Care guide
How to wash hemp, cotton and wool
Natural fibres last for years if you treat them gently. Cold water. Mild soap. No tumble dryer. That's most of it. Below is exactly how we care for each of our materials at home, and how to fix the small things you'll write to us about, like a hat that arrived creased or pants that came out of the wash an inch shorter.
| Product | Wash | Dry | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp sun hats and bucket hats | Hand wash in plain water | Reshape while damp, dry in the shade | No machine, no dryer |
| Thai fisherman pants (cotton) | Machine wash cold | Hang to dry | May shrink a little the first time |
| Mushroom harem pants (cotton) | Machine wash cold | Hang to dry | Pre-wash once before wearing |
| Palazzo set (cotton) | Hand wash cold | Line dry | No bleach, no dryer |
| Gheri cotton ponchos | Gentle machine wash cold | Hang to dry, iron on low | No dryer |
| Hand-knit wool and yak wool | Hand wash cold, mild soap | Press water out, dry flat | Never wring, never machine dry |
| Hemp bags, wallets and pouches | Spot clean with a damp cloth | Air dry | Hand wash cold if really needed |
How do I wash a hemp hat?
Fill a basin with cool, plain water and swish the hat around. Got a mark? Dab it with a little mild soap and rinse. Then press the water out with a towel. Don't wring it. Bend the brim into the shape you like, stuff the crown with a dry T-shirt and leave it in the shade for an afternoon, not in direct sun, which can fade the colour.
My hat arrived creased. How do I fix it?
Mist the creases with plain water, push the crown out from inside, bend the brim back into shape and let it dry. The wire in the brim holds the shape you give it.
My new hemp smells earthy. Is that normal?
Yes. Hemp is a natural fibre and new pieces can smell a little like hay. Leave it outside in fresh air for a day and it fades. New wool can carry a faint sheep smell for the same reason; it airs out in a day or two.
My cotton pants shrank. What now?
It happens. Cotton can lose up to an inch of length the first time it meets warm water or a hot dryer. While they're still damp, gently pull the legs back to length and hang them up. Next time: cold wash, no dryer, and you won't see it again.
How do I wash hand-knit wool without ruining it?
Cold water, a teaspoon of wool wash or mild soap, and no rubbing. Let it soak for ten minutes. Lift it out, roll it in a towel to press the water out and lay it flat on a dry towel, away from the radiator. Two rules: never hang wet wool, because it stretches, and never put it in hot water or a dryer, because it felts and you can't undo that.
