Garment care guide

Garment Care Guide

GARMENT CARE GUIDE

Lovaan pieces are wearable keepsakes crafted from high-quality fabrics designed to last. Because our fabrics are mostly natural fibres, it's important to take extra care to maintain the durability and longevity of your garments.

Below is a list of the main fibres we use at Lovaan, along with information on understanding their properties and how to care for them. If you have any questions or need personalised advice on caring for your Lovaan pieces, feel free to email us at customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

Cotton and linen

Cotton and linen garments are natural fibres. Cotton is highly absorbent, flexible and soft, while linen is naturally strong and breathable. To ensure your cotton and linen pieces retain their colour and stay vibrant for longer, it’s best to store your garments away from direct sunlight. If you need to iron your cotton or linen garment, use a medium/hot temperature or follow your iron settings. We recommend using a light cloth over your garment to protect it from iron burns.

Silk

Silk garments, made from an animal-derived fibre, are wonderfully soft and smooth. Don't be concerned if you see small slubs in your silk—this is a natural feature, as nature doesn't create perfect fibres. Like cotton and linen, store silk away from direct sunlight to preserve the brightness of its dyes. Silk drapes beautifully but can wrinkle easily, so if ironing, use a low temperature setting or follow silk-specific ironing guidelines. To protect the silk, consider placing a cloth over the garment while ironing.

Wool, alpaca and cashmere

Our jumpers and blazers crafted from animal-derived fibres like wool, alpaca and cashmere are wonderfully versatile. These fibres are renowned for their durability, stain resistance and antibacterial qualities, which means they don't require frequent washing. When wool fibres get damp, they can release lanolin, a natural wax from sheep that gives them a distinct scent. Before opting for hand washing, try air drying your garment flat to refresh it.

Viscose

Viscose garments are crafted from a man-made cellulose fibre derived from natural sources like wood, processed chemically into a soft and lustrous material resembling silk. Viscose is highly versatile due to its silk-like qualities and smooth feel. Treat viscose garments gently to prevent snagging or pulling of the fabric.

Speciality fabrics

Our light knits, crocheted dresses and lace items each carry a unique story woven into their fabric. Because of this, they require careful handling to avoid pulls and snags. Be mindful of jewellery that could catch on the yarns to preserve the integrity of these delicately crafted pieces.

If you would like to find out more about how Lovaan is addressing animal-derived fibres, please contact customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

WASHING GUIDE

This guide is to be used as a point of reference for washing your Lovaan pieces. If you are unsure about any of our care instructions, follow the care label on your garment or reach out to us at customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

SPOT CARE

Stains are a part of life, but they don't have to be permanent! Act quickly when you spot a stain on your garment—it's easier to remove when fresh. If you're on the go, dab a bit of soda water on the spot and gently blot with a cloth to prevent the stain from setting.

Before washing, pretreat the stain for the best chance of removal. Try eco-friendly stain removers or simple home remedies like baking soda or lemon. Test a small area first to ensure it won't affect the fabric's colour.

Let the pretreatment sit for at least 30 minutes before hand washing or using a machine. Your garment should be fastened and turned inside out before washing. This proactive approach gives your garment the best shot at looking good as new.

BLENDED NATURAL FIBRES AND NATURAL FIBRES

Linen
Organic cotton (GOTS)
BCI cotton
Cotton
Linen and silk

When washing garments made predominantly of linen or cotton, opt for a gentle, eco-friendly detergent and use a cold cycle to avoid shrinking the fabric. Your garment should be fastened and turned inside out before washing. Separate colours to prevent any colour transfer during washing. Then after washing, avoid wringing out cotton and linen garments to maintain their shape. Instead, air-dry them away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality.

ANIMAL-DERIVED FIBRES

Silk
RWS wool
Alpaca

Taking care of animal-derived fibre garments is essential for their longevity. For most of our silk and animal fibre garments, we recommend dry cleaning. However, if that's not possible, handwashing is a suitable alternative. Handwashing, although less common nowadays, has been a traditional method of garment care in many parts of the world.

