Caring for natural dyes

and natural fibres

Close-up of hand resting on pale green Cornelia dress in Aloe herringbone linen fabric with geometric pattern

Caring for naturally dyed clothing is a little different from caring for synthetically dyed items. Each piece is hand-dyed using traditional block-printing techniques, which means your garment may carry slight traces of the printer’s table, small variations in the pattern, or subtle differences in colour.

We celebrate these marks. They reflect the hands that made them and the organic nature of the dyeing process. Each piece holds a story of earth and humanity, woven into the cloth.

NATURAL COLOUR

Natural dyes gently evolve over time, which is part of their unique beauty. The degree of colour change depends on a few key factors, including how often the garment is washed, its exposure to sunlight, and how it’s cared for.

To keep colours rich for longer:

  • Store garments away from direct sunlight

  • Wash only when necessary

  • Avoid contact with acidic or alkaline substances, such as deodorants, skincare products, or foods like tomatoes and lemon juice

Treat your naturally dyed clothing with care and it will continue to age beautifully, developing more character over time.

LINEN

Linen naturally softens with wear and washing. It may feel slightly stiff at first, but this is part of its natural journey.

To help soften it more quickly:

  • Soak in bicarbonate of soda for a few hours

  • Use eco-friendly fabric softener in the wash

  • A short tumble dry can also help relax the fibres, though it may slightly affect the colour

WASHING

When it's time to wash your garment:

  • Hand wash separately by colour in warm water

  • Dry naturally, ideally in the shade to preserve colour

  • Use gentle, eco-friendly detergent, soap nuts, or just water

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or strong detergents

  • Do not tumble dry cotton garments

During the first few washes, it’s normal for some colour to rinse out. This doesn’t mean your garment will lose its vibrancy. It simply means excess dye is being released from the surface fibres.