care guide

We believe in sharing knowledge to inspire positive change in reducing environmental impact. By adopting simple practices like washing garments less frequently, wearing them for longer periods, and embracing circularity, we can make a meaningful difference.

With the abundance of information available today, we understand the need for simplicity. Our Care Guide provides straightforward and practical guidance, offering insights on how to extend the lifespan of your garments, minimise waste, and contribute to a more circular economy.

Embracing circularity means keeping items in use for as long as possible through repair, upcycling, or responsible disposal. By adopting these practices, we divert clothing from landfills, reduce resource extraction, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.


WASH LESS

By washing garments less frequently, you can conserve water and reduce energy consumption while preserving the quality of your clothing. Pairing this with a commitment to wearing garments for longer helps reduce the demand for new items and lessens the environmental footprint associated with the fashion industry.

  • WASH LESS

    Think twice before washing, methods such as brushing and airing can be enough to keep them clean. Spot clean small marks and stains with natural stain removers. When it is time to wash use a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage.

  • USE COLD WATER

    By just using cold water you are reducing energy consumption of a single load by an estimate of 75% - 90%. Using cold water helps to reduce colour fading and preserves the shape of items by preventing shrinkage. Cold water can also reduce creases, which saves energy and time ironing.

  • LOW-IMPACT PRODUCTS

    Use only gentle eco-friendly detergents to ensure no harm to waterways. Liquid detergents are more desirable over powder as its causes less friction and shedding. Avoid synthetic clothing that will shed plastic microfibres. If unavoidable use a Guppyfriend® Wash Bag to catch microfibres and dispose the lint in the bin.

  • LINE DRY

    Skipping the dryer saves electricity and helps to maintain the integrity of your garments. Ensure to hang items in the shade to prevent colour fading. With fabrics prone to shrinkage, like crepe, reshape the garment when wet to avoid ironing later.

  • NATURAL STEAM

    Iron only when really necessary, try hanging items in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will naturally remove creases saving effort and energy.

  • AVOID DRY CLEANING

    If absolutely necessary choose a certified environmentally aware dry cleaner who avoids harmful chemicals and skip the plastic cover when collecting.

WEAR FOR LONGER

The most direct way of reducing negative environmental impacts is by simply wearing garments for longer.


  • CHOOSE WELL

    Forget fleeting trends, choose classic styles to ensure longevity of design and circularity of product. Buy high quality pieces made in durable materials. Consider Eco-Age’s golden rule: will the item be worn at least 30 times?

  • ALTER

    Don’t discard a garment if the fit isn’t perfect, find a local tailor to pinch in, take up or adjust your garment.

  • RE-PURPOSE

    Whether it’s simply changing the length from long to short, naturally over-dying for a new colour or creating a totally new piece. Options are endless.

  • REPAIR

    Minor repairs can be easily fixed at home and thanks to Google and YouTube, finding how-to tutorials are just a few clicks away. Our production team is also happy to offer advice when repairing minor damage, simply email a photo to hello@olgajoan.co

READY TO MOVE ON?

If you have one of our garments at the end of its life, you can send it back to us for responsible recycling. Email hello@olgajoan.co for a free postage return label.


  • RESELL

    There are plenty of options to circulate items you no longer wear. List items on online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay or on your local Buy, Swap, Sell group. Have lots to sell? Book a stall at your favourite second-hand clothing market.

  • DONATE

    Only donate clean garments in good condition. Be sure to mend any items before donating, as this will make sure they can be resold. Donating unwearable items causes unnecessary strain on charity shops and items will most likely be sent straight to landfill.

  • RECYCLE

    For unwearable clothing, go to Planet Ark’s website to find a recycling centre near you.

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