An eco-printed garment gets its colour from real leaves and flowers, so it is cared for a little differently from a factory-printed one. These simple habits help the print last. Always check the care instructions on your product page first, and contact us before washing a tailored, lined piece such as a blazer if you are unsure.
Washing
- Hand wash gently in cold or room-temperature water.
- Use a pH-neutral liquid detergent, such as a delicate silk or wool wash or a mild baby shampoo.
- Avoid harsh laundry powders, bleach, baking soda and any strongly alkaline soap. These can strip the natural tannins and change the colours of the print.
- Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers where you can. If you must use a machine, put the garment in a mesh bag, choose the gentlest cold-water cycle and never tumble dry.
Drying
- Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
- Hang it on a line or lay it flat in a shaded, well-ventilated place.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight. Strong sun acts like a bleach on botanical colour and can fade it quickly.
Ironing
- Turn the garment inside out before ironing.
- Use low to medium heat suited to the fibre: a little higher for sturdy linen, very low for delicate silk.
- Ironing on the reverse protects the print from the direct heat of the iron plate.
Will my eco-print fade?
Botanical prints are often called living colours. They react to light, water and your skin chemistry, so over time the print may soften or mellow. This is a natural characteristic of a plant-based print and not a flaw.
What if it fades more than I like?
Natural-fabric garments can be renewed instead of replaced. A piece that has lost contrast can be over-dyed in a light natural bath, such as tea, madder or marigold, to give an even, vintage look. It can also be treated as a blank canvas and eco-printed again with a fresh layer of leaves.
Learn more
New to botanical printing? Read What Is Eco-Printed Fabric?, see how each piece is made on our Bundle & Steam page, or browse our eco-printed blazers.
