Care Advice

  Care with intention. Wear for longer

A gentle reminder that clothing lasts when we look after it - especially vintage pieces made to be worn, repaired, and cherished. Explore our guide below to help keep your garments in circulation for years to come. 

 

WASHING

Wash Less. Wear for longer. 

Why it matters: Overwashing is the #1 cause of colour fading, fibre damage, and shrinkage.
Our approach: Treat washing as maintenance, not routine.

Key principles:
  • Air between wears – Most clothes don’t need washing after every wear. Air pieces out between wears to refresh them. Overwashing is one of the biggest causes of fading, fibre damage, and shrinkage.
  • Wash cool or cold – Cold water protects fibres, prevents colour loss, and uses far less energy. Perfect for most vintage fabrics. 
  • Use mild detergents – Avoid harsh chemicals and strong enzymes, which can be too aggressive for older textiles. Look for mild, pH-neutral detergents.
  • Turn inside out – This reduces surface abrasion and helps preserve prints, textures, and colours. 
  • Delicate cycle or hand wash – Especially for delicates and fragile items like silk, lace, open weaves.When in doubt, hand wash in lukewarm water.
  • Always air-dry – Heat breaks down fibres. Air-dry garments flat or on a hanger, and avoid tumble drying where possible. 

 

READING CARE LABELS 

Your care label is a garment’s instruction manual

Care labels offer the most accurate guidance for that specific piece - including washing temperature, ironing instructions, and whether dry-cleaning is recommended.

If your vintage piece has no label

This is common in older garments. When in doubt, always choose the safest method: hand wash or cool, gentle machine wash, using mild detergent and air drying.

 

STORING

Store garments thoughtfully to prevent long-term damage.

• Clean before storing - prevents discolouration & moth attraction
• Give pieces room - avoids friction & pilling
• Use the right hangers - padded for delicates, wooden for coats
• Fold knits - prevents stretching
• Natural moth protection - cedar or lavender
• Keep away from sunlight - prevents fading & fibre weakening

 


FABRIC-SPECIFIC CARE

Different Fabrics. Different Needs.

Cotton

Cool wash · Mild detergent · Air dry · Warm iron

Wool & Knitwear

Hand wash cool · Press water out gently · Dry flat · Depill with care

Silk

Cool hand wash · Silk-safe detergent · Avoid sun · Low iron/steam

Linen

Cool/warm wash · Air dry · Iron damp

Denim

Wash infrequently · Cold wash inside out · Always air dry

Synthetics

Cool wash · Low heat · Use microfibre-catching bags

Embellished or Delicate Vintage

Hand wash · Minimal soaking · Air dry flat

 

SEWING & ALTERATIONS

A Philosophy We Live By

At Archive 80, we strongly believe in mending, sewing, and altering clothes to help them last longer.
If you don’t sew, ask a friend or family member - or find a trusted local seamstress or tailor. 

Our restoration approach

We source garments for their craftsmanship and potential - even when they have minor defects. Many Archive 80 pieces have been carefully mended or thoughtfully altered to give them a new life before joining your wardrobe.

Caring for your clothes protects the planet, preserves craftsmanship, and is the reason we can keep clothes in circulation and circularity is what makes fashion truly sustainable.

Keep learning. Keep caring. Keep clothing in circulation.

 

Coming Soon... 

Archive 80 Alteration Service

A dedicated service designed to keep your garments in circulation - mindfully and beautifully. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on our services.