Care guides|March 2025
Synthetic fibres such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic, and elastane have many useful properties that can be enjoyed in a variety of garments, including activewear and swimwear. They’re usually comfortable, quick-drying, and keep their shape well. However, they also shed tiny plastic particles that can enter the sea and cause harm to our ecosystems. Here’s how to care for synthetic garments.
Air and steam your clothes between washes.
Spot-treat stains if the entire garment doesn’t need washing.
Wash hard-surfaced garments like denim separately from synthetic textiles to reduce friction. Always close zips and buttons to prevent shredding.
Avoid mechanical forces that cause friction by skipping the spin cycle and tumble dryer. Air-dry synthetic textiles instead for quicker drying and less shedding.
Use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag to capture microfibres during laundry, extending clothing lifespan and preventing microplastics from entering waterways.
Fill the bag halfway with synthetic textiles.
Close the bag and wash as usual.
Remove wet textiles after washing.
Collect accumulated microfibres from the bag's interior and dispose of them in the bin.
Use a special detergent made for synthetic materials, which will allow for a thorough clean at a low temperature and maintain fabric quality.
Avoid fabric softener, as it can coat the fibres of your sportswear and reduce their wicking capabilities.
Overloading the washing machine can cause clothes to rub against each other, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.
Hang synthetic garments to air dry whenever possible to prevent damage from heat and friction.
Avoid tumble drying when you can to minimise stress on the fabric and reduce the risk of shrinkage or stretching. Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label to ensure proper drying techniques specific to the fabric type.
Always adhere to the care instructions. Some synthetic fabrics don’t respond well to high heat. Avoid ironing these garments to prevent fabric damage.
If your item lacks specific care instructions, proceed with ironing cautiously. Adjust the iron's heat setting to ensure the fabric isn't overheated.
Ensure garments are clean and completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odours.
Fold garments neatly to avoid creases and wrinkles. Avoid hanging synthetic fabrics for long periods as they can stretch or lose their shape.
For long-term storage, use breathable containers or garment bags to prevent moisture build-up and allow air circulation.
Store garments away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage to the fabric's integrity.
Use moth repellents or cedar blocks to protect synthetic garments from moth damage if storing for an extended period.
Jersey
Care guides|March 2025
Jersey is a knitted fabric commonly used to make T-shirts, loungewear, and more. Properly caring for your jersey garments will help maintain their softness and stretch.
Synthetic fibres
Care guides|March 2025
Synthetic fibres such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic, and elastane have many useful properties that can be enjoyed in a variety of garments, including activewear and swimwear. They’re usually comfortable, quick-drying, and keep their shape well. However, they also shed tiny plastic particles that can enter the sea and cause harm to our ecosystems. Here’s how to care for synthetic garments.
Silk
Care guides|March 2025
Silk is composed of incredibly fine natural protein fibres produced by silkworms. It is surprisingly strong, smooth, breathable, and transports moisture. Handle silk garments with care to maintain their smooth and lustrous texture.
Canvas
Care guides|March 2025
Canvas items, such as shoes and bags, are popular for their durability and versatility. Proper care can help maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan.
On scents and the mapping of beauty
Notes|March 2025
Scent is memory, place, and time – an invisible thread that links the material character of nature with the subjective realm of dreams, evoking emotions and connecting the past with the present.
Jersey
Care guides|March 2025
Jersey is a knitted fabric commonly used to make T-shirts, loungewear, and more. Properly caring for your jersey garments will help maintain their softness and stretch.
Olivia Lonsdale on the joys of going smaller
Interviews|March 2025
At first glance, the works of filmmaker Olivia Lonsdale seem hard to place in time. It might be because of the timeless beauty of every frame, the recognisable emotions she points to, or the grainy texture of her visual language, reminiscent of the past and mirroring the present. It’s deliberate: in her work, and in her life, the filmmaker and actor finds pleasure in the art of limits, favouring reflection and pause before finding the shot.
Herby sandwich with Gotland lentils and tomato
Food|March 2025
Combining earthy Gotland lentils with creamy herb mayo, beef tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, this sandwich is perfect for a light lunch or to share with friends. A final drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper bring everything together.