How to Properly Wash Your Wardrobe Capsule Pieces
Quality and Cleanliness go Hand in Hand
There is nothing more comfortable and chic than a knit sweater. There are so many different ways to style them up and down. Whether you are going out on a date or picking up your kids from school, a knit sweater is one of the easiest ways to style an outfit, but stay comfortable and cozy at the same time. Being able to feel good while looking good is one of the key elements in a capsule wardrobe.
However, washing a knit sweater is easier said than done, and sadly a lot of people find a shrunken version of their sweater when they pull it out of the dryer, or noticed that that fabric has been agitated from the washing machine. The same thing applies to other items, such as jackets, jeans, and even tank tops. There is a right and a not-so-right way to wash all articles of clothing, especially if you are managing a capsule wardrobe.
Take a look at some tips and tricks to washing your favorite pieces according to our founder, Chantal.
Knitwear
Gentle cycle on a cold wash is key. You don't want the fibers in your knits to be stretched too much or else they will start to lose their shape. After they've been washed, you can dry them a multitude of ways. Hang dry is the safest bet, especially with anything that is wool or a wool blend. However, sometimes we don't want to wait days to wear our favorite cardigan. You can also use a gentle or low heat option, and closely monitor how they're doing by pausing the cycle midway.
Another technique is using regular heat and and regular time, but cutting the cycle short. Then, hang dry the knits. Our popular Melanie sweater and new Kate Cotton Knit Top are 100% cotton, but you would never know by the feel of it. This sumptuous fabric is not just soft and breathable, but washes beautifully and does not shrink in low or regular heat.
Leggings
What could be more versatile than a knit sweater? Leggings! Leggings are a great capsule wardrobe staple that can be worn when working out, running errands, or lounging around your home.
You will want to wash your leggings in the same manner as your knitwear. This is not in case they shrink, but to keep the integrity of the elastic fabric. Our Dani leggings are a blend of 82% nylon and 18% Lycra, and designed to provide four-way stretch for maximum flexibility and range of motion.
Outerwear
Just because the holidays is over doesn't mean that the winter cold is gone for most people in the world. Thankfully, there are key wardrobe pieces that you can cultivate that fit the time between freezing winter and sunnier spring.
Washing outerwear requires a lot more scrutiny. Depending on the materials, a lot of outerwear cannot be machine washed and either need to be spot cleaned or taken to a professional cleaners.
Our Norah Short Puffy Jacket is not just a great way to keep warm and chic. It is a nylon/polyester blend that allows you to throw it in the washing machine AND the dryer on regular cycles. Can you say that about other quality puffers in the market?
In a perfect world, everyone would have the time to hand wash their clothes and the room to lay them flat. However, that is not the reality for a lot of people. Val Mila knitwear are selected for not just their luxurious feel, but most importantly for quality. When you intentionally buy quality pieces, they will last you not just years, but multiple washes.