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SlovakiaThe Art of Garment Care.
Wardrobe Care.
Quality clothing is not disposable. Wool, linen, cotton, cashmere, denim and leather age beautifully only when treated with the right care. This guide explains how to care for individual garment and accessory categories so they retain their shape, structure and character for years.
The main rule is simple: always follow the care label inside the specific product. Material, construction, lining and dyeing can all affect the correct method of care.
A quick guide to garment care
This page is organised by product type. Material-specific differences are explained within each section, so you can quickly see how to care for trousers, jackets, shirts, overshirts, coats, knitwear or leather.
Essential care rules
The care label comes first
The care symbols on the specific product are decisive. The same material may behave differently depending on weave, lining, dyeing or garment construction.
Wash less, air more
Wool, jackets, trousers, coats and overshirts often do not need washing after regular wear. Airing, brushing and allowing the garment to rest on a hanger are usually enough.
Never rub stains
Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Rubbing can damage the nap, colour and structure of the fabric. For valuable or delicate pieces, choose professional cleaning.
The dryer is a risk
For most premium materials, tumble drying may cause shrinkage, twisted seams, lining deformation or loss of shape. Natural air drying is safer.
The hanger matters
Jackets and coats belong on broad, shaped hangers. Shirts and overshirts should dry freely. Knitwear should be stored folded to avoid stretched shoulders.
Use dry cleaning wisely
Professional cleaning is suitable for wool, jackets, coats and lined pieces. It is not necessary after every wear. Chemical cleaning also puts stress on the material.
Tools that extend the life of your wardrobe
Proper care does not begin at the dry cleaner’s, but at home. A few essential tools can significantly extend the lifespan of garments, shoes and accessories.
- Clothes brush: removes dust and fine particles without damaging the fibres.
- Garment steamer: helps refresh shirts, trousers, jackets and coats. Use it directly on standard fabrics; for more delicate fabrics, keep it approximately 1 cm away from the surface.
- Wide hangers: protect the shape of shoulders on jackets, coats and outerwear.
- Shoe trees and shoehorn: help preserve the shape of shoes and protect the heel counter.
- Moth protection: especially important for wool, merino and cashmere.
How to care for trousers
With trousers, the key is to preserve shape, creases, a clean waistband line and the structure of the material. Care differs depending on whether the trousers are wool, linen, cotton or denim.
Wool trousers
After wearing, hang wool trousers to air, let them rest and gently brush them. Restore creases with steam or by pressing through a cloth.
- Do not wash at home unless the care label explicitly allows it.
- Do not rub stains. For light shades and fine wool, dry cleaning is safer.
- Store hanging on a trouser hanger or clip hanger.
Linen trousers
Linen has a natural tendency to crease; this is part of its character. Wash it only if the care label allows it.
- Use a gentle cycle, low spin and give the garment enough room in the washing machine.
- Iron slightly damp or use a garment steamer.
- Avoid harsh direct sunlight when drying, as colour may fade.
Cotton trousers
Cotton tolerates more regular care than wool, but it still benefits from gentle washing inside out and low spin speed.
- Wash according to the label and separate dark and light colours.
- Avoid bleach and aggressive detergents.
- Air dry naturally, preferably without a tumble dryer.
Denim
Wash denim as little as possible. Dark or raw denim may release colour and gradually develop its own patina.
- Wash inside out in cold or low-temperature water according to the label.
- Air dry naturally away from direct sunlight.
- Tumble drying increases the risk of shrinkage, fading and loss of shape.
A jacket is not a shirt. Construction matters.
A jacket has shoulders, structure, shaping and often a lining. Its care is therefore not determined only by the outer fabric, but by the entire construction. Home washing is possible only for certain informal, unlined pieces if the care label explicitly allows it.
Wool jacket
Air it, brush it and allow it to rest between wears. Clean professionally when needed, not automatically after every use.
- A wide hanger is essential for preserving the shoulders.
- Steam carefully, without soaking the construction.
- Do not wash at home unless the label states otherwise.
Linen jacket
Very informal, unlined linen jackets may sometimes be washed gently, but only according to the label. Structured or lined linen jackets are safer in professional care.
- Linen creases naturally. It does not need to look perfectly smooth.
- Iron with caution, ideally through a cloth.
- The lining changes the rules. Outer linen and lining may react differently.
Cotton jacket
A cotton jacket may feel more casual, but it can still be constructed. For unlined pieces, follow the care label; for structured jackets, choose professional cleaning.
