Clothing made well deserves to be cared for well.

At Regent, we don’t see garments as throwaway. They’re made from natural fibres, shaped by proper craftsmanship, and designed to live with you for years, not just a season. But even the best-made piece needs a little thought once it reaches the laundry basket.

The truth is simple: most clothes don’t wear out from being over-worn. They wear out from being over-washed.

This guide takes a closer look at how different fabrics behave, why they respond the way they do, and how a few small habits can make a remarkable difference to the life of your wardrobe.

What actually damages clothing?

Before we look at specific fabrics, it helps to understand what really shortens a garment’s life.

More often than not, it isn’t wear, it’s the combination of:

·       Heat

·       Friction

·       Over-washing

·       Excess detergent

When you wash, each of these factors introduces stress – high spin speeds press fabric into sharp folds, heat weakens fibres and too much detergent leaves residue that can dull colour and stiffen texture over time.

The aim isn’t to avoid washing altogether, but it’s to wash with intention. Airing garments between wears, rotating pieces and treating small marks early can dramatically reduce unnecessary washing.

A fun little fact to remember is that clothes, much like people, benefit from rest.

Denim: strong, but not indestructible

Denim is often described as rugged, and in many ways it is. But denim is still cotton, and most quality denim is dyed with indigo, a dye that behaves very differently from most modern synthetic finishes.

Unlike dyes that fully penetrate the fibre, indigo largely sits on the surface. That’s why denim fades so beautifully with wear. But it’s also why it can develop lighter streaks if washed incorrectly.

Denim doesn’t wear out from being worn, it wears out from being washes harshly.

Washing denim properly

Denim rewards restraint. A few important things to remember when you go to put your jeans in the wash:

·       Always wash jeans inside out

·       Fasten buttons and zip to reduce friction

·       Use liquid detergent and use way less than you think you need

·       Leave space in the drum so jeans can move freely

·       Select a gentle cycle with a lower spin speed

·       Air dry whenever possible

In truth, most denim doesn’t need frequent washing - airing between wears is often enough.

Why does “marbling” happen?

If you’ve ever noticed pale streaks, cloudy marks or a marbled appearance on dark denim after washing, you’ve seen what’s commonly called marbling – the result of how indigo reacts under pressure.

It’s usually caused by one of the following:

·       Excess or undissolved detergent

·       Overloading the machine

·       Heavy creasing during high-speed spin cycles

·       Hard water reacting with soap

·       Fabric softener build-up

When thick denim folds tightly in the drum during the spin cycle, the dye along that crease can lighten. If detergent collects in that fold and doesn’t rinse properly, it can leave visible streaks once dry. What looks like damage is often residue or pressure marks.

But don’t fear! This is possible to treat.

If marbling has already appeared

Often, the issue can be softened or improved:

·       Rewash inside out with minimal detergent and an extra rinse

·       A diluted white vinegar soak can help remove soap residue

·       Gently rubbing affected areas against themselves may help redistribute colour

·       In extreme cases, re-dyeing may restore tone

But as with most garment care, prevention is easier than correction.

A note on longevity

Well-made denim is designed to evolve. Fading, softening and subtle wear patterns are part of its appeal. What should be avoided are harsh lines caused by friction and excessive washing.

At Regent, many of the denim pieces we stock are selected for their construction, weight and dye quality. When treated with patience and care, they improve with time rather than deteriorate. The more thoughtfully they are washed, the better they age.

Denim should feel lived-in — not prematurely worn out.

 

Wool: it's easier than you think

Wool has a reputation for being delicate or difficult. In reality, it’s one of the most intelligent natural fibres you can own. Long before modern performance fabrics existed, wool was keeping people warm, dry and comfortable in challenging climates. It’s breathable, temperature regulating and naturally resistant to odour and bacteria. That means it simply doesn’t need washing as often as other fabrics.

Understanding this is the key to caring for wool properly. Most damage happens not because wool is fragile, but because it’s over-washed or over-heated.

Between wears

More often than not, simply airing a wool jumper overnight is enough. Allowing it to hang over a chair overnight allows the fibre structure to release moisture and odours naturally. Wool has a spring-like structure that enables it to recover its shape at rest and giving it time between wears allow fibres to relax and return to form. (Clothes appreciate a pause now and then, just as we do!)

If there’s light dust or debris, a soft clothes brush is often enough to refresh it. This small habit avoids unnecessary exposure to water and detergent and helps preserve the integrity of the knit. 

Washing wool 

When washing is genuinely necessary, gentleness is everything.

·       Use cool water

·       Choose a wool or delicate cycle

·       Use a wool-specific detergent

·       Hand wash if possible (this is always better – gift your wool with patience and care)

·       Dry flat on a towel (this allows it to reshape properly)

·       Never tumble dry

Heat and agitation are wool’s true enemies. When exposed to both, the microscopic scales on the fibres lock together in a process known as felting. Once felted, wool cannot return to its original shape. It becomes smaller, stiffer and permanently altered.

Pilling: a natural part of wear

Pilling is often misunderstood as a sign of poor quality. In reality, it is a natural characteristic of wool. When yarn is spun, fibres of varying lengths are twisted together. The shorter fibres can gradually migrate to the surface through friction, forming small bobbles.

This is normal.

