The Ultimate Guide To How To Wash & Care For Cotton
Cotton is used everywhere in almost everything from t-shirts to knitwear, underwear to bed linens and beyond. This natural fibre is versatile, easy to care for and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but it’s important to know how to properly look after your cotton garments to keep them looking and feeling good, for longer.
At John Smedley, we pride ourselves on using high-quality cotton in our garments. To help keep your cotton knitwear fresh, clean, bright, and fitting perfectly, we've put together this comprehensive guide to washing, drying, ironing, and storing your favourite cotton pieces.
Why Cotton?
With over 8,000 years of history, cotton is—and always has been—one of the most sought-after and important fabrics for a myriad of reasons. This natural fibre continues to overshadow many others when it comes to versatility, which is why we use it in our premium Sea Island Cotton garments at John Smedley. We began by producing simple muslin fabric and spinning cotton back in 1784, and we continue to produce some of the highest quality, luxury cotton garments crafted in Britain today. Our iconic John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton is breathable, hypoallergenic, and incredibly soft on skin.
As well as being praised for its comfort and durability, researchers have found cotton to biodegrade at a faster rate than synthetic fabrics such as polyester, making it a smart choice for consumers. Our John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton is sourced from regenerative farms that comply to the highest environmental standards, and is entirely biodegradable. This means that your garment will last for many years as a wardrobe staple, and will leave a much smaller environmental footprint.
Take Care of Your Cotton & It Will Take Care of You
The more effort we put into taking care of our clothing, the longer it will last. The longer it lasts, the less items end up in landfill. Researchers have found that by tweaking how we wash and dry our clothing we can save energy and reduce our CO2 emissions — recommendations include washing at 30°C, line drying instead of tumble drying, and increasing the spin-drying efficiency to make water extraction more efficient.
Not only can these small changes minimise environmental impact, they can extend the lifespan of your cotton garments. Consumers often find their clothing loses its original fit and softness after fewer than five washes on average, so taking proper care of your garments can help to preserve their shape, softness and colour in the long run.
Washing Cotton & Avoiding Shrinkage
To ensure your cotton garments remain in pristine condition, always adhere to the care instructions on the label. For many of our cotton pieces, this involves turning the garment inside out and washing it with similar colours. Our specially formulated Cotton Wash is crafted to prevent the damage that can occur with regular detergents, maintain the integrity of your cotton knitwear, minimise pilling, and be gentle on your garments.
Opting for a lower wash temperature is not only gentle on the environment but also beneficial for the lifespan of your clothes. We recommend washing at a maximum of 30°C, selecting either a cotton or gentle wool cycle to achieve optimal results, although heavier stained or soiled garments can be washed at up to 60°C. Should you encounter stubborn stains, this higher temperature may be required, but for minor blemishes, a delicate spot-clean with our Cotton Wash, followed by a rinse with room temperature water and a gentle blot dry, can effectively restore your garment.
Caring For Cotton Blends
Cotton is often blended with other fibres, such as merino wool or cashmere, to enhance its performance and qualities. When caring for blended garments, consider the care instructions for all fibres (not just one) to maintain their appearance and softness over time. As with any cotton garment, always follow the specific care instructions provided on the label, as unique details of each item may require slightly different washing and drying methods.
Merino wool and cashmere blends can generally be cared for similarly to pure cotton. The key is to wash these garments as infrequently as possible, using a cool temperature setting and a delicate hand wash cycle. After washing, lay the item flat to dry to prevent stretching and maintain its shape.
The Art of Drying
Even if you wash your cotton garment according to the instructions, neglecting to dry it in the best way can render all your care obsolete. As tempting as it may be, avoid wringing out items as this can cause misshaping, and tumble drying can cause cotton items to shrink. Instead, dry your garment on a washing line, preferably outside for freshness, but if your garment is likely to be in direct sunlight, opt for an indoor airer. For best results, dry flat to prevent fabric manipulation and reduce the need for ironing once dry.
& When it Comes to Ironing . . .
If your garment is dried flat, it may not require much ironing. However, if creases remain, iron it according to the temperature settings indicated on the label. One dot signifies using a low heat of up to 110°C, two dots indicate a medium heat of no more than 150°C, and three dots allow for a high heat setting up to 200°C. If the label shows an iron with a cross over it, avoid ironing altogether and instead, lay the item properly while drying flat to maintain its shape and avoid creases.
Storing With Longevity in Mind
When it comes to packing your items away, we recommend storing them folded and stacked, as hanging them on coat hangers can distort the shoulders.
John Smedley garments are designed to stand the test of time with a little help from you, the wearer. This guide should help you to preserve the distinctive quality of your John Smedley Sea Island Cotton garments, keeping them looking and feeling their best for years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your John Smedley garments, please reach out to our team who are on hand to offer advice and expertise.