Handwashing allows us to connect with our clothing and cherish them. Use a mild, preferably eco-friendly detergent, and soak the garments in cold or lukewarm water. Your garment should be fastened and turned inside out before washing. Gently massage the fabric with your hands to clean it. Replace soapy water with fresh and gently rinse the garment, repeat two or three times until water is clear. To remove excess water, press the garment against the basin or sink until it's damp enough to hang dry.

For drying, we recommend air drying. For wool garments, lay them flat to dry to maintain their shape, as wool fibres have elasticity and can stretch when hung. This careful approach ensures that your garments remain beautiful and well-cared-for over time.

BLENDED NATURAL/SYNTHETIC AND SYNTHETIC FIBRES

Cotton/nylon
Poly/linen/spandex
Viscose/nylon
Merino/poly
Recycled poly

We’re in the process of reducing blended materials in our fibre portfolio, but in the meantime, it’s important to know how to care for and wash garments made from blends. Blended materials enhance certain qualities like strength and durability, yet synthetic fibres car release microplastics when washed.

To minimise microplastic release, we suggest using a laundry bag (such as a Guppyfriend washing bag) before washing. Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent on a cool cycle to prevent the weakening of the fibres, which can lead to increased microplastic shedding from synthetic garments. This approach helps maintain the quality of your clothing while minimising environmental impact.

WASHING SYMBOL GUIDE

MENDING

We believe in the importance of mending and repair, so we strongly encourage our customers to repair their garments to preserve the quality and wearability of garments.

If you need assistance for a repair, please contact customercare@lovaanstudios.com, and we can help provide some guidance on if the item can be repaired.

Help us restore the lost art of mending one repair at a time.

Hemming a Dress

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching your garment), needle, thread, pins, scissors and composure.

Identify the area of the hem that has come undone, and lay the garment out flat to examine how much needs to be mended.
If the hem is pressed flat, we suggest using an iron to flatten it back up into the desired position and then securing it with a few pins along the edge.
Using some thread that matches the garment, thread through your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.
Threading the needle from the wrong side of the folded edge of the material to the front so the knot of the needle and thread sits flush into the seam.
Using a whip stitch, space your stitches between 1-1.5cm apart to ensure that the hem is secure. Repeat this process of bringing your needle up and down from back to front, catching a small piece of the right side of the material, and threading through the folded material from back to front.
Continue until the remainder of the loose hem is securely stitched before tying your thread into a knot.

How to fix small holes and snags

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the garment), needle, scissors, pins, patch (optional) and calmness.

Lay your garment out flat to examine the extent of the hole.
If a rip or hole is larger than a 10-cent coin, consider visiting your local seamstress or tailor to have it repaired.
For snags, we recommend gently pulling the snag from the right side to the wrong side of the fabric so it sits on the inside rather than out. If you want to avoid the snag from coming through to the right side again, we suggest using a small, lightweight adhesive patch over the loose threads so they can sit flat.
For small holes, we recommend using a needle and thread to close the hole by threading up from the wrong side to the right side of the material, then across to the other side of the hole; repeat this, moving diagonally to begin closing the hole.
Try to space stitches evenly from one another and try to place the stitch in the material at least 0.5cm from the edge of the hole to ensure that it doesn't create a bigger hole.
Also, be mindful of how the fabric is sitting; try not to pull the thread too tightly after each stitch. Otherwise, it might cause the fabric to pucker. To avoid this, try to flatten the material out lightly over the hole after each loop to ensure it still sits flat.
Once the hole is closed, knot the ends of the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.

How to reattach neck label

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the neck label/ garment), needle, scissors, pins (optional) and patience.

Process

Using thread that matches the neck label, thread through your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.
Use your fingers to align the neck label to the desired spot, and secure it with a pin to make sewing it onto the garment easier.
Grabbing your needle and thread, insert the needle on the garment where the top corner of the care label will sit, ensuring that the knot sits flush on the fabric.
From here, insert the needle from the wrong side to the right side of the fabric and into the appropriate top corner of the care label. Pull the thread through, so the care label sits flat on the material.
Repeating this same process of catching a small amount of garment material, then inserting the needle through the care label twice more before knotting the ends of the thread.
Repeat on the other top corner if necessary.

