At AskOkey, we firmly believe that one’s wardrobe should be built to last. That is one of the reasons that we offer bespoke. Our garments are handmade with care by artisan cutters and tailors, with every detail planned by our in-house design team. This article will cover the basics of wardrobe care (not necessarily for bespoke garments) and help answer why you should care.
Why does this matter for a functional wardrobe?
Well-made garments make a difference. The importance of cloth and construction is clear. The higher the quality, the longer the garment will last. And, a working wardrobe is just that – you want to have all your clothes looking smart and serviceable, when you want to wear them.
What can I do to make the most of my clothes?
Whether or not you’re draped in AskOkey everyday, learning to take care of your garments is paramount. The easiest lesson is rotation. This refers to the sequence of wearing. Since most suits and other tailored garments are (and should be) made from natural fibers such as wool, linen, cotton, and more, they require time to breathe and regenerate. Wearing your clothes two days or more in a row will not allow them to aerate naturally. This makes them vulnerable to wearing out and becoming odorous, requiring frequent dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is hard on natural fibers because of the strong chemicals used, and will break down the cloth if done often.
Wardrobe Care Tips
- Don’t wear the same garments two days in a row
- Especially trousers; they always wear out quicker than jackets and the fronts, especially the thighs, will become discolored.
- Aerate your garments before placing them in your wardrobe after work
- Allow your clothes to breathe and naturally deodorize, by hanging them outside, if possible.
- Build a sizeable wardrobe
- Aim for enough garments to cover the working week, e.g., five versatile suits, or five odd trousers/shirts/jackets combinations.
- This is expensive, but with proper rotation you won’t find yourself forced to replace garments every year.
- Avoid dry cleaning
- Only necessary for harsh stains or at the end of a ‘season’, e.g., when you put away your summer clothes. Maximum once or twice a year.
- Steam your garments with a garment steamer instead.
If you need advice on how to take care of your wardrobe, please send us a message at [email protected].
If you’d like to begin building your own sustainable, bespoke wardrobe, take a look at our shop using this link here.