Washing and Storing Tips Uphold Premium Quality Fashion

Caring for Australian-made apparel starts with understanding what each fibre needs. The way you wash, dry, and store your clothing has a direct impact on its shape, colour, and longevity.

Linen, merino wool, organic cotton, and mixed fibres all behave differently, so the right approach needs to be considered. The guidance ahead will show how to care for the materials in your wardrobe with confidence, keeping them ready from year to year. 

Caring for Different Fibres

Each fibre has its own needs, and a considered approach helps every piece hold its shape, colour, and softness over time. A few simple principles make the biggest difference:

• Use cool water wherever possible

• Choose mild detergents

• Keep heat to a minimum when drying

• Follow the care label, especially with blends

Linen

Cool hand wash or a gentle machine cycle with mild detergent. Skip bleach, as it weakens and discolours the fibre. Shake out after washing and line dry in the shade. If using a dryer, keep the heat low and remove while still slightly damp.

Merino Wool

Often only needs a simple air out. When washing, use cool water and wool-safe detergent. Hand washing is ideal, though a cool, delicate machine cycle can work. Press (don’t twist) out excess water, reshape, and lay flat to dry away from heat.

Organic Cotton

Turn inside out and wash on a cool, gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Line dry in the shade to support the cotton’s natural drape. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat.

Mixed Fibres

Blends such as Tencel or select dead stock fabrics vary in sensitivity, so let the most delicate fibre guide your approach. Handle prints and textured details with care and stick to cool, gentle washing.

Other Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, certain habits can still have negative effects on your most beloved Australian-made apparel. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing the correct care method.

Simple things to watch for:

• Using hot water on natural fibres: Heat can tighten and weaken natural fibres, causing shrinkage and reducing the softness that materials like merino wool, linen, and organic cotton are known for.

• Overloading the machine: A crowded wash cycle places pressure on seams and twists fabrics out of shape, shortening the lifespan of pieces designed to be worn for years.

• Leaving garments in the machine after the cycle finishes: Damp clothes crease deeply and can develop musty smells. Removing them promptly keeps the fabric fresh and helps garments hold their intended drape.

• Rubbing or wringing delicate fibres: This distorts the structure of the fabric and leads to pilling or stretching. Gentle handling keeps the fibre’s natural beauty intact.

Avoiding these simple missteps keeps your wardrobe in better condition for longer and supports a more considered approach to caring for Australian-made apparel.

Storing Fashion Garments for Longevity

Caring for your clothing doesn’t end once it comes off the line. Thoughtful storage helps each piece keep its shape and stay ready to wear.

Knitwear, especially merino, is best folded and stored flat so the fibres don’t stretch. Woven pieces like linen shirts, skirts, and dresses sit well on quality hangers that support the shoulders. Whatever the fabric, allow space between garments so air can circulate and the fabric can rest without creasing.

For seasonal pieces, store them clean and in breathable bags or boxes. Natural repellents like cedar help protect without harsh chemicals. A simple approach like this keeps your Australian-made clothing looking and feeling its best for years to come.

Upholding Premium Quality Through Care

Caring for your clothing is a simple way to protect the quality, shape, and feel of each piece. When you wash and store your garments with care, you support the craftsmanship behind them and extend their place in your wardrobe. These habits help natural fibres look their best and last longer, reflecting the values of thoughtful, Australian-made fashion.

If you are building a wardrobe around quality, comfort, and longevity, explore Matilda Life’s Australian-made fashion and find pieces designed to be worn and loved for years.