Care and Washing Guide

Taking good care of your clothing also means taking good care of the environment. It is one of the best ways to extend the life of your garments. That is why we created this care and washing guide. It helps you keep your clothing looking good for longer while also reducing the impact of washing, drying and caring for your garments on the environment.

At Like Charlie, we do our best to create clothing that lasts. That is why, where possible, we choose durable materials, heavier fabrics and pre-washed items. This helps our garments keep their shape better, shrink less quickly and stay beautiful for longer. In this way, we work towards clothing that is future proof.

By following these tips, you reduce wear and tear and use less water and energy.

Wash full loads and use a low spin cycle

Every wash uses water and energy. Washing at a lower temperature is gentler on your clothing, helps prevent shrinkage, protects colours better and uses less energy.

Let your clothing air dry

Tumble dryers use a lot of energy. By hanging your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer, the fabric stays beautiful for longer. It reduces wear, helps limit wrinkles, lowers the risk of shrinkage and helps prevent pilling.

Freshen up your clothing without washing

Not every garment needs to be washed straight away. Sometimes airing it outside or giving it a quick shake is enough to make it feel fresh again. This saves water and energy and helps your clothing stay beautiful for longer.

Wash inside out

Turn your clothing inside out before washing. This helps preserve colours and protects the fabric during the washing process.

Help garments keep their shape

Knitted items are elastic and can lose their shape when hung up. That is why knitwear is best dried flat and stored folded in your wardrobe. To help maintain its elasticity, wash knitwear by hand or on a delicate cycle whenever possible.

Pilling

Pilling refers to the small balls of fluff that can appear on fabrics such as wool. This is normal and does not mean that a garment is no longer good. You can help prevent pilling by washing clothing inside out. Any fluff that does appear can be carefully removed with a fabric shaver.

Professional cleaning

If a garment requires professional cleaning, it is best to choose a cleaner that uses more sustainable cleaning methods where possible.

Leather and accessories

Leather is strong, but also delicate. Avoid moisture, heat, chemicals and rain, as these can damage the material. Small stains can be gently removed with a slightly damp cloth. For more stubborn stains, it is best to have the item cleaned by a specialist. If leather gets wet, let it air dry naturally.

Accessories can be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth or a soft brush. Whenever possible, use mild and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Repair

Small repairs can help clothing last much longer. Think of sewing on a button, repairing a seam or fixing a small hole. If you cannot do this yourself, it is best to ask a professional.

Resell

If you no longer wear a Like Charlie garment but it is still in good condition, you can choose to resell it so that someone else can enjoy it too.

Recycle

If you really no longer wear your clothing, do not simply throw it away. See whether it can be recycled so the materials can be given a new life.

With this guide, you can keep your clothing looking good for longer while also contributing to a more careful use of water, energy and materials. Always pay close attention to the care symbols on the label of each product, as care instructions may differ from item to item.

Symbols

It is useful to understand the symbols on care labels. You can find a clear overview of these symbols and their meanings here.