The Florimay Product Care Master Guide

1. Why Care Matters for Small-Batch Clothing

Every Florimay piece is made in small batches from natural fibers and considered construction. That means the cotton in your shirt was grown, the wool in your sweater was raised, and the stitching in your jacket was done by hands that took their time. When you care for these garments well, you're not just extending their life—you're honoring the resources and craftsmanship behind them.

Proper care can double or even triple the lifespan of a well-made garment. Fast fashion teaches us to replace; slow fashion asks us to maintain. This guide walks you through exactly how to do that, whether you're washing a linen shirt for the first time or pulling a cashmere sweater out of summer storage.

2. Decode the Care Label

Those tiny symbols inside your garment are a universal language. Here's what they mean:

• Washtub symbol: Machine washable. A number inside indicates max water temperature in Celsius. A hand in the tub means hand wash only. An X through the tub means do not wash.
• Triangle: Bleaching instructions. Empty triangle means any bleach; diagonal lines mean non-chlorine only; X means no bleach.
• Square: Drying. A circle inside means tumble dry (dots indicate heat level). A horizontal line means dry flat. A vertical line means hang to dry.
• Iron symbol: Dots show heat level (one dot = low, three dots = high). X means no ironing.
• Circle: Dry cleaning. Letters inside indicate solvent type for your cleaner. X means do not dry clean.

For a deeper breakdown, see our fabric guide.

3. Care by Fabric Type

Cotton & Linen

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Turn garments inside out to protect dyes and surface texture. Tumble dry on low, or hang dry for less shrinkage and softer hand-feel over time. Linen softens beautifully with each wash—expect some natural wrinkling, which is part of its character. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp for crisp results.

Knits: Wool, Cashmere, Merino

Hand wash in cool water with a wool-specific detergent, or dry clean. Submerge, gently press (never wring), and rinse until the water runs clear. Roll the garment in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight or heat. Reshape while damp. Never hang knits wet—they will stretch out of shape permanently. Read our cashmere care article for detailed guidance.

Silk

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent made for delicates, or dry clean. Avoid soaking longer than five minutes. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then hang to dry away from sunlight, which can yellow silk fibers. Iron on the lowest silk setting, inside out, while slightly damp.

Leather

Wipe regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove surface dust. Never submerge leather in water. Condition once a year with a quality leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking. Store in a breathable dust bag—never plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mildew. Address spills immediately by blotting, never rubbing.

Suede

Brush regularly with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust. Never wet suede—water leaves permanent stains. For scuffs, use a suede eraser. Apply a suede protector spray before first wear and reapply seasonally. If suede gets caught in rain, let it air dry fully before brushing.

4. Seasonal Storage Best Practices

Before storing any garment away for the season, always clean it first. Invisible body oils and food residue attract moths and cause yellowing over time.

• Knits & wool: Fold (never hang—it stretches shoulders) and store in breathable cotton bags with cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Avoid mothballs; they leave lasting odor.
• Silk & delicates: Wrap in acid-free tissue paper and store flat in a drawer or box.
• Leather & suede: Store in dust bags in a cool, dry place. Stuff bags and shoes with tissue to hold shape.
• Cotton & linen: Launder, fold, and store in a dry area with good airflow.

Keep storage areas cool (below 75°F), dark, and dry. Humidity is the enemy of all natural fibers.

5. Common Issues & Fixes

• Pilling: Normal for natural fibers, especially in friction zones. Remove with a fabric comb or sweater stone—never scissors.
• Shrinking: Usually caused by heat. To relax a shrunken wool piece, soak in cool water with a capful of hair conditioner, then reshape while drying flat.
• Stretching: Common with wet knits hung to dry. To reshape, wet the garment, lay flat, and gently work it back to original dimensions.
• Moth holes: Store cleaned wool with cedar or lavender. Small holes can often be invisibly mended by a skilled tailor.

6. When to Dry Clean vs. Home Wash

Dry clean when: the label specifies it, the garment is structured (blazers, tailored coats), it features delicate trims or linings, or you're dealing with a stubborn stain on a protein fiber like silk or wool.

Home wash when: the label permits it, the garment is simple in construction, and you have time to hand wash carefully. Over-dry-cleaning can actually dry out fibers—once or twice a season is plenty for most pieces.

7. Quick Reference Table

8. Questions About a Specific Piece?

If you're unsure how to care for a specific Florimay item, reach out at care@florimay.com. Include the product name and we'll send tailored guidance. For more reading, explore our fabric guide and individual care articles linked throughout this post.