A fabric shaver or pilling comb can remove pills neatly and safely. The key is to work lightly and patiently. Pressing too hard or overworking the same area can damage the knit and create more pilling in the long run. Think of pilling as part of the garment settling into its life with you, not as a flaw.

Storage and protection

How you store wool is just as important as how you wash it.

Fold knitwear rather than hanging it. Even wide or padded hangers can stretch shoulders over time. Ensure garments are completely clean and dry before storing, as moths are attracted to food residue and body oils rather than the wool itself.

Cedar wood blocks or natural deterrents placed in drawers can help protect fibres. If you are rotating your wardrobe seasonally, make sure your garments are clean, and store them folded in breathable containers in a cool, dry and dark place.

At Regent, many of the knitwear pieces we stock from Aran Craft to Peregrine are built with this same understanding of fibre and longevity. These are garments designed to soften with time, to recover between wears, and to reward careful ownership. When treated thoughtfully, wool does not become high-maintenance. It becomes dependable.

And in many ways, that is exactly what good clothing should be.

Cotton: everyday care done well

Cotton is one of the most familiar fabrics in any wardrobe, from t-shirts and knitwear to smart shirts and tailoring. And with good reason, it’s breathable, versatile and comfortable to wear. But because it feels robust and familiar, it’s often treated with less care than it deserves.

Like wool, cotton is a natural fibre, meaning it responds to heat, water and movement. When exposed to high temperatures, the fibres contract, and when dried under pressure, they set into creases. Most shrinkage and premature wear comes not from use, but from excessive heat and heavy washing cycles.

The goal with cotton is simple: clean it properly, but gently.

Washing cotton thoughtfully

As always, the first rule is to check the care label. Different weaves and constructions behave slightly differently. But as a general guide:

·       Wash at 30°C wherever possible, (hotter temperatures can be used for more soiled items or cotton bedding and towels)

·       Turn coloured garments inside out to protect the outer surface

·       Avoid overloading the machine

·       Use a moderate amount of detergent

·       Air dry rather than tumble dry

Cotton does not have the same natural odour resistance as wool, so it will need washing more regularly. Even so, most everyday garments can comfortably be worn three or four times before washing, unless visibly soiled.

Lower temperatures are not only gentler on fabric, but they also reduce energy use. And it’s exactly these small adjustments that make a meaningful difference over time.

Stains and spot treatment

As a general rule of thumb (across all garments) treat stains as soon as possible but avoid harsh bleached-based solutions unless absolutely necessary. Bleach often creates light or orange-toned marks that are far more noticeable than the original stain.

A small amount of water with mild detergent, gently worked into the affected area, is often enough. In many cases, patience works better than force.

Drying and creasing

Cotton has a tendency to crease, particularly when spun and dried under pressure. A simple habit can help: when removing garments from the washing machine, give them a gentle shake and reshape them before drying. This small step helps fibres settle more smoothly.

Air drying is always preferable. It reduces shrinkage and prolongs fibre strength. White cotton can benefit from natural sunlight, which gently brightens fabric. Coloured garments are best dried away from direct sun to prevent fading. It is worth noting, that these guidelines may not always be possible, and if you do wish to tumble dry, make sure it is a lower heat setting.

For a sharper finish, steam or iron while the fabric still retains a small amount of moisture. This relaxes the fibres and produces a smoother result with less effort.

Caring for smart shirts

Smart shirts deserve particular attention, especially around collars and cuffs.

Before washing:

·       Unbutton collars and cuffs to reduce friction

·       Turn shirts inside out

·       Avoid washing alongside heavy garments like denim

After washing:

·       Hang on wooden or padded hangers to preserve shoulder shape

·       Leave space between shirts in the wardrobe to prevent creasing

·       Rotate at least five shirts in regular wear to allow recovery between uses

Cotton tailoring rewards moderation. With the right care, shirts maintain structure, colour and finish for years rather than months.

At Regent, many of the cotton pieces we stock are selected precisely because of their weave, weight and longevity. When cared for correctly, a well-made cotton shirt will soften with time without losing its shape. It becomes part of your regular rotation not because it is fragile, but because it continues to perform.

Cotton may be everyday fabric, but that doesn’t make it ordinary.

Care, repair and responsibility

There is something quietly satisfying about caring for your clothes properly. A small repair today prevents a larger problem tomorrow. A loose button, a dropped hem, a thinning elbow patch, none of these are the end of a garment’s life. They are simply part of its story.

Whether you take a piece to a trusted local tailor or learn to mend small things yourself, simple repairs dramatically extend a garment’s lifespan. In many cases, they deepen your connection to it too. Clothing that is maintained rather than discarded gains character.

Well-made garments are built to be worn properly. When they are treated with respect, they repay that attention many times over.

Clothing does not have to be disposable. And when it is crafted well, it was never intended to be.

What to remember

At Regent, craftsmanship does not end at the point of sale. In many ways, it continues in how each piece is cared for. The way it is washed, rested, stored and occasionally repaired completes the circle.

If you ever have questions about caring for a garment purchased from us, we are always happy to advise. We know the fabrics we stock and how they are intended to behave. In the rare instance of a genuine manufacturing fault, we will of course help resolve it. However, damage caused by incorrect washing or care methods sits beyond our control.

Clothes that are rested between wears, washed thoughtfully and stored properly will reward you with longevity, comfort and quiet character.

And that, ultimately, is what good clothing is meant to do.

Written by Becky Colyer