Care instructions
Below you will find our care recommendations by fabric and garment type - because pieces made with intention deserve to be looked after with the same.
Cotton
Our cotton garments are selected for their softness against young skin and their ability to hold up beautifully over time - through morning light and afternoon rain, and everything in between:
- Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle at 30°C or below. Fasten all buttons and closures before placing in the machine, and wash with similar colours to prevent colour transfer.
- Use a mild, liquid detergent - ideally one free from optical brighteners and harsh bleaching agents. We recommend avoiding fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that dulls the fabric over time. A small splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle is a gentler way to maintain softness.
- Lay flat or hang to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Sun can cause colours to fade unevenly. Never tumble dry - the heat and friction cause shrinkage and weaken the cotton fibres over time.
- Iron on a medium setting while the garment is still slightly damp for the best finish. For embroidered pieces, always iron on the reverse side to protect the stitching.
Cashmere
Our cashmere is sourced from the finest Italian yarns and rewards gentle handling with years of softness and beauty. These are pieces worth looking after:
- We recommend using your machine's hand wash or dedicated delicate program at a cold setting - always at 20°C or below. Cashmere fibres are sensitive to warmth, and even a modest rise in temperature can cause shrinkage. One important note: remove the garment from the machine as soon as the program finishes. Leaving cashmere sitting damp and compressed in the drum - even briefly - increases the risk of felting and shrinkage. We find it helpful to set an alarm for when the cycle ends. If you prefer to wash by hand, fill a basin with cold water, add a small amount of specialist cashmere or wool detergent, and gently press the garment through the water. Never wring, twist, or rub. Allow it to soak for no more than ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly in clean water of the same temperature to avoid shocking the fibres.
- Use only detergents specifically formulated for cashmere or fine wool. Standard detergents - even mild ones - can strip the natural oils that give cashmere its extraordinary softness, leaving it dry and prone to pilling. Never use bleach of any kind.
- After rinsing, gently press the garment between two clean towels to draw out excess water. Never wring or hang cashmere, as the weight of the water will stretch it out of shape. Lay flat on a dry towel, reshape by hand to its original dimensions, and allow to dry naturally - away from direct heat or sunlight.
- When not in use, fold cashmere garments and store them flat. Hangers cause the shoulders to stretch and lose their shape over time. A breathable cotton garment bag or acid-free tissue paper will keep them beautifully. Cedar balls are a natural, child-safe alternative to mothballs for added protection.
- Pilling is entirely natural with cashmere, particularly in areas of gentle friction such as underarms or where a harness sits. This is not a sign of poor quality. It is simply loose fibres working their way to the surface. Remove them gently with a cashmere comb, stroking in one direction. Pilling will reduce over time as the fibres settle.
Embroideries
Many of our garments feature detailed embroidery - from the silver leaf-and-bird motifs on our baby pieces to the delicate stitching on collars and cuffs. These details are part of what makes each piece feel considered, and they deserve a little extra attention:
- In addition to turning inside out, we recommend placing embroidered garments in a mesh laundry bag for an additional layer of protection during a gentle machine cycle. Where possible, hand washing is the safest option.
- Lay flat to dry, ideally face down on a clean towel. Avoid hanging embroidered pieces while wet, as the weight of the water can pull at the stitching over time. We strongly recommend against tumble drying embroidered garments - even on a low setting. The heat can cause threads to fray, fade, and lose their definition, while the tumbling action itself places repeated stress on the stitching, leading to puckering and distortion of the design. The care we put into our embroidery is best preserved by letting it dry naturally.
- Always iron on the reverse side. Place a thin, clean cloth between the iron and the embroidery to prevent direct heat contact, and use a low to medium temperature setting.
Other details
Our garments often feature decorative details - mother of pearl emblem-buttons, hand-tied bows, and carefully chosen closures. Each is selected with the same care as the fabric itself:
- Fasten all buttons before placing a garment in the machine. This prevents them from snagging on other pieces or catching on the drum. For garments with delicate bows, gently tie them closed or tuck them inward, and place the garment in a mesh laundry bag.
- Mother of pearl is a natural material and is sensitive to harsh chemicals. Avoid direct contact with bleach, acidic substances, or abrasive detergents. Should a mother of pearl button need cleaning, simply wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth - nothing more is needed.
- If a bow or ribbon loses its shape after washing, it can be refreshed by lightly dampening and reshaping by hand, then allowing it to dry flat. A low-heat iron over a protective cloth will restore crispness.
Jacket & coats
Our jackets and coats are designed to be as practical as they are refined - pieces that move easily from garden to pavement and back again. Because they use different materials from the rest of the collection, they benefit from their own care approach:
- The Augustin Jacket is constructed from a polyamide shell with a polyester lining - lightweight, resilient, and built for everyday adventures. Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle. Fasten all buttons and zips before washing. Polyamide and polyester are hardwearing fabrics, but we still recommend avoiding tumble drying to preserve the shape and finish of the quilting. Hang to dry or lay flat.
- The Alba Trench-Coat combines a cotton-lycra shell with a polyester lining. Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle, fastening all buttons beforehand. The small amount of lycra in the shell gives the fabric its beautiful drape and structure - tumble drying can compromise this over time. We recommend hanging the Alba on a sturdy hanger to dry. Unlike knitwear, a woven coat benefits from hanging - gravity allows the fabric to fall into its natural drape and helps prevent creasing. If ironing is needed, use a low to medium setting on the cotton shell and avoid direct heat on the lining.
Frequency of washing
Children's clothing naturally sees more frequent washes than our own. However, where possible, we recommend allowing garments to air between wears rather than washing after every use. This extends the life of the fabric and reduces wear on embroidery, buttons, and stitching - the details that make each piece what it is:
- Treat stains as quickly as possible. Blot gently with a damp cloth - never rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibres. For anything more stubborn, use a stain remover suitable for delicate fabrics and always test on a hidden area first.
- If ever in doubt, professional dry cleaning is a perfectly safe option. We recommend letting your dry cleaner know about any mother of pearl or delicate button details so they can take the appropriate care.
- Avoid bleach, tumble drying, high-temperature washing, wringing, and direct sunlight during drying. These are the most common causes of premature wear in well-made garments.