How to Care for Your Pieces So They Stay Beautiful for Years

Taking care of clothing isn’t just about making things look clean. It’s about giving your pieces a longer life and making sure they still feel good to wear years from now. We know that moment when you invest in something thoughtfully made, whether it’s a lined skirt or a structured jacket. It looks perfect, and you want it to stay that way.

Caring for your pieces doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small habits can go a long way. With the new year approaching and colder days already here, there’s no better time to pause and rethink how we're treating our wardrobes. Clothing made with purpose, like locally made clothing in Paris, deserves that kind of attention. These kinds of pieces are made to last, and a little effort helps them stay beautiful through every season.

Read the Label: Why Fabric Care Matters

We often glance at care tags and throw our clothes in the wash on autopilot. But those labels are full of helpful clues. They tell you how to wash, dry, and even iron the piece without damage. Taking a minute to understand those symbols can make all the difference.

Some fabrics, like linen or certain upcycled blends, respond best to cold water and gentle cycles. Others, like cotton or silk, might ask for handwashing or air drying to prevent shrinking, fading, or wear. Natural fabrics, especially ones used in sustainable designs, usually do not do well in high heat. Tumble drying can be rough on them, so laying them flat or line drying is a safer bet.

We use premium, recycled European fabrics, so following the recommended care methods on each label is especially important to maintain the integrity of these sustainable materials.

No piece is one size fits all when it comes to care. The more you know about what it’s made of, the easier it is to treat it right.

Washing Less, Loving Longer: Smart Cleaning Habits

It might feel right to toss a shirt in the wash after every wear, but that habit wears it down faster than you'd think. Most clothes don’t need constant washing. If something looks clean and smells fine, a quick air-out by a window or on a hanger might be enough.

Instead of running a full wash, try spot cleaning when there’s just a small mark or spill. Traditional Marseille soap is a perfect option for this. Its simple, gentle formula, made with vegetable oils and free of harsh chemicals, makes it ideal for protecting delicate fibers while still tackling stains.

How to use Marseille soap:

  1. Slightly dampen the area.

  2. Rub the soap gently onto the stain (or lather it in your hands first).

  3. Let it sit for 5–15 minutes.

  4. Rinse with lukewarm water, then wash as usual if needed.

For delicate garments, avoid aggressive scrubbing, press and lift gently. If you’re unsure, test on an inner seam first. Beyond spot treatment, Marseille soap is also a gentle hand-wash option for fabrics that need extra care without harsh detergents.

When you do wash, use a detergent that’s gentle on both your skin and the fabric. Look for formulas without heavy chemicals or strong fragrances. They’re better for the environment and protect fabric fibers so they stay strong over time. Many of our garments are made using upcycled materials and may feature delicate details, so gentle care not only preserves their look but honors the craftsmanship behind each piece.

Storing Your Clothing the Right Way

How you store your clothes matters just as much as how you wash them. A heavy knit folded the wrong way for too long can stretch and lose its shape. A delicate dress hanging on a wire hanger can pull at the seams. Good storage starts with using the right methods.

  • Fold heavier clothes like winter sweaters to avoid shoulder bumps or sagging;

  • Use padded or fabric-covered hangers for lightweight pieces like dresses or blouses;

  • Keep your wardrobe fresh by leaving space between items so air can move freely.

Garment bags are a smart choice for special pieces you don’t wear every day. Choose breathable ones made from cotton or linen blends so your clothes stay protected without trapping moisture. If a closet smells musty, open it regularly and keep a small jar of baking soda nearby to soak up any dampness.

Never hang something heavy like a wool cardigan, even if it looks beautiful on the hanger. The weight can stretch the shoulders, leaving worn-out dips you’ll never quite fix afterward.

Timeless Style Deserves Timeless Care

Some wardrobe staples follow us from season to season. Tailored pants that always fit just right, a favorite wrap skirt, or that button-up you trust for every kind of day, these pieces work hard. Treating them with just a little extra care helps them stay fresh longer.

Ironing can be tricky depending on the fabric. If something wrinkles after storage, start with a low-heat setting and a pressing cloth or towel. That helps smooth creases without burning the fabric or adding shine. Wrinkle-prone materials like cotton or silk blends always need a soft press, not a rushed job.

Colors can lose their spark over the years, but careful washing helps. Washing in cold water and turning clothes inside out helps keep vibrant shades like lavender or sky blue looking clear and soft, not washed out. These colors are expected to show up more in the coming spring, so it never hurts to keep them looking their best ahead of time.

Cherish and Sustain: Finishing Thoughts

Caring for your wardrobe is more than preserving looks; it’s a way to extend the life and beauty of every piece you love. We prioritize sustainability by working with upcycled fabrics and producing clothing in small, ethically minded batches, which means each design is created to be worn and cherished for years.

When you care for your clothes thoughtfully, you not only protect your investment but also help support a slower, more intentional fashion cycle that values both craftsmanship and the planet.

At Guillaume Alexandre, we believe thoughtful care starts with how a piece is made and continues with how it's worn and stored. That's why we design with longevity in mind, using timeless cuts and quality fabrics that hold up through changing seasons. For inspiration rooted in craftsmanship and local charm, take a closer look at our collection of locally made clothing in Paris. Each design is meant to be worn, loved, and cared for year after year. If you have any questions about garment care or want guidance, reach out to us directly.

 

Discover our products

Subscribe to our emails

And get 10% discount on your first purchase!