How to take care of your wardrobe

Greenwashing dominates discussions about sustainable fashion. However, to truly follow the topic, one must delve into technical details, track yarn manufacturers, and adopt a genuine ecological philosophy—an effort more suited to companies than to consumers' purchasing choices. Nevertheless, some everyday precautions can improve our relationship with clothing, both for their emotional and material value, impacting the health of the planet. At the Extreme Cashmere event in collaboration with Miele during the last Paris Fashion Week, the brands offered a perfect example of how, through a multifunctional space, a clear and conscious path can be designed to teach us something about taking care of garments and ourselves. Defined as a spa, the space combined a meticulously curated care path with a showroom to offer attendees a moment of relaxation—an immersive experience with an almost therapeutic feeling. During the event, each guest was guided by the brands through the entire process of washing and caring for cashmere garments, from drying to the best ironing methods. What sparked our reflection was the particular attention both brands gave to washing fine wool: why is everyone afraid of washing cashmere?

When it comes to educating consumers on garment maintenance, many brands prefer to share generic washing instructions instead of testing each piece and specifying the exact washing method. In reality, this choice follows a precise strategy: the label indicating hand wash or dry clean on a sweater creates the impression that the garment has been made with greater care, which enhances its perceived value. However, a generic label produces unintended effects: it prevents us from truly understanding our clothes and developing a bond of care and attention—something crucial for expensive garments purchased to last over time. Care involves technology, emotion, and sustainability, and should be taken seriously if we want to extend the life of our favorite items. After all, clothes accompany us every day and are in direct contact with our skin.

Taking care of clothes means following three key principles: using Marseille soap, drying properly according to specific needs, and using laundry bags. Marseille soap is an essential ally for both hand and machine washing; it should be used in cold water along with a gentle ecological soap—just a few drops are enough. Additionally, Marseille soap can be very useful for pre-treating stains before putting clothes in the washing machine. Drying intelligently, based on the practical needs of each fabric, is crucial. Wool sweaters, cashmere, or delicate yarns should be dried flat on a towel, gently flipped from time to time, much like an omelet, until completely dry. Shirts and jackets, on the other hand, should be hung on hangers after excess water is removed to maintain their shape. Laundry bags are incredibly useful for several reasons: on one hand, they capture microplastics released by synthetic fabrics, preventing them from entering drains and oceans; on the other, they protect fibers from damage caused by spinning cycles, helping clothes last longer. Slow and cold washes are always recommended for the planet, your finances, and the preservation of garments.

Finally, to maintain clothes at their best, two things should be avoided: fabric softeners and high-temperature washes. If you really can't give up fabric softener, you can use a little white vinegar. As for the washing machine, when it comes to outerwear, the temperature should never exceed 30 degrees (nowadays, all laundry detergents eliminate bacteria even at low temperatures). It may seem like a hassle, but beyond preserving your favorite clothes, these small household rituals are actually acts of respect for the entire fashion industry. A way to make the garments we love last much longer, as if every fold and every seam strengthened our deep connection with each piece.