Adam Leaves Guidelines for care

Care Guide: Preserve Your Adam Leaves Sustainable Clothing

Adam Leaves' Made-to-Measure Sustainable Outerwear is crafted to last, combining premium natural fabrics (Hemp, Linen, Silk, Cotton) with eco-friendly accessories and handmade quality. Our garments are designed for superior strength, skin comfort, shape retention, and better colourfastness with natural dyes, far surpassing fast fashion.

To ensure your investment endures, follow these care instructions:

1. Cleaning Procedure

A) Hemp, Linen, & Cotton:

  • With Interlining & Hand Embroidery (Blazer, Jacket, Waistcoat, Trench Coat): Dry Clean Only.

  • Without Interlining (Shirt, Trousers, Kurta, Dress): Cold water hand washing is recommended.

B) Silk (All Products): Dry Clean Only.

2. Ironing

  • Heat Settings: For outerwear with interlining, use Cotton/Hemp, Linen, or Silk heat settings on your iron.

  • Steam Iron with Shoe: Use directly.

  • Regular Iron: Place a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric; gently press, avoiding dragging.

  • Embroidery: Avoid direct, very hot iron on embroidered areas. Consider steaming blazers for a gentler approach.

  • Lining: Use a medium iron for cotton satin lining.

  • Caution: Stop immediately if the iron sticks. Burnt garments are very difficult to recover. Minor damage can be covered with rafu or embroidery.

3. Stain or Color Spill Removal

Act quickly and always test stain removers on an inconspicuous area first. Read the care label before treating any stain.

  • General Tough Stains: Pre-treat immediately with a suitable remover (dish soap, baking soda). Soak and wash using recommended settings.

  • Oil Stains:

    1. Blot excess oil.

    2. Sprinkle baking soda/cornstarch for 10-15 mins to absorb. Brush off powder, apply dish soap, and work it into the fabric.

    3. Rinse with warm water. Repeat if needed before washing.

    4. For stubborn stains, pre-treat with stain remover or a vinegar/baking soda mixture. Soak 15-30 mins before washing.

  • Pen Ink Stains:

    1. Place a cloth/paper towel underneath.

    2. Water-based ink: Blot with damp cloth, then dish soap/water solution.

    3. Oil-based ink: Dab rubbing alcohol/hand sanitizer with cotton ball.

    4. Gently blot (don't rub) to prevent spreading.

    5. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

  • Yellow Stains (White Clothes):

    1. Soak in baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water solution for 30 mins.

    2. Gently scrub with a soft brush.

    3. Rinse thoroughly, then wash. For tougher stains, use commercial stain remover or oxygen bleach (avoid chlorine bleach on delicate fabrics).

  • Mould Stains:

    1. Brush off spores outdoors.

    2. Soak the garment in white vinegar for at least one hour.

    3. Gently scrub the stained area with a soft brush.

    4. Wash in hot water (if safe for fabric) or according to care instructions.

  • Blood Stains:

    1. Rinse immediately with cold water (avoid warm water).

    2. Soak in cold water and mild detergent for 15-30 mins.

    3. For stubborn stains, dab hydrogen peroxide directly, let fizz, then blot.

  • Paint Stains:

    • Water-based (wet paint): Rinse under cold water, apply dish soap, gently rub, rinse, repeat.

    • Oil-based (dried paint): Scrape off excess. Treat with turpentine or rubbing alcohol. Blot gently, then wash in warm water.

  • Other Common Stubborn Stains (Coffee, Tea, Wine, Grass):

    • Coffee/Tea: Blot with vinegar/water mixture or use stain remover spray before washing.

    • Wine: Blot with cold water, sprinkle salt, then rinse with cold water/vinegar mixture.

    • Grass: Apply laundry detergent/dish soap directly, gently scrub, let sit, then wash.

     Common Stain Removers & Their Uses

  • Dish Soap: Excellent for oil-based stains. Mix with warm water, rub gently.

  • Baking Soda: Absorbs oil/grease, good for food, sweat, odours. Sprinkle, let sit, brush off, then wash.

  • White Vinegar: Cuts through grease/grime; good for coffee, wine, and mildew. Mix equal parts with water, apply, rinse, and wash.

