Garb works hard. Dust, rain, mud, sweat and smoke can all happen in one weekend. A little care keeps it looking right for years. Here's how to wash, dry, clean and store each kind of piece.
In short
- Check the product's care notes first.
- Wash fabric garb cool and gentle, and dry it in the air, out of strong sun.
- Never machine wash faux leather. Wipe it clean instead.
- Dry everything as soon as you get home, before you put it away.
Before you wash
- Read the care notes on the label or product page. If there are none, wash by hand in cool water.
- Wash dark and strong colours on their own the first few times. Dye can run.
- Take off brooches and pins, tie up loose laces and turn garments inside out.
- Treat stains early. Blot, don't rub, and test any stain remover on a hidden spot.
Linen, cotton and blends
Wash at 30°C (86°F) or below, with a mild detergent and no bleach, on a gentle cycle or by hand. Don't wring. Hang it up or lay it flat to dry, out of direct sun so the colour doesn't fade. Iron while still slightly damp, or steam. Hot washes and tumble dryers can shrink natural fibres.
Some pieces need extra care. Our Square-Neck Lace-Up Renaissance Dress, for example, should be hand washed cold, not soaked for long or rubbed hard, and dried flat in the shade with no spin-drying.
Velvet, satin and faux fur
- Velvet: hand wash cold or have it dry cleaned, as the care label says. Don't wring it or crush the pile. Hang it to dry, and steam out creases from the inside rather than ironing. If you must iron, use low heat on the reverse, with a towel underneath.
- Viscose satin: hand wash cold and handle it gently, as it is weaker when wet. Dry it on a hanger, never in a tumble dryer.
- Faux fur: shake it out and brush it gently. Spot clean first. If it needs a wash, use cool water by hand, squeeze the water out in a towel, dry it flat and brush it once it's dry. No heat.
Faux leather armour, bracers and belts
Keep faux leather out of the washing machine. Wipe it with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, dry it with a towel and let it air dry away from heat. Strong heat from radiators or hair dryers can make it crack. Don't leave it in a hot car or in strong sun for long. Store armour flat or on a stand, and stuff helms and pouches with paper so they keep their shape.
Real leather
Brush off dry mud and wipe with a slightly damp cloth. If it gets soaked, let it dry slowly at room temperature, away from heat, then rub in a little leather conditioner. Test any product on a hidden spot first. Natural marks and creases are part of real leather.
After the event
- Unpack the same day. Damp kit in a closed bag starts to smell and can grow mould.
- Hang wet cloaks and tunics up to dry, away from direct heat.
- Let mud dry, then brush it off before washing.
- Air out campfire smoke outdoors for a day. Wash if the smell stays.
- Dry buckles, rings and studs so they don't rust.
- Check seams and laces, and fix small tears before the next event.
Storing garb between seasons
Store only clean, fully dry pieces. Use breathable cotton bags or boxes rather than sealed plastic, which traps moisture. Keep everything somewhere cool, dark and dry. Hang cloaks on wide hangers or fold them loosely, and keep wool safe from moths with cedar or lavender.
Easy-care basics
Questions people ask
Can I machine wash my tunic?
Many cotton and cotton-linen pieces cope with a cool, gentle cycle, but check the product's care note first. When in doubt, hand wash cold.
How do I get campfire smoke out of a cloak?
Hang it outside in fresh air for a day or two. If the smell stays, wash it cool, or have velvet and wool dry cleaned.
How do I stop faux leather cracking?
Keep it away from heat and strong sun, wipe off sweat and dirt after wearing it, and store it flat and dry.