How to sew on a button

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the garment), button, garment, needle, scissors and precision.

Process

Lay your garment out flat, and mark your desired position for your button.
Using thread that matches your garment, thread your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.
Insert your needle into the marked position of the button, catching a small amount of the fabric before bringing it through so the knot sits flush. Repeat this again to ensure the thread is securely attached to the fabric.
Next, thread your needle through one of the button holes and adjust the button in place, then thread the needle back through one of the other holes on the button. Please note that depending on whether your button has two or four holes, how many times you thread it through will vary. We recommend threading it up and down at least twice and at least once through every hole for two-holed buttons.
To avoid the thread peaking through on the opposite side of the fabric, try the catching method of picking up some threads from the front side of the fabric and repeat threading through holes as recommended.
To secure the button, wind the thread around the button three times and then thread your needle up and through the winded thread at the back of the button, catching the loop this thread has created. Then, thread your needle through that loop to tie a knot.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CIRCULARITY

At Lovaan, we're actively embracing our responsibility in the fashion industry, and one key initiative is ensuring that Lovaan garments circulate for as long as possible, even beyond their original wearability.

We recognise the complexities of achieving circularity and the importance of meaningful connections with our community. That's why we're committed to providing you with resources on caring for your garments, exploring options when you're ready to part with them, and guiding you on purchasing pre-loved Lovaan pieces.

We also encourage you to embrace mending and repairing to extend the life of your garments. If a garment reaches its end, we're here to help you explore responsible disposal options.

This journey is ongoing, and we appreciate your patience as we work towards aligning our goals and setting targets to create a more sustainable future together.

Currency

Garment Care Guide

GARMENT CARE GUIDE

Lovaan pieces are wearable keepsakes crafted from high-quality fabrics designed to last. Because our fabrics are mostly natural fibres, it's important to take extra care to maintain the durability and longevity of your garments.

Below is a list of the main fibres we use at Lovaan, along with information on understanding their properties and how to care for them. If you have any questions or need personalised advice on caring for your Lovaan pieces, feel free to email us at customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

Cotton and linen

Silk

Wool, alpaca and cashmere

Viscose

Speciality fabrics

Our light knits, crocheted dresses and lace items each carry a unique story woven into their fabric. Because of this, they require careful handling to avoid pulls and snags. Be mindful of jewellery that could catch on the yarns to preserve the integrity of these delicately crafted pieces.

If you would like to find out more about how Lovaan is addressing animal-derived fibres, please contact customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

WASHING GUIDE

This guide is to be used as a point of reference for washing your Lovaan pieces. If you are unsure about any of our care instructions, follow the care label on your garment or reach out to us at customercare@lovaanstudios.com.

SPOT CARE

Stains are a part of life, but they don't have to be permanent! Act quickly when you spot a stain on your garment—it's easier to remove when fresh. If you're on the go, dab a bit of soda water on the spot and gently blot with a cloth to prevent the stain from setting.

Before washing, pretreat the stain for the best chance of removal. Try eco-friendly stain removers or simple home remedies like baking soda or lemon. Test a small area first to ensure it won't affect the fabric's colour.

Let the pretreatment sit for at least 30 minutes before hand washing or using a machine. Your garment should be fastened and turned inside out before washing. This proactive approach gives your garment the best shot at looking good as new.

BLENDED NATURAL FIBRES AND NATURAL FIBRES

Linen

Organic cotton (GOTS)

BCI cotton

Cotton

Linen and silk

ANIMAL-DERIVED FIBRES

Silk

RWS wool

Alpaca

For drying, we recommend air drying. For wool garments, lay them flat to dry to maintain their shape, as wool fibres have elasticity and can stretch when hung. This careful approach ensures that your garments remain beautiful and well-cared-for over time.

