Care instructions

The colors, cuts, and materials of past decades make each piece unique – but they require special attention.

Vintage clothing was often produced in better quality than today's pieces. However, these pieces have undergone decades of washing, wear, and perhaps even repairs. While modern, mid-priced clothing often only lasts about five years, we're talking about 20 years or more for vintage—an impressive span of time that demonstrates their high quality.

While you can often rely on the care label, care instructions have changed over the years. If the label is no longer present, you should wash as gently as possible or leave it to a professional.

With proper care, you'll not only preserve the look but also the longevity of your vintage pieces. Here are some valuable tips.

  • General

    ✔ A water temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is perfectly sufficient to clean your laundry. This also saves energy and is easy on your wallet.

    ✔ Wash colors separately : Avoid discoloration by keeping dark, light, and colorful items separate.

    ✔ Do not overload the washing machine: More space means gentler cleaning.

    ✔ Avoid tumble drying: Heat and mechanical friction can damage fibers – air drying is the better choice.

  • Jersey only with jersey

    Cotton jersey T-shirts and sweatshirts are more delicate than you might think. Zippers or rough fabrics like denim or canvas can roughen or even damage the material. Therefore, you should wash similar fabrics together .

    Particularly dense and heavy items should be laid flat rather than hung up to dry.

    If a jersey fabric has already thinned out a bit, a laundry bag will help protect it from further abrasion. Always turn it inside out to reduce pilling and color loss.

  • We all love prints

    Prints and embroidery from earlier decades are often less durable than modern prints. To prevent them from peeling off or fading:

    ✔ Turn inside out before washing
    ✔ Use a laundry bag to minimize abrasion
    ✔ Do not use hot water to prevent the colors from fading

  • Wash caps properly

    Baseball caps require special care. The brims and front panels are mostly made of reinforced materials that would deform in the washing machine.

    ✔ Pre-clean with special tools and wash in the dishwasher . Various suppliers offer special devices to prevent your cap from becoming deformed.
    ✔ You can also simply wipe your cap with a damp (preferably white) towel.

  • Smells from times gone by

    Sometimes vintage clothing has a typical "old" smell. This may disappear briefly after washing, but reappear with body heat. What can help?

    ✔ Detergents with disinfectant properties or household remedies such as vinegar and baking soda
    ✔ Steam or air overnight in cooler air – especially frosty temperatures neutralize odors effectively

  • Not all stains are the same

    A little patina is part of vintage, but some stains just don't fit the overall look. Gall soap helps gently touch up the stains.

    And if a stain is irremovable, overdyeing is an easy way to give the garment a new look.

  • Canvas, jeans and co.(rd)

    Robust materials such as canvas, denim and corduroy are almost indestructible, but here too it is worth considering a few things:

    ✔ Close zippers before washing
    ✔ Turn inside out to avoid abrasion and color loss
    ✔ Wash similar materials together to prevent unnecessary friction

  • Don't forget polyester

    In the '90s, polyester was a staple in fashion—especially in sportswear. To ensure the fabric lasts:

    ✔ Use special detergent for synthetic fibers
    ✔ Do not use fabric softener as this may impair breathability

  • Storage & value retention

    Not only washing, but also proper storage determines the lifespan of your vintage pieces:

    ✔ Dry wardrobe – moisture promotes mold and odors
    ✔ Place moth protection – lavender sachets or cedar wood help
    ✔ Use wide, stable temples to avoid deformation

  • Well maintained = higher resale value

    The better you care for a garment, the longer it will stay in good condition and the more you can demand if you decide to sell it yourself one day. Well-preserved vintage pieces are in demand, and with proper care, your piece will retain its value.

And if something does need repairing? Don't write it off too quickly! A tailor can work wonders with a simple repair or even upcycling and reworking. Almost anything can be salvaged – find out more on our social media !