Fabric Care Guide
At Mabel Green Studio, we use fibres chosen for their comfort, durability and low‑impact qualities.
Each fabric behaves differently, so the way you wash, dry, and store your garments makes a real difference to how well they last.
This guide explains the key care steps for each fibre to help your pieces stay beautiful and functional over time.
COTTON
Cotton is a versatile, breathable and comfortable natural fibre that’s easy to care for. We love it for its ability to take dye beautifully, holding colour and intricate prints with clarity.
Cotton comes from the soft fibres surrounding the seed pods of the cotton plant. Once cleaned and spun, it can be woven into a wide range of fabrics — from denim and corduroy to poplin and twill.
How to Wash
-
Machine wash at 30°C with similar colours.
-
Wash less frequently to help maintain the garment’s shape, colour and overall quality.
How to Dry & Store
-
Reshape while damp by holding the side seams together and giving a gentle shake.
-
Dry flat or hang to reduce the need for ironing.
-
If ironing is needed, do so while the garment is slightly damp or use a steam setting.
-
Hang cotton garments away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
CORDUROY
Corduroy is loved for its durability and soft, velvety texture. At Mabel Green Studio, we appreciate its casual, practical feel and the warmth it brings to everyday wear.
-
How to Wash
-
Turn garments inside out and close all buttons and zips.
-
Wash at 30°C or on a cool setting.
-
Avoid overloading the machine — friction can damage the pile and alter the texture.
How to Dry & Store
-
After washing, shake out the garment and smooth down seams, pockets and plackets.
-
Hang to air dry to avoid ironing.
-
Store corduroy garments on hangers to help maintain their shape.
DENIM
Denim is a strong, durable fabric with a distinctive twill weave. When cared for well, it can last a lifetime and develop a beautiful character as it ages. At Mabel Green Studio, we value denim for its functional feel and the way it softens and evolves.
How to Wash
-
Wash denim sparingly — it will naturally fade over time.
-
Use the gentlest cycle available (wool or delicate settings work well).
-
Always close zips and buttons and turn the garment inside out to protect the colour and your machine drum.
-
Wash at 30°C or on a cool setting with a small amount of mild detergent.
-
Wash with similar colours and avoid overloading the machine to prevent creasing, especially with black denim.
-
Avoid spot cleaning, as this can create lighter patches, particularly on dark indigo.
How to Dry & Store
-
Do not wring denim — it can weaken or crush the fibres.
-
Avoid tumble drying and fast spin cycles to preserve colour and strength.
-
For best results, gently roll the garment to remove excess water, reshape, and allow it to air dry.
-
Iron inside out while damp on a high‑steam setting if needed.
-
Denim can be hung or folded. When hanging, fold over at the knees with the waistband facing downwards.
LINEN
Linen is made from the strong, durable fibres of the flax plant — one of the oldest and toughest natural fibres in use. Flax naturally resists bacteria, is highly hard‑wearing, and every part of the plant can be used, which is why it's valued for its low environmental impact and biodegradable qualities.
At Mabel Green Studio, we love linen for its relaxed, crumpled texture, its lightweight, and the cool comfort it brings during warmer months.
How to Wash
-
Linen softens beautifully with wear and washing.
-
Most linen can be machine‑washed, though finer weaves may require handwashing.
-
Always turn linen garments inside out to protect the surface fibres.
-
Wash at 30°C or on a cool setting.
-
Linen is highly absorbent, so avoid overfilling the machine — this allows the fabric to soak and rinse properly.
How to Dry & Store
-
Avoid tumble‑drying linen.
-
For best results, hang to dry as soon as possible after washing.
-
Reshape the garment while damp and iron inside out, also while damp, to reduce creasing.
-
Take care when pressing around seams and folds, as excessive pressure can weaken the fibres.
VISCOSE
Viscose is a biodegradable fibre made from plant‑based materials such as bamboo, soy, and wood pulp. First developed by British chemists, it became the earliest manufactured fibre to be produced on a large scale and was originally introduced as a more cost-effective alternative to silk.
