Caring for what you collect

Wool is resilient and naturally odour-resistant, so it rarely needs frequent washing. Airing it out between wears does most of the work.

• Hang knits to air after wearing rather than washing; a few hours of fresh air revives the fibres.
• Hand-wash in cool water with a wool-specific detergent, then press — never wring — out excess water.
• Dry flat on a towel to hold the garment's shape and avoid stretching at the shoulders.
• Store folded with cedar or lavender to deter moths; avoid hanging heavy knits long-term.

Cashmere is luxuriously soft but delicate. Treat it gently and it only grows more supple with time.

• Hand-wash in lukewarm water with a mild or cashmere-specific detergent, swirling gently without rubbing.
• Never wring; press the water out and reshape the piece while damp.
• Dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight to protect the fibres and colour.
• Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to lift pills, and rest the garment a day between wears.

Silk is strong yet sensitive to heat, friction, and harsh chemicals. A light touch keeps its signature sheen intact.

• Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent, or opt for professional cleaning on structured pieces.
• Avoid wringing and direct sunlight, both of which dull and weaken the fibres.
• Roll in a towel to absorb moisture, then iron on the lowest setting while slightly damp, inside out.
• Keep perfume and deodorant away from the fabric, as alcohol and acids can leave permanent marks.

Leather ages beautifully when it stays clean, conditioned, and dry. A little routine attention prevents cracking and stiffness.

• Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust; never soak or machine-wash leather.
• Condition a few times a year with a quality leather balm to keep the hide supple.
• Dry naturally and away from radiators or sunlight if it gets wet — heat causes cracking.
• Store on a padded hanger or stuffed to hold its shape, and treat stains with a specialist promptly.

Cotton is hard-wearing and easy to live with, but warm washes and high heat shorten its life and fade its colour.

• Machine-wash on a cool to warm cycle, turning prints and dark colours inside out.
• Wash similar colours together for the first few washes, as some dyes bleed.
• Line-dry where possible; tumble-drying on high heat can shrink and weaken the fibres.
• Iron while slightly damp on a medium-to-high setting for a crisp finish.

Denim improves with restraint. Washing less preserves the indigo, the fit, and the character that makes each pair unique.

• Wash sparingly and inside out, on a cold cycle, to slow fading and protect the weave.
• Air out between wears instead of washing; a freeze or a hang in fresh air handles light odours.
• Skip the dryer — line-dry to prevent shrinkage and keep the shape true.
• For raw denim, wait several wears before the first wash to let personal fades develop.