Care guides|October 2024
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.
How to care for synthetic fibres
Care guides|October 2024
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.
How to care for leather garments
Care guides|October 2024
Leather is a hard-wearing yet sensitive natural material. As leather ages, it develops a beautiful patina, showcasing its unique character and history over time.
How to care for wool
Care guides|October 2024
Merino wool, lambswool, mohair, alpaca, and cashmere—there are many types of wool, all valued for their warmth and durability. Wool is also breathable, moisture-wicking, and resistant to odours and wrinkles. When cared for properly, wool garments can maintain their quality and appearance over time.
How to care for jersey garments
Care guides|October 2024
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.
Moments of presence with Mario Milana
Interviews|November 2024
The works of Mario Milana focus on the interaction between the body, mind, and objects. With this approach, the Milan-based furniture designer attempts to integrate the habit of presence into everyday life, looking to expand the meditative practice beyond an assigned time and place. ‘If you have to interact with something both physically and mentally, then you're present in that moment.’
The hidden features of our typeface ARKET Sans
Design|November 2024
Meant to reflect our preference for simplicity, functionality, and longevity, the ARKET logo isn’t a logo but merely the name of the brand set in uppercase in our own bespoke type family, ARKET Sans, which was developed in 2015 by the Icelandic and Danish design duo Or Type.
Re:Down
Suppliers|November 2024
Based in California, France, and Hungary, Re:Down produces lightweight, insulating filling materials from recycled down and feathers.
Baked sweet potatoes with apple salsa
Food|November 2024
A lighter vegan option featuring a flavour-bursting mix of herbs, baked sweet potatos and green apple. An ideal dish for weekday dinners or an equally suitable side dish for the brunch table.