BLENDED NATURAL/SYNTHETIC AND SYNTHETIC FIBRES

Cotton/nylon

Poly/linen/spandex

Viscose/nylon

Merino/poly

Recycled poly

WASHING SYMBOL GUIDE

MENDING

We believe in the importance of mending and repair, so we strongly encourage our customers to repair their garments to preserve the quality and wearability of garments.

If you need assistance for a repair, please contact customercare@lovaanstudios.com, and we can help provide some guidance on if the item can be repaired.

Help us restore the lost art of mending one repair at a time.

Hemming a Dress

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching your garment), needle, thread, pins, scissors and composure.

Identify the area of the hem that has come undone, and lay the garment out flat to examine how much needs to be mended.

If the hem is pressed flat, we suggest using an iron to flatten it back up into the desired position and then securing it with a few pins along the edge.

Using some thread that matches the garment, thread through your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.

Threading the needle from the wrong side of the folded edge of the material to the front so the knot of the needle and thread sits flush into the seam.

Using a whip stitch, space your stitches between 1-1.5cm apart to ensure that the hem is secure. Repeat this process of bringing your needle up and down from back to front, catching a small piece of the right side of the material, and threading through the folded material from back to front.

Continue until the remainder of the loose hem is securely stitched before tying your thread into a knot.

How to fix small holes and snags

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the garment), needle, scissors, pins, patch (optional) and calmness.

Lay your garment out flat to examine the extent of the hole.

If a rip or hole is larger than a 10-cent coin, consider visiting your local seamstress or tailor to have it repaired.

For small holes, we recommend using a needle and thread to close the hole by threading up from the wrong side to the right side of the material, then across to the other side of the hole; repeat this, moving diagonally to begin closing the hole.

Try to space stitches evenly from one another and try to place the stitch in the material at least 0.5cm from the edge of the hole to ensure that it doesn't create a bigger hole.

Also, be mindful of how the fabric is sitting; try not to pull the thread too tightly after each stitch. Otherwise, it might cause the fabric to pucker. To avoid this, try to flatten the material out lightly over the hole after each loop to ensure it still sits flat.

Once the hole is closed, knot the ends of the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.

How to reattach neck label

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the neck label/ garment), needle, scissors, pins (optional) and patience.

Process

Using thread that matches the neck label, thread through your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.

Use your fingers to align the neck label to the desired spot, and secure it with a pin to make sewing it onto the garment easier.

Grabbing your needle and thread, insert the needle on the garment where the top corner of the care label will sit, ensuring that the knot sits flush on the fabric.

From here, insert the needle from the wrong side to the right side of the fabric and into the appropriate top corner of the care label. Pull the thread through, so the care label sits flat on the material.

Repeating this same process of catching a small amount of garment material, then inserting the needle through the care label twice more before knotting the ends of the thread.

Repeat on the other top corner if necessary.

How to sew on a button

Materials needed: coloured thread (matching the garment), button, garment, needle, scissors and precision.

Process

Lay your garment out flat, and mark your desired position for your button.

Using thread that matches your garment, thread your needle and secure two ends of the thread into a knot.

Insert your needle into the marked position of the button, catching a small amount of the fabric before bringing it through so the knot sits flush. Repeat this again to ensure the thread is securely attached to the fabric.

To avoid the thread peaking through on the opposite side of the fabric, try the catching method of picking up some threads from the front side of the fabric and repeat threading through holes as recommended.

To secure the button, wind the thread around the button three times and then thread your needle up and through the winded thread at the back of the button, catching the loop this thread has created. Then, thread your needle through that loop to tie a knot.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CIRCULARITY

At Lovaan, we're actively embracing our responsibility in the fashion industry, and one key initiative is ensuring that Lovaan garments circulate for as long as possible, even beyond their original wearability.

We also encourage you to embrace mending and repairing to extend the life of your garments. If a garment reaches its end, we're here to help you explore responsible disposal options.

This journey is ongoing, and we appreciate your patience as we work towards aligning our goals and setting targets to create a more sustainable future together.