Viscose yarns are typically woven or knitted into smooth, soft fabrics with excellent drape, making them ideal for warm or humid climates.
At Mabel Green Studio, we love viscose for its fluid movement and its ability to hold colour and intricate prints.
How to Wash
-
Many viscose garments can be machine‑washed at 30°C, but the fibre is prone to shrinking, so handwashing is often the gentlest option.
-
Some viscose is labelled dry‑clean‑only, as the twisting motion of a washing machine can damage the fibres.
-
When handwashing, use cool water — ideally no warmer than 20°C.
-
Always turn viscose garments inside out before washing to protect the surface.
How to Dry & Store
-
Avoid tumble‑drying viscose.
-
Reshape the garment while damp and allow it to air dry flat or on a padded hanger.
-
Do not wring or twist viscose, as this can distort the fibres.
-
Viscose responds well to steam — you can gently iron it back into shape while damp.
-
Store viscose garments in breathable cotton bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture build‑up.
Haori Kimono Care Guide
A vintage haori carries a history of its own, handcrafted with techniques that have been passed down through generations. To honour the artistry and ensure your piece remains a wardrobe staple for years to come, we have put together this guide to care for your vintage silk properly.
Vintage Disclaimer / "Character Marks"
A Note on Vintage Condition:
Please keep in mind that haori are authentic vintage pieces, many of which are 40 to 80 years old. As such, they may show minor signs of their previous life, such as faint age spots, slight pinholes, or gentle fading. We believe these 'character marks' are a testament to the garment's history and soul. While we carefully inspect and refresh every piece, we encourage you to embrace the unique, lived-in nature of these one-of-a-kind textiles.
Caring for Your Vintage Haori
A vintage haori is more than just a garment; it is a piece of wearable art. Because these pieces are often decades old and crafted from delicate silk or hand-dyed cotton, they require a little extra love to ensure they last for generations to come.
1. Freshness and Airing
The best way to maintain your haori is to let it breathe. After wearing, hang your jacket on a wide hanger or a traditional garment rod for 24 to 48 hours in a well-ventilated room. Never hang on a wire coat hanger. This will damage the construction and fibres of the garment. Hanging your haori naturally removes moisture and light odours. Always keep it out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the natural dyes to fade over time.
2. Cleaning Guidelines
The Golden Rule: Never put a vintage silk haori in a washing machine or tumble dryer. The agitation and heat will damage the silk fibres and may cause the delicate hand-stitching to unravel.
Dry Cleaning: We recommend taking your haori to a specialist dry cleaner who has experience with vintage silk or delicate evening wear.
Spot Cleaning: If you have a small mark, do not rub it. Gently blot the area with a soft, dry white cloth. Avoid using water, as some vintage silks can develop permanent water spots.
3. Storage and Preservation
Flat Storage: For long-term storage, it is best to fold your haori along its natural seams and store it flat.
Breathability: Avoid storing your haori in plastic bags or airtight containers, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper or a breathable cotton garment bag.
Pest Prevention: Silk is a natural fibre that can attract moths. We recommend using cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage area, ensuring they do not touch the fabric directly.
4. Ironing and Steaming
Steaming: A handheld steamer is the safest way to remove wrinkles. Keep the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to prevent water droplets from hitting the silk.
Ironing: If you must iron, use the lowest silk setting with no steam. Always place a clean, white cotton cloth (a pressing cloth) between the iron and the haori to protect the surface from heat damage or shine.
5. A Note on "Shitsuke-ito" (Basting Stitches)
You may notice long, white, loose stitches along the outer edges of some garments. This is called shitsuke-ito. In Japan, these stitches are applied by tailors or professional cleaners to keep the garment aligned during storage. They are meant to be carefully snipped and removed before you wear the jacket for the first time.
We recommend reading Essential Practices for Antique Japanese Textile Care and Storage by The Kimono Gallery.