Care

To take good care of your Catwalk Junkie essentials and extend the life of your favorite style(s), we have listed some tips and tricks for you:

→ Check and follow the instructions on the care label to make sure you treat the garment correctly.

→ Some dyeing techniques are more resistant to bleeding and fading during washing than others. Styles at risk have been given a warning in the care label.

→ Not every piece of clothing worn needs a wash. So only put it in the washing machine if really necessary. Better for your clothes, better for the environment.

→ Make sure to remove all loose or detachable details and accessories before putting the garment in the washing machine. If this is not possible, you can use a laundry bag.

→ Always wash the garment inside out to keep it looking like new for longer. We also recommend not using fabric softener to avoid staining and discoloration over time.

→ Keep the garment far away from the dryer. Rather just let it dry (or use a drying rack) in its natural form.

Below you will find specific instructions for all the fabrics we currently have in our collection. Not required, but strongly recommended:

Substances

One of the reasons why cotton is used so much is because it is low maintenance. It can easily be washed in the washing machine and will last a long time. At least if you take good care of it. So always lay your cotton sweater flat on a drying rack or towel after washing. Never hang up your sweater, as this can stretch and sag.

Always wash jeans inside out. When the program has ended, take the item of clothing out of the washing machine as soon as possible to prevent creasing. The characteristic look of denim is the result of a special dyeing process that can result in 'dry bleeding' leaving small pigment particles on the surface that can bleed. You can reduce this by washing your new jeans a few times in cold water before you put them on. Oh, and never toss denim in the dryer.

Leather and suede are natural materials that can be sensitive. So keep them away from moisture, heat and chemicals. Before you put on your leather Catwalk Junkie item, don't forget to protect it against cold and moisture with a special impregnation spray. Periodically condition the garment to keep it soft and supple. If wet, let it dry naturally at normal room temperature and away from direct heat sources. To remove light stains, wipe the garment with a slightly damp cloth. If this doesn't work, consider having your leather or suede garment professionally cleaned. This requires specific knowledge. So be sure to take your pieces to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather goods.

Linen is incredibly durable if you take good care of it. When washing linen, set the machine on a low temperature and a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent to protect the fibers. Linen is a natural material and can easily lose its shape when wet. You can restore the original shape of your linen Catwalk Junkie pieces by ironing them on the back with a good quality steam iron or by using a quality steamer. Our favorite hand steamer from The Steamery can be found here.

Polyester is a super-resistant and ultra-versatile fibre. It is also low maintenance and (hurray!) resistant to stretching and shrinking. You wash it easily and it dries quickly. Polyester does have a tendency to pill. If this happens, remove the lint with a depiller or lint trimmer. Shop the Pilo Fabric Shaver from The Steamery here.

Silk is a delicate fabric and should be treated as such. Sometimes taking it to the dry cleaner is the only option. If the garment is washable, use cold water and a gentle detergent, such as The Steamery's Delicate Laundry Detergent. Oh, and only wash silk items with similar colors to avoid color bleeding. It is definitely a 'no-go' to stretch the garment while it is still wet. Be sure to skip the dryer as this can damage and shrink the fabric.

Viscose is a soft fabric that can shrink during washing. But the good news is that most inches come back easily if you iron it into shape and length with hot steam. You can also wear the garment to get it back in shape. In addition, try to pull and twist your viscose Catwalk Junkie essential as little as possible when it is still wet, because it can easily stretch.

Always check the washing label to start with. Wool is naturally stain, wrinkle and odor resistant and therefore needs less washing. Try to air it first and gently remove spots. Good for you, good for your garment and good for the planet. If your woolen Catwalk Junkie essential really needs a wash, you can wash it in the washing machine on a special wool or hand wash cycle. It is even better to wash the garment by hand. In any case, use a mild detergent.

Do not wring woolen clothes and always let them dry flat to avoid stretching the wool fibers. Ironing after washing helps to restore the natural shine of the material. If possible, use a good quality steam iron and set it to the wool setting. We recommend using a press cloth. Wool also has a tendency to pill. If this happens, remove the lint with a depiller or lint trimmer. Thick knits are a lot heavier when washed and should therefore be dried lying on a flat surface so that they do not stretch and lose their shape.

Are you missing something?

Send an email to: catwalkjunkie@uspfashion.com