Care guide

Wash new colours separately the first two or three times. Deep dyes — indigo, red, black — release surplus dye early on, and one wash with a light garment is how that becomes permanent.

Cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle, garment turned inside out. Skip the bleach and the fabric softener: bleach strips dye and softener coats fibres so cotton stops absorbing sweat. Structured pieces, blends and anything labelled dry-clean should go to a cleaner rather than a machine.

Always turn the garment inside out before washing and never iron directly onto a print or over embroidery. Machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle, and keep printed items out of the dryer entirely — heat is what cracks a print.

Do not wring or twist. Reshape the garment while damp and dry it flat, or on a line in the shade. Direct sun bleaches colour out of the shoulders first, which is why a favourite shirt fades unevenly.

Low to medium heat, on the reverse side. Use a press cloth over prints, embroidery and any delicate weave. Steam is safer than a hot dry plate on synthetics and blends.

Cool, dry and dark. Hang tailored and structured pieces on padded or broad hangers so the shoulders keep their line; fold knitwear instead, because hanging stretches it out. Use breathable cotton covers rather than plastic, which traps moisture.

Blot, never rub, and treat it while it is fresh. Cold water for protein stains such as blood or dairy; a little detergent worked in gently for oil. Heat sets a stain permanently, so do not put a stained garment through a dryer or an iron until it is gone.