Care

An important part of sustainable fashion is how we care for our clothing. By taking good care of your clothes, you extend the lifespan of your favorite pieces and reduce the need to buy new ones. This not only helps preserve your wardrobe but also contributes to reducing textile waste.

At Alchemist, we design garments made from high-quality materials that are durable and can stand the test of time – provided they are treated correctly. We always recommend following the care instructions on the label. Choose a low temperature and turn your garments inside out to minimize wear. Use environmentally friendly detergents and avoid the dryer, which not only consumes a lot of energy but also damages the fibers of your clothing.

For delicate fabrics like silk and wool, we recommend hand washing or professional cleaning. We also encourage you to opt for repair instead of replacement. A small fix, such as mending a seam or replacing a button, can significantly extend the life of your clothes.

Knitwear

Good knitwear can often be a significant investment, so here are a few tips on how to care for your knits, extend the lifespan of your garments, and make your investment worthwhile.

Washing

First of all: don’t wash your knitwear after just one wear. One of the advantages of wool is that it has self-cleaning properties, meaning it stays fresh longer than other fabrics. Hang your garments outside or near a window to air them out after wearing. Only if the smell remains is it time to wash.

Another tip is to wear a thin shirt underneath to act as a barrier between your skin and your knitwear. This helps keep your garments fresh even longer! When washing your knitwear, make sure to use a gentle cycle. Most washing machines have a special setting for wool or knitwear. Use a special wool detergent that is free of enzymes, and don’t use too much of it. Enzymes in regular detergents can break down the protein in wool, which may lead to small holes in your garments after just a few washes.

If your knitwear contains a percentage of virgin or recycled synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyamide, or elastane, we recommend using a laundry bag that filters out microplastics to prevent them from entering the water system. Shop the Guppyfriend Wash Bag in our webshop.

Drying

Although some might say that knitwear can go into the dryer, we advise against it. Using a dryer puts more strain on the environment, and the heat it produces does nothing to improve your garments. We recommend gently pressing out the water and laying your item flat on a towel on a drying rack. Turn it over occasionally.

Maintenance

Pilling in knitwear is unavoidable, whether it’s a fine knit or a vegan knit. Using a fabric shaver from time to time keeps your garments looking like new. Place your knit on a flat surface and gently move the shaver in circular motions over areas where pilling has occurred. You may need to empty the container during and after use to ensure optimal performance. We love the Pilo Shaver by Steamery Stockholm. You can buy this fabric shaver in our webshop.

When putting your garments back in your wardrobe, we recommend folding them instead of hanging them. This way they maintain their shape. Caring for your knitwear is essential to building a sustainable wardrobe!

 

 

Lastly: by being more mindful about how often and how you wash your clothes, you not only save energy and water, but also preserve the color and texture of your favorite pieces. Taking care of your clothes is a small act with a big impact.