Hemp fabric

Hemp textiles are valued for durability, breathability and their distinctive texture. New woven hemp can feel structured; repeated gentle use and washing often make it softer. Hemp knits and blends behave differently from tightly woven hemp, so follow the product label.

• Washing: turn inside out; wash similar colours together, usually at 30°C on a gentle programme. Use 40°C only if the label specifically permits it. A liquid mild detergent is often easier to rinse out than excess powder.
• Before the first wash: wash separately from light colours if the dye may bleed; never assume that a new colour is colourfast.
• Spin: use a moderate or low spin; avoid overloading the drum. Laundry bags protect delicate weaves, ties and embroidery.
• Drying: reshape while damp and air-dry away from strong direct sunlight. Drying flat is best for stretchy or heavy knits. Avoid tumble-drying unless expressly allowed; high heat can cause shrinkage.
• Ironing: iron while slightly damp with steam at the temperature permitted by the label, preferably on the reverse. Use a pressing cloth over embroidery or decorations.
• Storage: store completely dry in a ventilated place. Fold heavy knits; hanging a damp or heavy knit may stretch it.

Initial shrinkage is possible with natural hemp, especially at high temperature or when tumble-dried. No universal percentage applies to every weave or finish.

2. Bamboo-derived viscose

Most soft apparel sold as “bamboo” is viscose/rayon made from bamboo cellulose, not a mechanically extracted bamboo fibre. It often drapes softly, but wet viscose can be sensitive to stretching, twisting and friction. Refer to the actual fibre composition on the label.

• Washing: prefer 30°C and a gentle or delicate cycle, or gentle hand-washing when specified. Turn inside out and wash with similar colours.
• Detergent: use a small amount of mild detergent. Do not use bleach or harsh stain removers; skip excessive fabric conditioner, which may leave residue.
• Handling when wet: do not wring, rub hard or pull. Gently press out excess water; for delicate items roll in a clean towel.
• Drying: smooth into shape and dry flat when possible, away from radiators and strong sunshine. Avoid tumble-drying unless the label explicitly allows it.
• Ironing: iron inside out at low temperature using a pressing cloth, only if allowed. Avoid pressing or stretching the fabric while damp.
• Storage: fold stretchy or heavier pieces to avoid stretched shoulders; keep fully dry.

A bamboo-viscose blend with cotton or elastane may have different requirements. Pilling or a change in drape is more likely with high friction, heat and overloading the washing machine.

3. Cotton

Cotton is comfortable, absorbent and relatively easy to maintain, but it can still shrink, fade or change shape when exposed to high temperatures. Different weaves, knitted jerseys, printed garments and cotton blends need different settings.

• Washing: as a safe starting point use 30°C for coloured clothes, dark garments, prints and delicate cuts. Use 40°C for sturdier cotton only if the care label allows it. Do not automatically wash every cotton item at 60°C.
• Sorting: separate whites, lights and dark colours; turn prints and embroidered items inside out.
• Detergent: choose a suitable colour- or white-laundry detergent; use bleach only when expressly permitted on the care label.
• Drying: remove promptly, shake out wrinkles, reshape seams and air-dry. Direct intense sunlight can fade colours. Avoid high-heat tumble-drying.
• Ironing: cotton may tolerate moderate to higher heat, but the actual label determines the limit. Iron prints, elastic elements and embroidery from the reverse with a protective cloth.
• Storage: fold clean, completely dry pieces; protect from moisture and prolonged sun exposure.

Natural cotton can shrink most noticeably during early washes; pre-washing by a manufacturer does not guarantee zero further shrinkage.

4. Sweatshirt fabrics: French terry and brushed fleece

“Sweatshirt fabric” describes a knitted fabric construction, not one fixed fibre composition. French terry usually has loops on the inside; brushed fleece has a softer, raised inside surface. Both may be cotton, cotton/polyester blends or blends with elastane. Always follow the label for the exact composition.

• Washing: wash inside out at 30°C with similar colours on a gentle cycle. Close zippers, loosen drawcords carefully and avoid rough items such as hook-and-loop fasteners.
• Protect the inside: do not scrub or brush the fleecy surface aggressively; friction can flatten the nap or cause pilling.
• Spin and drying: choose a moderate spin, reshape cuffs, hems and hoods while damp, and dry naturally. Heavy hoodies are best supported on a rack rather than hung by the shoulders.
• Elastane and ribbing: avoid hot water, high heat and hot tumble-drying; heat may reduce elasticity.
• Ironing: iron on the reverse at the lowest temperature appropriate for the fibre blend. Do not press hard on raised brushed surfaces, prints or embroidery.
• Care over time: remove loose lint gently; if pills form, use a fabric shaver with very light pressure on a flat, dry surface and test in a hidden area first.

A sweatshirt with embroidery, an appliqué, a print or special details may need a cooler wash than a plain sweatshirt of identical material.

5. Stains, odours and everyday care

• Act early: blot fresh spills gently with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, which spreads the stain and damages fibres.
• Spot test: test any treatment on a concealed area before treating the visible surface.
• Use cool water first: especially for blood, milk and other protein-based stains. Hot water can make them harder to remove.
• Grease: use a small amount of suitable mild liquid detergent on the affected area, rinse and wash according to the label. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
• Do not heat-set stains: check that a stain has disappeared before ironing or using a dryer.
• Freshen between wears: air garments out when they do not need a full wash, keeping them away from prolonged direct sun.
• Never mix cleaning chemicals: especially bleach with other cleaning agents.

Quick answers

Can I tumble-dry natural fabrics? Only if the product label permits it. Air-drying is the gentler default.

Why did a garment shrink? Heat, agitation, fibre type, knit structure and finishing all influence shrinkage. Cool washing and avoiding tumble-drying reduce the risk.

Can I iron embroidered products? Yes only if the garment label permits, preferably inside out with a cloth protecting the embroidery. Do not apply a hot iron directly to prints or decoration.

What about kitchen towels and bedding? Wash before first use according to their own care labels, separate colours and avoid excessive fabric softener if absorbency matters. Some household textiles allow warmer washing; never assume this without checking.