Product Care

Caring For Your Clothes

At Costume, we believe in buying beautiful items that you’ll love forever, that’s why we’ve included some sage advice on how to take care of your clothing when you bring it home.

Taking proper care of your garments can add years to their lifespan, which is great for both the environment and your wardrobe. From washing silk to essential leather maintenance, keep reading for our definitive guide on caring for your favourite Costume purchases.

Garment Care

Whites

Keeping your whites bright will ensure you wear them longer, so it’s a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. We hope the following tips will help you to brighten older pieces and keep new ones sparkling like new:

Tip 1: Pre-treat stains using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Put this solution on the stained area and wash as per care label instructions.

Tip 2: Add ½ a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle.

Tip 3: Add ½ cup of lemon juice or 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash.

Tip 4: Add water softener to your wash cycle.

Tip 5: Only wash white garments with other white items.

Silk

Silk

Most silk garments are dry clean only, while others can be hand washed. Always read the care label before attempting to clean a silk garment.

Garment shrinkage is often a result of water being too hot. So gentle hand washing in cold or lukewarm water will reduce the likelihood of shrinkage happening. Do a small patch test in an inconspicuous area of the item to check for potential shrinkage and colour fastness before you hand wash, and never mix colours in case the dyes transfer from one garment to another.

This step-by-step guide to hand-washing silk garments will help them last for years:

Step 1: Using a clean bowl, dissolve a small amount of suitable detergent into lukewarm water at a max temperature of 30°C.

Step 2: Add the garment and gently agitate it, very lightly rubbing any stains.

Step 3: Gently squeeze the excess washing water out (do not wring or twist as this can damage the fabric).

Step 4: Rinse the garment in lukewarm water until all soap residue has been removed. You can add a few tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to the rinse water to neutralise alkali traces and dissolve soap residue.

Step 5: Lay the garment on a clean dry towel and gently press the water out of the fabric by rolling it up in the towel.

Drying Silk

Gently pull damp garments to shape, then lay flat to dry. Silk garments can be air dried but it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight (to avoid fibre damage or colour fade).

AVOID

  • Drying silk clothing directly on a wooden drying rack, as the wood finishes can leave stains.
  • Drying on a radiator as the heat can cause the silk to shrink and cause the fabric to dull.
  • Using a tumble dryer as it will most likely damage the silk.

To minimise the need to iron silk garments, hang them in the bathroom when you have a shower as the humidity will help the creases drop out.
If it is necessary to iron silk, follow these steps to avoid damage:

Viscose

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fibre made up of regenerated cellulose. It has a high absorbency, is highly breathable and is prone to shrinking up to 5% when washed. Please follow the care label carefully to ensure the garment lasts for its optimum lifespan.

Washing Viscose Garments

Hand Wash

If your wash care label instructs to cold hand wash:

Step 1: Using a clean bowl, dissolve a small amount of suitable detergent into lukewarm water at a max temperature of 30°C.

Step 2: Submerge the item and gently agitate with your hands, ensuring the soap is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Leave to soak for up to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse the item well with cool water. Do not wring, instead, press the water out of the item.

Step 5: Your item will have a different feel now it is wet due to the high absorbency qualities of the fibres. (Once this is dry and ironed the texture should return to its original quality.)

Machine Wash

If your care label instructs to delicate machine wash:

Step 1: Turn the viscose item inside out.

Step 2: Ideally place your item in a mesh bag – this helps to prevent snags and damage to the item.

Step 3: Add washing detergent to your machine according to the load size (try not to include other items such as jeans that may increase agitation).

Step 4: Select the delicate machine wash cycle on your washing machine, ensuring the temperature is not above 30 degrees and has a very low spin cycle.

Step 5: Your item will have a different hand feel now it is wet due to the high absorbency qualities of the fibres. (Once this is dry and ironed the texture will return to its original quality.)

Drying Viscose

Step 1:Lay garments in their natural shapes to dry. Do not use heat or put them in the tumble dryer.

Step 2:To remove the creases, turn the item inside out and ensure the iron is set to a cool setting. Place a damp cloth between your item and the iron, this will help reduce the creases and help to prevent glazing at the seams.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre, which is durable and resilient thanks to the strong man-made fibres. It washes well, dries quickly and is crease resistant. Please ensure you follow the wash care label carefully to ensure the garment lasts for its optimum lifespan.

Washing a polyester garment

If your wash care label advises a delicate machine wash:

Step 1: Pre-treat any oil based stains prior to machine washing. Spot clean with detergent/stain remover and thoroughly rinse garments before washing.

Step 2: Turn the polyester item inside out. Ideally place your item in a mesh bag – this helps to prevent snags and damage to the item.

Step 3: Do not overload the machine – garments should be able move freely. Wash similar colours together.

Step 4: Add washing detergent to your machine according to the load size. You can also add fabric softener as this helps reduce the static.

Step 5: Select the 30˚C machine wash cycle on your washing machine.

Hand Wash

If your care label instructs to hand wash:

Step 1: Using a clean bowl, dissolve a small amount of suitable detergent into lukewarm water at a max temperature of 30°C.

Step 2: Submerge the item and gently agitate with your hands, ensuring the soap is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Leave to soak for up to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse the item well with cool water. Do not wring, instead, press the water out of the item

Drying

Step 1: Hang or line dry. Please read the care label as to whether to avoid direct sunlight due to the garment colour/print.

Step 2: Do not dry with heat or in a tumble dryer as it may cause gradual shrinkage.

Step 3: To remove the creases, turn the item inside out and apply a warm iron on reverse.

How To Care For Your Cashmere

We love Cashmere and want you to get the most out of yours. We hope this guide will help you maintain the quality of your cashmere.

