Jun 6, 2025

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

That under-the-Tuscan-sun moment when you're strolling through a quaint town in the South of France or along the Amalfi Coast, where linen shirts and cotton dresses hang from balconies, drying in the golden sun light?

It’s not just for the aesthetic—though let’s be honest, it’s very Instagrammable. Europeans have long mastered something we in the U.S. have almost forgotten: the art of caring for clothing like it’s meant to last.

As a designer who works with high-end natural fabrics, one of my most frequently asked questions is: “Can I tumble dry this?” I get it, life is busy, and convenience is king (or queen), and throwing your dress in the dryer feels like a win.

So here’s my honest answer:

Yes, you can tumble dry your garment… but I really wish you wouldn’t.

Even if your garment won’t shrink or unravel in the dryer, the long-term effects of heat can be sneaky. Each cycle weakens the fibers, even in high-quality fabrics, causing your pieces to wear out far faster than they deserve. That sundress you love? It deserves a summer next year, too.

And just for the record: if a care label says “dry clean only” but the garment has no beading, sequins, or embellishments, that's a red flag. Yes, really. It likely didn’t pass the wash test and may disintegrate if you so much as look at it wrong in the washer. True quality should be able to handle a gentle wash.

Let’s get into what you should do if you want your clothing to stick around for the long haul and look fabulous while doing it.

How to Make Your Garments Last (Basically) Forever

1. Stop Over-washing

Yes, really. One of the best things you can do is simply 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.

2. Air It Out

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

3. 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.

4. Wash with Cold Water

Hot water doesn’t clean better; it just stresses your clothes out. Cold water is much gentler, reduces energy use, and keeps your fabrics looking crisp and new.

5. Go Gentle with Detergents

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

6. Avoid the Dryer Like It’s an Ex

Okay, maybe not that dramatic—but avoid it when you can. Tumble dryers weaken fabric fibers and fade colors. Instead, hang dry or lay your pieces flat. Not only is it better for the garment, it adds that romantic European touch to your laundry 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. The same goes for workout clothes—especially anything made of synthetic fabrics. Polyester and nylon trap sweat and bacteria like it’s their job, 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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