Care Guide

Caring For Your Garment

We believe in slow fashion and that is why we create garments that if properly cared for, will last in both quality and design. We advocate mindful purchasing, conscious use and encourage the choice of quality over quantity. In order for our garments to last, reasonable caution and care should be applied. We know caring for your new investment piece can sometimes make us anxious... so we have listed some helpful tips for you below.

Luxury Knitwear stack

Same, Same but Different

We use a variety of fibre blends with our garments. Regardless of fabric composition, all our items do require a bit of TLC to maintain their snuggly feel. Essentially, all our items are DELICATE. When new, there may be some loose fibres that come off and stick to item/s it comes in contact with. Don't fret, this is normal and to be expected. A lint roller (we love a re-usable version) will remove the possum lint from other surfaces or items. Please don't do this to the "CHARLY" Garment itself.

Knitwear meltdown cashmere care

Help!

So its time to wash your new Knit. Uh-oh, fear sets in... Don't Panic! We've got you covered with all the tips and tricks.
Using an aggressive washing machine can cause damage or shrinkage to your special item - regardless if you had it on cold, so this is a big No-No from us at Charly HQ.
So when washing is required, please do so by hand, with some ♫ music in the background and a celebratory glass of something afterwards.


Recommended Knitwear hand washing

Recommended Washing

• Turn Garment inside out before washing to avoid fluffing the surface.
• Use cold water with a mild or wool grade detergent
(an eco-friendly washing powder is generally best... for the washing, your skin, and for the environment)
• Rinse thoroughly, (without aggressive rubbing, squeezing or wringing)
• Don't use fabric softeners as these coat the natural fibres and flatten the surface structure causing the garment to wear out much quicker. Again, don’t rub the fabric, (this is the main cause of pilling).

Removing excess water from your knit

• Do not wring your garment, as this will stretch it out of shape or damage the fibres. 
• Instead, gently scoop garment into a ball while still in water and cradle in two hands, compressing gently as you lift it out of the water.




Recommended drying for hand wash knitwearRecommended drying for hand wash knitwearRecommended drying for hand wash knitwear

Recommended Drying
To speed up drying we recommend:
• Place your washed garment on a clean flat towel and roll (both the towel and the garment) together like sushi.
• Apply gentle pressure to your 'towel/garment sushi-roll' to gently squeeze out excess water (which the towel will absorb).
• Unroll 'sushi' and, if needed, gently pull the garment back to shape.
• Lay your garment flat on a smooth surface, away from direct heat or sunlight, with a fresh/dry towel underneath and let dry completely.

 

Steaming your Knitwear

Steaming

• Turn your garment inside out and lay flat on a smooth surface such as an ironing board or towel covered table. Alternatively hang on a broad coat hanger.
• Steam gently, to freshen and smooth your item.
• If you do not have a broad coat hanger you can add width by placing fresh face cloths or hand towels between the hanger and the shoulders of the garment.



 

Natural Cedarwood Moth repellent

Storing

Nobody wants a warped garment with permanent hanger indents on it, so please store your knits folded.
For end-of-season storage and nibble prevention:
• Use breathable storage bags (don't use plastic bags as these don't breath and can cause mould).
• We recommend you store garments with a moth repellent such as Cedarwood.
• Place these near but not touching your garment.
• If you don't have Cedarwood, you can use lavender, eucalyptus or even a cotton ball with some drops of the above oil's on them. (Again, near to, but not touching your garment)
NOTE - Always wash your garments before end-of-season stowing them.

 


No - No's

✘ Do not iron, use bleach or tumble-dry, EVER.
✘ Never use a detergent or fabric softener containing bleaching agents or enzymes on any wool garment, these eat through wool.



Still Unsure?
Just contact us here ... we are more than happy to help!


NZ made luxury knitwear surrounded by manuka bushes