Protecting Your Investment in Fine Clothing
You’ve worked hard and it’s paid off. To reward yourself for your efforts, you’ve purchased that expensive article of clothing you’ve always wanted—a stunning leather jacket or coat, a genuine silk dress or blouse, or maybe a cashmere sweater. Unfortunately, you have no idea how to care for such a garment. Here’s what you need to know.
Caring for Expensive Garments—The Basics
Properly tending to a high-end article of clothing generally focuses on three components:
- How to best store and maintain the garment
- How to clean the garment if it becomes soiled
- Preventive care that can minimize potential damage
Storing and Maintaining a High-Dollar Article of Clothing
As a general rule, most clothing should go on a hanger. Exceptions include knitwear and heavy items (some overcoats or jackets) that may sag or stretch on a hanger. Don’t skimp on the hangers—use padded or wooden hangers, never the wire or metal ones. Always store your clothing in a cool, dark and dry closet or storage space with plenty of ventilation, so that you don’t risk mold or fading. Garment bags provide an extra layer of protection, but you want breathable ones—never plastic—so that moisture doesn’t get trapped in your clothes.
Cleaning an Expensive Garment
The more you clean any garment—expensive or not—the faster its fibers break down. With most garments, it’s better to simply air out the garment after use, rather than wash or otherwise clean it. If there are stains, only wash in cold water (hand wash, if possible) and never put expensive items in the dryer. If possible, gently massage the stain to remove it. If necessary, use only a mild detergent to break down any stain. Avoid dry cleaning, expect for silk and tailored wool.
Preventive Measures to Keep Your Expensive Garments Looking Their Best
It can be surprising how quickly high-end garments get wrinkled. Never put an iron to your expensive clothes. Instead, gently apply steam to remove wrinkles. The regular application of a lint roller or fabric shaver can also keep your garments in a “like new” condition.