  • Rubbing Alcohol: Effective for ink and some oil stains. Dab with a cotton ball, blot, rinse, and wash.

  • Hair Spray: Can dissolve ink stains due to alcohol content. Spray directly, blot, wash.

  • Nail Polish Remover (Acetone): Good for stubborn ink stains, but use with caution on delicate fabrics (test first). Apply a small amount, blot gently, rinse thoroughly.

Bleach: Powerful for mould, coffee, and tea stains. Use diluted (follow instructions) and test first; avoid on delicate fabrics. Soak, rinse, wash

 

4. Extend Your Garment's Life: The Power of Self-Buttons

Losing a button doesn't mean the end for your favourite Adam Leaves garment. A quick fix can significantly extend its life and keep it looking pristine. It's a simple skill that takes just 2-3 minutes, and we've thoughtfully included a self-button conveniently located just above your right-side inner pocket, along with a matching thread and needle.

This small act of repair is a big step towards sustainable fashion, ensuring your cherished pieces last longer and stay out of landfills.

 Quick Fix: Attaching a Button

  •  Gather Your Tools: Locate the spare button (attached near your inner right pocket), a matching thread, and the needle we've provided.
  • Position: Place the new button over the spot where the old one was, aligning the holes.
  • Thread & Stitch: Thread your needle. Start from the back of the fabric, push the needle through a buttonhole, and then back down through the fabric and another buttonhole. Repeat several times, creating strong, even stitches.
  • Secure: Finish by wrapping the thread tightly a few times around the base of the stitches (underneath the button) to create a "shank." Knot securely on the back.

It's that easy to give your garment a new lease of life!

5. Mend and Extend: The Art of Self-Stitching

Even a small tear doesn't mean the end for your cherished Adam Leaves garment. Embrace the core principle of sustainable fashion by mending it yourself! A little self-stitching is a simple yet powerful way to extend your garment's life, keeping it out of landfills and in your wardrobe. All you need is a matching thread, a needle, and if necessary, a small fabric patch or an embroidery piece for a creative mend.

By giving your clothes a second life, you're actively participating in a more sustainable future.

Quick Guide: Hand-Stitching a Tear

  • Gather Your Supplies: Find a matching thread, a sharp needle, and your chosen patch or embroidery piece if the tear requires it.
  • Prepare the Area: Lay the garment flat. If using a patch, place it neatly underneath the torn area, ensuring it covers the damage completely. Pin it in place if needed.
  • Thread Your Needle: Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
  • Start Stitching:

    • For a simple tear: Begin by making small, even stitches along the edges of the tear, pulling the edges together gently. You can use a basic running stitch or a backstitch for more durability.

    • With a patch: Start from the underside of the garment, bringing the needle up through the garment and the patch. Stitch around the edges of the patch, securing both the patch and the torn edges of the garment. You can also add decorative embroidery stitches over the patch for a unique touch.

  2. Finish Securely: Once the tear is closed and reinforced, tie off the thread with a secure knot on the inside of the garment. Trim any excess thread.

It's a small effort with a big impact, turning a potential discard into a lasting favourite!

6. Preserving Your Sustainable Clothing: A Comprehensive Guide

To preserve conscious fashion wear at home, prioritise proper cleaning, storage, and handling. Always wash or dry clean before storing, and use padded hangers to maintain its shape. Store in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent fading and damage. Avoid overcrowding your closet and consider using a breathable garment bag for extra protection.

  • Storage:

    • Hanging: Use wide, sturdy, and preferably padded hangers to support the shoulders and maintain the blazer's shape.

    • Garment Bags: Store in breathable garment bags (cotton or canvas) to protect from dust and moisture.

    • Dark and Dry Place: Choose a cool, dry, and dark storage area to prevent fading and damage from light and humidity.

    • Avoid Cramped Spaces: Ensure enough space around the blazer in the closet to prevent wrinkles.

    • Fold for Extended Storage: For long-term storage, fold the blazer loosely with acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases.

  • Handling:

    • Avoid Wringing: Do not wring out linen as it can damage the fibers and cause wrinkles.

    • Steam for Refreshing: Use a steamer to remove wrinkles and odours instead of frequent washing.

    • Regular Brushing: Use a soft brush to remove dust and lint regularly.

    • Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling and avoid rough treatment.