- Air and spot-clean instead of frequent washing.
- Avoid tumble drying and high spin speed.
- Reshape after dampness and let it dry slowly.
Cotton, linen and silk
Summer blends with silk require a gentler approach. The silk component is more sensitive to friction, water and high heat.
- Air and steam gently.
- Clean professionally unless the label allows another method.
- Avoid aggressive washing and high temperatures.
Shirts need regular but gentle care
With shirts, material, collar, cuffs and washing method matter most. Cotton, linen and Tencel each require a different approach, but the core rules remain the same: follow the label, do not overload the washing machine and protect the details.
Cotton shirt
Wash cotton shirts inside out according to the label. Wash white and coloured shirts separately and use a mild detergent.
- Remove collar stays if they are removable.
- Plastic collar stays are worth replacing with stainless steel ones, which hold the collar shape better.
- Iron slightly damp, starting with the collar and cuffs.
Linen shirt
Wash linen gently and with low spin speed if the label allows it. Natural creasing is not a flaw, but a property of the material.
- Iron damp or use a steamer.
- Do not overload the machine; linen needs space.
- Air dry freely, ideally on a hanger.
Tencel / lyocell
Tencel is soft and pleasant to wear, but it may be more sensitive to friction when wet. Wash it inside out on a delicate cycle.
- Do not twist forcefully or wring aggressively.
- Air dry naturally without a tumble dryer.
- Iron preferably inside out at a lower temperature.
Sweat, collar and cuffs
Before washing, lightly dampen sweat marks, collar and cuffs and treat them with gall soap. Let it work briefly, do not rub aggressively, then wash according to the label.
- For coloured fabrics, test first on a hidden area.
- Do not use hot water on fresh sweat stains.
- Mother-of-pearl buttons should be protected from impact and high heat.
Care between a shirt and a light jacket
An overshirt sits between a shirt and a jacket. Its care is therefore determined not only by the product name, but above all by the material and whether it has a lining.
Cotton overshirt
Fasten the buttons, turn the overshirt inside out and wash gently only if the care label allows it.
- Air dry naturally on a hanger.
- Reshape pockets and seams after washing.
- Avoid tumble drying and high spin speed.
Wool or flannel overshirt
Air it, gently brush with the direction of the nap and choose professional cleaning for heavier soiling. Wool flannel may lose its soft surface if treated incorrectly.
- Do not brush against the nap.
- Do not wash aggressively, as shrinkage or surface changes may occur.
- After wearing, let it air on a wider hanger.
Lined overshirt
With lined pieces, both the outer fabric and the lining must be considered. They may react differently when exposed to water.
- When in doubt, choose professional cleaning.
- After rain, let it dry slowly.
- Do not store damp or tightly compressed.
Travelling with an overshirt
Fold an overshirt flat. Tight rolling can unnecessarily crease the collar, pockets and seams.
- Do not overload pockets with heavy items.
- Hang it up after travel and steam lightly.
- Avoid long-term shoulder strain from carrying a bag on the same side.
Outer layers carry the greatest load
Coats, jackets and waistcoats deal with rain, dust, bag friction, sitting in a car and seasonal storage. Care must protect the material, shape and any water-repellent finish.
Wool coat
Air it, brush it and after rain let it dry naturally away from a radiator. Wool has a natural resistance to moisture, but it is not waterproof.
- Use a strong wide hanger.
- Clean after the season and store in a breathable garment bag.
- Use only gentle impregnation designed for wool or textiles.
Trench coat and cotton gabardine
A trench coat needs its water-repellent protection renewed regularly. After cleaning or extended wear, use an impregnation spray suitable for textiles or gabardine.
- Remove dust with a brush or a damp cloth.
- Wash only according to the label.
- For structured pieces, professional care is safer.
Cotton jacket
For field jackets or cotton jackets, treat dirt locally and wash only according to the care label.
- Reshape pockets and seams after washing.
- Waxed cotton should not be washed conventionally; it requires wax renewal.
- Do not dry on a radiator.
Waistcoat
Treat lining and structure similarly to a jacket. Airing and professional cleaning are the safer choices.
- Do not store compressed between heavy garments.
- Let it dry fully before storing.
- Store clean and dry in a breathable garment bag after the season.
Wool, merino and cashmere need calm
Knitwear requires the opposite approach to jackets: fewer hangers, more folding, low temperature and no twisting. Shape is protected mainly during washing and drying.
