Caring for naturally dyed clothing is a little different to synthetically dyed clothing. As each item is hand dyed using traditional block printing techniques, the item may bear traces of the printer’s table, there may be small variations in the pattern and the colour pigment itself may vary due to the nature of the natural dyeing process. We absolutely celebrate these characteristics as they embody humanity and the Earth in every piece.

NATURAL COLOUR

Natural dyes will always change slightly over their lifetime. How much depends on a few main things: how often they are washed, their exposure to sunlight/UV rays, and how well they're looked after. Store your items somewhere out of direct sunlight to keep the colours richer for longer and only wash when absolutely necessary. Natural dyes are susceptible to products we use and this can have a negative effect on the colour. Acids and alkalis can change the colour of the garment so be careful when wearing your item. For example, deodorants and skin products, acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons and more. Treat your naturally dyed clothing with care and they will last a long time.

LINEN

Linen becomes softer and more supple over time with wear and it can be a little stiff to begin with. This is the natural journey of linen but to quicken the softening process and encourage the fibres to relax you can use eco fabric softener when in the washing machine or soak the item in bicarbonate of soda for a few hours. Linen also responds well to heat so putting your item in a tumble dryer for a short time can also soften the fibres but be aware this can have an affect on the colour.

WASHING

When it’s time to wash your item we recommend hand washing items separately by colour in warm water, drying it naturally and ideally in the shade. You can put the item in the washing machine but the colours can fade at a faster rate and you are also at risk of dying your other clothes! We would also not recommend using any harsh chemicals during washing, instead use either gentle eco detergent, soap nuts or just water. During your first few washes some colour will likely rinse out, which is completely normal and it doesn’t mean that the pigment of the item will fade dramatically. Usually it just means that the excess dye within the fibres of the cotton is being released. We don’t recommend tumble drying with cotton.

We recommend washing the deep indigo items a few times early on to release the excess dye as the pigment can initially rub off on your body or other clothing. This is part of indigo’s eccentricity and cannot be avoided!