Good clothing should be worn, not preserved untouched.
Every journey leaves traces: a softened surface, a familiar fold, the subtle character that develops through repeated wear. Caring for a garment is not about preventing it from changing. It is about helping it change well.
The instructions on your garment’s care label should always come first. The guidance below offers a few additional habits that can help your Stellar Tortoise pieces remain part of your orbit for longer.
Wash only when needed.
Not every wear requires a complete wash. If a garment is still clean, airing it in a well-ventilated place may be enough to refresh it. Washing less frequently reduces friction, heat and repeated exposure to detergent, the things that gradually affect color, fibers, embroidery and printed details. It also uses less water and energy.
When washing is necessary, separate light and dark colours and close zips before placing the garment in the machine.
Turn it inside out.
Turning garments inside out before washing provides an extra layer of protection for the visible surface. This is particularly helpful for embroidery and printed designs. It reduces direct rubbing against the drum and other clothing while helping the exterior retain its appearance. A mesh laundry bag can provide additional protection for smaller or more delicate pieces.
Choose a gentle cycle.
Unless the care label specifies otherwise, use a gentle cycle at approximately 30°C with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and aggressive stain-removing products, which may affect the fabric or decoration. Hot water can contribute to shrinking, fading, and unnecessary stress on fibers. A cooler wash is usually sufficient for everyday wear.
Do not overload the machine. Clothing needs enough room to move and rinse properly.
Treat embroidery and prints with care.
Embroidered details are designed to last, but they should not be exposed to unnecessary abrasion. Wash embroidered pieces inside out and avoid ironing directly over the stitching.
For printed garments, avoid applying an iron directly to the design. If ironing is permitted by the care label, turn the garment inside out and use a low temperature.
Do not dry-clean a piece unless its individual care instructions specifically allow it.
Let the air do the work.
Air drying is generally gentler than tumble drying. Reshape the garment while it is still damp and allow it to dry naturally, away from intense direct sunlight.
High dryer temperatures can encourage shrinkage and place additional stress on fabric, elastic fibers, prints, and embroidery. If tumble drying is permitted and necessary, use the lowest suitable setting.
Knitted garments should normally be reshaped and dried flat. Hanging them while wet can cause their weight to stretch the shoulders and alter the silhouette.
Give accessories individual attention.
Caps should be cleaned carefully to protect their structure. Spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent rather than placing them in a washing machine, unless the care label clearly says otherwise. Allow caps to dry naturally while maintaining their original shape. Avoid twisting, crushing, or placing them directly on a heat source.
Act gently when stains happen.
Treat stains as soon as practical, but resist the temptation to scrub aggressively.
Blot the area carefully and test any cleaning product on a discreet section first. The correct treatment depends on both the fabric and the substance involved, so check the care label before using specialist products.
Store with intention.
Make sure every piece is completely dry before storing it. Fold knitwear and heavier garments to help them retain their shape, and avoid forcing too many pieces into a confined space. A little room allows fabrics to breathe and prevents unnecessary creasing.
Made to be worn.
Care should never turn clothing into something precious but unusable. Stellar Tortoise pieces are made to move with you, gather memories and become more familiar over time.
Wear them. Live in them. Care for them with intention.
Then continue at your own speed.