Wool and merino
Wash by hand in cold water or on a wool programme only if the label allows it. Use a detergent designed for wool.
- Do not twist. Gently press out water through a towel.
- Dry flat in the correct shape.
- Store folded and protect from moths.
Cashmere
Care is similar to fine wool, but even gentler. Wash as little as possible, by hand in cold water or according to the label.
- Do not hang long-term on a hanger.
- Do not press forcefully or dry with heat.
- Protect from moths and always store clean and dry.
Cotton knitwear
Wash cotton knitwear gently inside out, with low spin speed and a mild detergent.
- Dry flat or very loosely.
- Watch for stretched shoulders.
- Store folded.
Pilling
Pilling is not always a sign of low quality. With soft natural fibres, it can occur naturally through friction.
- Use a gentle fabric shaver or knitwear comb.
- Do not press repeatedly on one spot.
- The goal is to remove loose fibres, not to abrade the surface.
Shoes, bags and leather jackets
Leather is a natural material and needs gentle cleaning, nourishment and protection from drying out. Always adapt the method to the type of leather: smooth leather is cared for differently than suede, nubuck or patent leather.
- Smooth leather: after wearing, remove dust with a brush or soft cloth. Before applying cream, the leather must be clean and dry.
- Mink oil: excellent for deep nourishment and softening of smooth leather. Apply only in a thin layer and always test first on a hidden area.
- Suede and nubuck: use a suede or nubuck brush and products designed specifically for these leathers. Mink oil, standard creams and greasy balms do not belong on them.
- Recommended brands: for quality leather care, we recommend Saphir and Famaco.
- Leather jackets: after rain, let them dry slowly at room temperature. Never dry on a radiator.
What care label symbols mean
Care symbols on the inner label should always be treated as the main instruction. Below is a basic guide to the most common symbols.
Wash
The product can be washed according to the care label. Follow temperature and programme instructions.
Do not bleach
Do not use chlorine or oxygen bleach unless the label states otherwise.
Ironing allowed
Iron according to the care label. For delicate materials, use a cloth or iron from the reverse side.
Do not iron
An iron may damage the material, finish or construction.
Do not tumble dry
Tumble drying may cause shrinkage, seam distortion or loss of shape.
Line dry
Dry naturally, away from direct heat and harsh sunlight.
Professional cleaning
The product is suitable for professional cleaning according to label instructions.
Do not dry clean
Not suitable for standard dry cleaning. Follow the label precisely.
Care guide by product type
A quick check before washing, cleaning or storing garments. If the care label differs, the label always takes priority.
| Product type | First care choice | If a stain appears | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trousers | Air, brush and steam. For wool, choose professional cleaning; for denim, wash as little as possible. | Blot with a cloth, do not rub. For wool and light shades, choose dry cleaning. | Tumble dryer, hot water, rubbing stains. |
| Jacket / blazer | Air on a wide hanger. Wash only unlined pieces if the label allows it. | Do not treat aggressively at home. For structured pieces, choose dry cleaning. | Tumble dryer, narrow hanger, harsh steam. |
| Shirt | Gentle washing according to the label, remove collar stays before washing, dry on a hanger. | Pre-treat collar, cuffs and sweat with gall soap. | Overloaded washing machine, high spin, dryer, hot water on sweat stains. |
| Overshirt | Cotton according to the label; wool flannel should be aired and professionally cleaned. | Blot, do not rub. For wool, choose dry cleaning. | Aggressive washing, tumble dryer, pocket deformation. |
| Coat / jacket | Air, brush and dry away from heat. Trench coats and cotton outerwear should be impregnated. | Spot-clean gently; for wool, choose dry cleaning. Renew impregnation after cleaning. | Radiator, plastic cover for long-term storage, unsuitable wax. |
| Leather | Clean shoes, bags and jackets with a soft cloth or brush according to leather type. Nourish smooth leather. | For smooth leather, use cream or a small amount of mink oil. Treat suede and nubuck with specialised products. | Mink oil on suede or nubuck, heat, radiator, application without testing. |
| Knitwear | Wool, merino and cashmere: hand wash or wool programme according to the label, dry flat. | Blot gently, do not wash with hot water. | Hangers, twisting, tumble dryer. |
Download the care guide
For quick reference, we have also prepared a PDF version of this guide. You can save it, print it or use it as a practical care manual for individual wardrobe pieces.
