Caring for What Calls to You

The pieces that find their way to us have already lived full lives, weathering decades with grace. They've learned to age beautifully, but they ask for our partnership in continuing that journey. Caring for vintage isn't just about preservation—it's about honoring the relationship between maker, material, and time.

Old Wisdom for Timeless Care

Before washing machines and chemical detergents, our grandmothers understood that caring for clothes was a ritual of respect. Different cultures developed their own gentle ways of keeping textiles beautiful, methods that worked in harmony with natural fibers rather than against them.

In many Mediterranean traditions, clothes were washed in cool spring water with soap made from olive oil and ash—gentle enough to preserve delicate fibers yet effective at lifting dirt accumulated through daily life. Japanese families would rinse silk kimonos in water infused with rice bran, the natural oils conditioning the fibers while cleansing them. Scandinavian communities discovered that washing wool in water where birch leaves had been steeped would maintain the wool's natural lanolin, keeping it soft and water-resistant.

Indian families understood the power of the sun as both cleanser and brightener, but they knew to dry their precious saris in filtered light to prevent fading. They would lay cotton and linen flat on clean grass, letting morning dew and gentle air do much of the work. Celtic traditions involved washing textiles in streams where certain herbs grew wild, the plants' natural properties acting as gentle cleansers and moth deterrents.

These old ways teach us that cleaning was never meant to be aggressive. Instead, it was about creating the right conditions for fabrics to refresh themselves, working with the material's natural properties rather than forcing them into submission.

The Sacred Art of Mending

Perhaps no practice better embodies our relationship with beloved objects than mending. In a world that taught us to discard what breaks, our ancestors understood that the act of repair was an act of love, a way of extending not just the life of an object, but the story it carried.

Japanese boro textiles tell this story beautifully—layers of patches and careful stitching that transform worn areas into landscapes of texture and history. What we might see as damage, traditional mending sees as opportunity for new beauty. The Italian art of zurcido turns holes in precious linens into delicate lacework, each repair becoming a small celebration of the textile's continued life.

Scottish communities developed invisible mending techniques that could restore damaged wool so seamlessly that the repair became part of the fabric's strength rather than a visible reminder of weakness. Native American traditions taught that mending should honor both the original maker and the person doing the repair, creating a conversation between generations through needle and thread.

We're slowly learning these skills ourselves, understanding that a carefully mended vintage piece often becomes more beautiful than it was originally. The mending tells its own story, adds its own layer of meaning. When you take the time to repair something rather than replace it, you're participating in this ancient dialogue between human hands and the materials they shape.

Gentle Care for Different Materials

Cotton and Linen These plant fibers want to breathe, responding best to gentle treatment that honors their natural properties:

• Use cool water with mild, plant-based detergents

• Air dry whenever possible to preserve cellular structure

• Steam with distilled water for wrinkles, avoiding harsh heat

• Wash with like colors to prevent bleeding

• Store flat or on padded hangers to maintain shape

Wool This animal fiber retains natural oils that protect and insulate, requiring special consideration:

• Hand wash in cool water with wool-specific detergent

• Avoid agitation, which causes fibers to lock together and shrink

• Let rest 24 hours between wears to release moisture and recover shape

• Wear cotton undershirts to protect from body oils

• Store with cedar blocks for natural moth protection

• Consider professional cleaning for precious pieces

Silk Born from the cocoon, silk fibers are strong yet delicate:

• Many vintage silks benefit from professional care

• For gentle hand washing: use cool water and silk-specific detergent

• Never wring or twist—gently squeeze out excess water

• Dry away from direct sunlight, which weakens protein structure

• Steam at low heat to remove wrinkles

• Store hanging or flat, never folded for long periods

Caring for Jewelry and Shoes

Vintage Jewelry Each era and material has its own needs:

• Research your piece's specific period and materials

• Polish silver gently with soft cloths, avoiding harsh chemicals

• Keep costume jewelry dry—many older pieces contain materials sensitive to moisture

• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching

• Let natural patina tell the story of age rather than over-polishing

• Handle settings gently, as vintage mountings may be fragile

Vintage Shoes Traditional leather care methods work best:

• Condition leather regularly with natural products

• Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape between wears

• Allow 24 hours rest between wears for leather to dry completely

• Clean gently with appropriate brushes

• Protect soles if still wearing regularly

• Store in breathable shoe bags or boxes

Washing Your Vintage Pieces

When it's time for a gentle refresh:

• Always check original care labels when available

• Test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area first

• Use cold or lukewarm water with eco-friendly detergents

• Wash like colors together, special pieces separately

• Avoid agitation or friction that can cause fading or tearing

• Hand wash delicate items in a clean basin

• Never use fabric softeners on vintage pieces

• Air dry whenever possible—heat weakens natural fibers

Proper Storage

Creating the right environment for your pieces to rest:

• Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing

• Choose cool, dry places away from direct sunlight

• Allow air circulation—avoid plastic bags that trap moisture

• Use wooden or padded hangers instead of metal ones

• Fold heavy knits to prevent stretching

• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets for natural pest protection

• Check stored items periodically for any issues

• Keep storage areas clean and dust-free

Daily Care Wisdom

Small practices that extend the life of your pieces:

• Let garments air out between wears

• Wash only when truly necessary, not after every wear

• Use steamers with distilled water to avoid mineral buildup

• Keep beeswax handy for stubborn zippers

• Address small issues before they become big problems

• Rotate wearing pieces to prevent excessive wear on favorites

• Use dehumidifiers in damp environments to prevent mold

• Set up moth prevention traps in storage areas

Learning as We Go

We don't pretend to know everything about caring for vintage pieces—we're still learning, still discovering new techniques and rediscovering old ones. What we do know is that these pieces respond to attention and gentleness, to the understanding that they've already proven their worth by surviving decades, and they deserve care that honors that journey.

Every vintage piece teaches us something new about materials, construction, or care. We try to listen to what each garment needs, approaching care as a conversation rather than a set of rules. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply slow down, pay attention, and trust the wisdom held within fibers that have already learned how to age gracefully.