Designer Clothing Care: How to Extend the Life of Your Wardrobe

One of the reasons you invest in designer clothing is because you expect it to last longer than other pieces, but the reality is that designer clothing care (i.e., how you store and wash items) is almost as important as how it’s made. Whether you’re buying brand-new designer clothing or shopping for vintage looks, we’ve identified some different products on the luxury marketplace and ways to care for them.

Invest in Proper Storage and Materials

If at any time you need to store your pre-owned luxury items, make sure to do it correctly. Obviously, the storing methods and materials will vary based on the type of product, how old it is and how long you plan to store it. To help you get started, we have a few basic steps that work for almost everything, including:

• Clean: Make sure all items are properly cleaned and dried before they go into storage.
• Dust Covers: Throw breathable garment bags or dust covers over denim and leather accessories and clothing.
• Wrap: If an item has embellishments, wrap it in tissue paper to ensure they don’t rip through the material.
• Tissue: Place a piece of acid-free tissue paper between each layer of anything lacy, beaded or knitwear.
• Hangers: Thin plastic and wire hangers can deform and stretch clothing, so if you have to hang it up, use wooden, sturdy or velvet-padded hangers.
• Space: Keep designer items in a dark, dry, cool place and avoid basements, attics or damp areas.

Always Use Special Care With Fabric

When you get a new designer item, even if it’s something you’ve used before, make sure to read the labels carefully. Designer fabrics often include special instructions regarding what washing methods, temperature and detergent to use.

Always hand-wash when you can, and send items out for dry cleaning if the tag requires it. Even one wash in the wrong machine can completely ruin a vintage item you’ve been trying to find for years.

Take Extra Time for Cleaning

Every fabric has a unique makeup, and rare items may even have special markings or designs that come out in production. This makes the washing process so important when you’re talking about how to extend wardrobe life. While it’s always a good idea to consult the tag, here are some minimal rules for washing specific fabrics.

Cashmere

Cashmere is best known for its shape and softness, so you should always hand-wash it in cold water. Fill a wash tub or basin with lukewarm or cold water, and add a bit of special detergent approved for use with cashmere. Submerge the garment slowly, and move it around for a few minutes. Do not scrub it, or wring it out.

Drain the basin, and refill it with clean, cold water. Rinse the item gently, and continue to do so until the detergent is gone. Lay the garment on a dry, clean towel to dry, and roll the towel with the item inside to remove excess water. Reshape it, and lay it on the towel to dry. Avoid heat sources, sunlight and the dryer. If the item has wrinkles, lightly use a steam cleaner to remove them.

Leather

Spot clean leather when you can. Use a bit of leather cleaner, baby shampoo or mild soap to gently dab a stain, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Never submerge leather in water, and use a specialized leather cleaner whenever you can.

Let the product air dry naturally at room temperature. Don’t use direct heat. Conditioning leather regularly ensures it maintains flexibility and replenishes oils. Follow the directions closely on the product you chose, but most are applied in even, thin layers with a soft cloth.

If you have a large spot or stain on a leather item, take it to a professional who specializes in leather to ensure the item remains intact.

Silk

Known for its softness and luster, many silk garments need to be professionally washed. If you can’t get to a professional, the washing process follows a similar pattern as cashmere items. Don’t use regular detergent. Instead, choose a gentle soap, and add the item to a sink or basin full of cold water. Rinse the soap off in cold water. If you want to restore shine and make sure any soap residue is gone, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water.

Dry the item by wrapping it in a towel and wrapping it up, gently pressing out the extra water. Lay it in its natural shape on a dry towel, and avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can fade the material. If you have to iron it, do it on low heat and while it’s still damp. You can also opt for a steamer to get rid of wrinkles.

Tips for Timeless Pieces

Items from designers like Dries Van Noten, Loewe^®, Prada, Dior^® and Burberry^® are often timeless and never really go out of style. Some become even more valuable as they age. As they get older, they become more susceptible to damage, too, so here are a few additional tips for caring for them:

• Fix Small Issues Fast: Don’t let a tiny tear or loose button ruin your designer items, as they can get worse the longer you wait to fix them.
• Protect Them From Moths: Moths are a danger to some natural fibers such as wool and cashmere, so use mothballs, lavender or cedar blocks to deter them.
• Rotate Your Items: Wearing some items is hard on them, so rotate them through your wardrobe regularly to protect more timeless pieces.
• Avoid Direct Light: Fabric weakens and fades the longer it’s exposed to sunlight, so store designer clothing away from harsh lighting or windows.
• Clean Your Hands: Lotion and oil on your hands can transfer to fabric and stain them, particularly silks or those with lighter colors, so always handle them with clean hands.

Extend Wardrobe Life With Our Team at The RealReal

At The RealReal, we have years of experience working with all types of designer material. We know how to care for it, authenticate it and help you sell it on consignment. When you need a platform to buy designer clothes or to let go of yours to someone new, we’re the place for you. Contact one of our representatives today to learn more about our system and how you can maximize clothing resale value.