Jun 6, 2025Craft & Heritage

Caring for Your Garments: How to Make Them Last (Basically) Forever

Picture that classic Amalfi Coast moment: linen shirts and cotton dresses hanging from balconies, drying in the sun. It's not just for the aesthetic, though it is undeniably beautiful. Europeans have mastered something we in the U.S. have mostly forgotten: caring for clothing like it's meant to last.

As a designer who works with high-end natural fabrics, one of my most frequent questions is: "Can I tumble dry this?" I get it. Life is busy, convenience is king, and throwing your dress in the dryer feels like a win.

Here's my honest answer: yes, you can tumble dry your garment, but I really wish you wouldn't.

White clothing hanging on a clothesline against a rocky background

Even if your garment won't shrink or unravel in the dryer, heat does damage slowly and invisibly. Every cycle weakens the fibers, even in high-quality fabrics, so your pieces wear out faster than they should. That sundress you love deserves a summer next year, too.

One more thing worth knowing: if a care label says "dry clean only" but the garment has no beading, sequins, or embellishments and isn't made from a traditionally delicate fabric, that's a red flag. It likely didn't pass a wash test and may not hold up in the washer. True quality should handle a gentle wash.

Here's what to do instead, so your clothes stick around for the long haul.

How to Make Your Garments Last (Basically) Forever

Stop Over-Washing

Back away from the laundry basket. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are breathable and odor-resistant. You don't need to wash them after every wear, unless you've spilled your oat milk latte down the front.

Air It Out

After wearing, hang your piece on a good hanger and let it breathe. Ideally out in the open for a few hours, not squished in your closet.

Spot Clean

If there's a smudge or spill, spot treat it instead of tossing the whole garment in the wash. It's gentler, quicker, and your garment will thank you.

Wash With Cold Water

Hot water doesn't clean better; it just stresses your clothes out. Cold water is gentler, uses less energy, and keeps fabrics looking crisp and new.

Go Gentle With Detergents

Most mainstream detergents are harsh, both on your clothing and your skin. Choose non-toxic, fragrance-free, or naturally scented detergents made for delicates. Think of it as skincare for your wardrobe.

Skip the Dryer When You Can

Tumble dryers weaken fabric fibers and fade colors. Hang dry or lay pieces flat instead. It's better for the garment, and it adds a little of that European laundry-line charm to your routine.

If you're in a pinch, tumble dry on low heat, but know that even low heat causes gradual damage over time.

One Last Note: Wash What Needs Washing

Please wash your underwear after every wear. Same goes for workout clothes, especially anything synthetic. Polyester and nylon trap sweat and bacteria easily, and nobody wants that lingering.

Caring for your clothing isn't just about preservation. It's about intention. It's romantic, sustainable, and quietly powerful.

So next time you reach for the dryer, think of that breezy little dress on a line in Positano. She wouldn't be caught dead tumbling at high heat.

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