Garment Care Instructions

The most sustainable wardrobe choice you can make is keeping what you already own in great condition for as long as possible. Proper garment care is not complicated, but the details matter. Each fabric has its own needs, and understanding those needs will dramatically extend the life of your clothing. Here is everything you need to know about caring for Commonware pieces.

Cotton and Organic Cotton

Cotton is the backbone of most wardrobes, and it is one of the easiest fabrics to care for. Machine wash cold with like colors. Cold water preserves color, prevents shrinkage, and uses less energy. Tumble dry on low heat or, better yet, hang dry. High heat is the number one cause of premature cotton breakdown. The fibers weaken, the fabric thins, and what was once a sturdy tee becomes a rag.

For pieces like the Organic Cotton Crew Tee, the Everyday V-Neck Tee, and the Classic Oxford Shirt, turn them inside out before washing to protect the outer surface from friction in the drum. This keeps the face of the fabric looking newer for longer. Avoid bleach entirely. If you need to brighten whites, use a non-chlorine alternative or soak in a solution of baking soda and cold water.

Denim deserves special treatment. Wash the Straight-Leg Jeans and High-Rise Straight Jeans as infrequently as possible, ideally every five to ten wears. Spot-clean stains and air them between wears. When you do wash, turn inside out, button or zip closed, and wash cold on a gentle cycle. Hang dry always. The denim will develop a richer patina over time with less frequent washing.

Linen

Linen gets softer and more beautiful with every wash, which is one of its greatest qualities. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid overfilling the machine. Linen needs room to move in the water for an even wash.

Never put linen in the dryer. The heat will cause excessive shrinkage and stiffen the fibers. Hang dry or lay flat on a towel. Shake the garment out before hanging to minimize wrinkles, though some wrinkling is inherent to linen and part of its character. If you want a crisper look, iron while slightly damp on a medium-high setting.

The Relaxed Linen Button-Down, Drawstring Linen Pants, Unstructured Linen Blazer, and Linen Maxi Dress all follow these guidelines. Store linen pieces folded rather than hung to prevent hanger marks on the shoulders.

Wool and Merino Wool

Wool requires the most careful treatment, but the reward is a fabric that lasts decades when cared for properly. The Extra-Fine Merino Sweater, Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, Merino Sweater Dress, Lambswool Knit Cardigan, and Italian Wool Overcoat all follow similar care principles.

• Hand wash in cool water with a wool-specific detergent, or use the delicate cycle on your machine in a mesh garment bag
• Never wring wool. Gently press water out, then roll in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture
• Lay flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping the garment while damp
• Never hang wet wool. The weight of the water will stretch the fibers permanently
• Store knitwear folded in a drawer or on a shelf, never on hangers. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets will deter moths naturally
• For cashmere, hand wash only. The two-ply construction of the Cashmere V-Neck Sweater is durable but deserves gentle treatment
• Use a cashmere comb to gently remove any pilling. Pill once, and the garment will pill less over time

Synthetic and Performance Fabrics

The activewear collection and outerwear shells use recycled polyester, nylon, and elastane blends. These fabrics are durable and easy to care for, but they have specific needs.

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Never use fabric softener on performance fabrics. Softener coats the fibers and destroys their moisture-wicking properties. The Performance Training Tee, High-Waist Yoga Leggings, and Lightweight Running Shorts will lose their technical performance if treated with softener.

Hang dry all activewear. The Waterproof Rain Shell and Packable Windbreaker should be washed periodically to maintain their DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Use a tech-specific wash if available. After washing, tumble dry on low heat for twenty minutes to reactivate the DWR coating.

For the Recycled Fleece Pullover, wash cold and tumble dry on low. Avoid washing with garments that produce lint, like cotton towels, as fleece will attract and hold lint fibers.

Leather and Suede

The Full-Grain Leather Belt, Vegetable-Tanned Leather Loafers, and Suede Chelsea Boots each develop character with age, but only with proper care.

• Condition leather every three to six months with a quality leather conditioner. This prevents cracking and keeps the material supple
• Wipe leather clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry away from direct heat
• For suede, apply a suede protector spray before the first wear. Brush regularly with a suede brush to maintain the nap
• Treat water stains on suede immediately by blotting, then brushing once dry
• Use shoe trees in leather loafers and boots when not wearing them. This maintains shape and absorbs moisture
• Store leather and suede away from direct sunlight, which causes fading and drying

Waxed Cotton

The Waxed Cotton Field Jacket requires unique care. Never machine wash or dry clean. Both will strip the wax finish. Instead, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt. For heavier soiling, use cold water and a sponge. Allow to air dry completely.

Re-wax the jacket once a year, or whenever the wax finish begins to look dry and patchy. Reproofing wax is available from most outdoor retailers. Apply it with a clean cloth, focusing on high-wear areas like the shoulders and elbows. Hang the jacket in a warm room or use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the wax into the fabric evenly.

Storage Between Seasons

When transitioning your wardrobe between seasons, clean all garments before storing them. Stains and body oils that are invisible now will oxidize and set permanently over months of storage. Fold knitwear and place in breathable cotton storage bags, not plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mildew.

Hang structured garments like the Unstructured Linen Blazer, Italian Wool Overcoat, and Waxed Cotton Field Jacket on sturdy wooden or padded hangers. Thin wire hangers will distort the shoulders over time. Keep stored clothing in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight.

Caring for your clothes is an investment that pays for itself many times over. A well-maintained garment does not just last longer. It looks better, feels better, and carries the kind of lived-in quality that new clothes cannot replicate.

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Every Commonware piece is designed to last when cared for properly. Browse our full collection to find your next wardrobe investment.

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