Treat your clothes and accessories with care and they will keep you looking amazing for years to come. Here we explain how you can take care of your favorite pieces.
Cashmere Sweaters
Do not hang them, they will stretch and lose their shape. Fold the sweaters instead.
Wash them by hand several times a season (instead of after each wear). Use a mild soap. Dry the sweater by wrapping the in in a towel and pressing lightly. Allow to air-dry on a level surface. Direct heat and agitation are the enemy.
Leather Shoes
Do not store off-season shoes in plastic containers that trap moisture and weaken the leather. Stay with breathable shoe boxes or a shoe rack that is out-of-the-way.
Make polishing a habit. Clean them first, as shoe polish can seal in dirt. Daily maintenance - for example, a quick swipe with a cloth to remove dirt and dust - can significantly extend the life of your leather.
Sneakers
Do not bleach your dirty white shoelaces as it can weaken the fibers and cause breakage. Instead, soak the laces in warm water with a general-purpose bleach solution.
Treat the insoles with a deodorant and use a manual spray to remove stinking bacteria. For dirty mesh, scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in a cup of warm, soapy water.
White T-Shirts
Don't fear the washing machine. Cotton and linen are incredibly durable fibers and stains are best avoided by thorough cleaning.
Pre-treat sweat stains with a specialty soap or a paste of baking soda and water; let it sit on the discoloration for 30 minutes before washing.
Bras
Don't just throw them in a drawer. The cups will keep their shape best if stacked in a row, as you see it in lingerie stores, or hang them in your closet.
Wash them three to four times by hand or in a mesh bag with a detergent designed for delicate items. Air-dry instead of using the dryer, which can destroy the stretch of the bra.
Tights
Cheap out when you purchase. First, consider the opacity: The more transparent the tights, the more brittle the material. Note the denier (weight unit to determine tights' thickness). An 80-denier knit, for example, will probably be much more durable than a pair of 35-deniers, which is more transparent and may be more susceptible to runs. Look for a sheerness-price combination that offers optimal durability at an acceptable cost. Size up if you’re at the higher end of the range to prevent stretching.
Give tights the same care as you give your bras: Wash them by hand or use a mesh bag in the washing machine, choose a detergent for delicate products, and skip the dryer.