Care guides|December 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.
The simplicity of the Skedblad chair
Design|December 2024
The wooden Skedblad chair is a distinctive and quickly recognisable feature of our cafés and store furnishings. Designed in 1933 by Carl Malmsten, one of the most well-known furniture designers and interior architects in the Nordics, the chair is as simple as can be, consisting of only six pieces, with a soft, oval backrest resembling the bowl of a spoon.
Holiday ginger snaps
Food|December 2024
Prepare for holiday gatherings with traditional ginger snaps. These classic cookies come with a twist, featuring cinnamon, ginger and cardemom, allong with an extra zing of Sichuan pepper and sea salt.
Designing for longevity with Sofia Snöborgs Tüll, ARKET Head of Production & Sustainability
Interviews|December 2024
ARKET’s design philosophy is grounded in a commitment to quality and longevity. Sofia Snöborgs Tüll, our Head of Production & Sustainability, dedicates much of her efforts on improving resource use. Her work includes testing and expanding business models focused on resale, repair, and rental.
Functional beauty and the collaborative craft of making shoes
Interviews|December 2024
Susanna Cognigni is our senior shoes and accessories designer, leading the design of our women’s footwear and bags since our first collection in 2017. For the past few years, she has been based in Civitanova, a seaside city in the Marche region, where most of our shoes are produced, and near where she was born and raised in a large family of shoemakers.