Contrary to popular notions, pilling on cashmere is not a sign of poor quality or a design fault. Pilling is a natural characteristic of the long fibres and can be easily removed using a cashmere comb, electric depiller or a sweater stone. Avoid depilling precious cashmere pieces too often though as this may result in holes.
Do not hang cashmere as it will de-shape your garment. To keep dreaded moths at bay, hanging rosemary in your wardrobe is an effective organic solution.

Our guide to washing your cashmere items:

STEP 1

Cashmere falls into the hand wash only category. For best results, first clean out the sink to ensure there are no other cleaning products in there that may damage your cashmere. Alternatively, use a clean washbasin. Once clean, fill your sink or basin with cool water.

STEP 2

Add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent and briskly run your hand through the water to distribute the detergent and generate suds. Investing in a specialised fine garment detergent will maintain the sumptuous, sink-into quality of your cashmere pieces, although baby shampoo works equally well.
Turn your garment inside out and submerge the sweater, gently squeezing the suds through it. Spot treat any problem areas with a squirt of neat detergent and massage gently with fingertips. Rinse and repeat where necessary and allow the garment to soak for 10 minutes.

STEP 3

Drain the sink and rinse your sweater with cool water until the water rinses clear. Gently press water out and place it lengthwise on a clean, dry bath towel. Roll up the towel and press with your palms to squeeze out excess water – avoid the urge to wring or twist.
Remove the sweater from the towel and smooth it out into its original shape. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel and allow it air-dry, or use a drying rack if you have one. Button up cardigans and pull pockets straight and ensure that sleeves and hems are laid flat to avoid wrinkles.

STEP 4

Once dry, fold your cashmere with tissue paper to absorb any excess moisture.

Leather

Leather

Leather is the perfect trans-seasonal fabric. As you shed your heavy woollen overcoat for spring, this practical guide will ensure your trusted leather biker jacket is clean and fully restored to its original glory. Follow these tips and your leather jacket should last for decades.

Hanging leather garments on padded hangers is essential to maintain defined shoulder line. Also, we highly recommend you resist hanging rain-soaked leather on a warm radiator, as the direct heat will discolour and buff away the smart finish.

Cleaning Leather

The best way to clean grain leather is with a soft brush. To spruce further, experiment with a small amount of colour-matched polish on a hidden spot first. If you want your handbag or biker jacket to appear as good as new, apply a dab of Brasso to a clean duster and polish the metallic hardware.

Protecting all your favourite leather pieces is truly worthwhile. Whether you want to preserve your precious leather backpack from the elements or ensure your loafers last for seasons to come, leather balsam will restore and protect all leather surfaces. For best results, gently work the balsam into the leather using a soft cloth and polish immediately.

Footwear

We stock only the highest quality leathers, suedes and other materials, however occasionally slight marks and variations in surface colour and texture can occur. This is an inherent characteristic of natural materials which may develop further during wear. Such marks should not be mistaken for faults, as it is part of the unique appeal of leather.

To help maintain the appearance of your shoes, and to prolong their life, they should be cared for. Always patch test a small non-visible area when using a new care product.

Leather

Dust and dirt should be removed prior to cleaning with a neutral leather cream.

If you want to “break in” your new leather shoes gently, cover with a pair of socks and then use a hairdryer to warm the areas that are tight. The heat from the hairdryer will gently soften the leather.

Suede

Remove dust and dirt before cleaning. A crepe brush should be used to gently and carefully remove any marks in the suede. Suede is a natural dyed product and cannot be entirely colourfast, so some loss of colour may be experienced during wear.

Heels

Do not allow heels to wear down beyond repair as this can cause irreparable damage. Heel tips are replaceable and can be easily refitted by a good cobbler. Please note that wearing stiletto heels on uneven or abrasive surfaces, or while driving can weaken the heels and spoil the sole.

Calfskin

Balding can occur if continual rubbing is experienced on the surface of the product, for example: on the back of a shoe while driving. Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Patent Leather

Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly to get a smear-free finish.

Handbags

Overfilling your bag may cause it to lose its shape and cause damage to the straps or handles.
Store your bag in its original dust bag to protect it when not in use.

Leather

Dust and dirt should be removed prior to cleaning with a neutral leather cream. Moisturise your bag using a leather moisturiser or balsam to prevent flaking and wrinkling. If a leather bag gets excessively wet it is important not to dry it too quickly or to let it get ‘bone’ dry as this will lead to the leather hardening and potentially breaking. Dab some balm onto a cloth, gently rub over the item and then wipe away any excess. Dry in an airy room, but not directly on a heater.

Suede

Remove dust and dirt before cleaning. A crepe brush should be used to gently and carefully remove any marks in the suede. Suede is a natural dyed product and cannot be entirely colourfast, so some loss of colour may be experienced during wear.

Calfskin

Balding will occur if continual rubbing is experienced on the surface of the product. Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Jewellery

Costume and precious metal

Jewellery should not be worn in a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna or steam room, or while bathing or showering. Chlorine, detergents, oils and perfumes can all cause tarnishing and damage.

Make-up, perfume and hairspray contain chemicals which may dull the finish of jewellery. Gently wipe jewellery clean with a soft cloth after each wear to remove any make-up.

Silver

Silver reacts with hydrogen sulphide present in the air, causing it to tarnish over time. This can be easily removed by cleaning with a quality silver polish and using a soft, clean cloth.

Gold

Most gold jewellery can be maintained with a non-abrasive gold cleaner. Avoid exposing gold jewellery to household bleach, which will cause gold to discolour. Store gold jewellery in a suitably lined box or pouch.

Sunglasses

Clean your sunglasses with the soft microfibre cloth that comes with the glasses case. This cloth has been specially developed for cleaning lenses. We advise storing your sunglasses in the case provided and avoiding putting them face down on any surface as this may scratch the lenses.