care guide

We believe in creating positive change by offering simple, thoughtful practices to reduce environmental impact. Wearing your garments longer and embracing circularity are key steps in creating a more responsible future. In a world of constant information, our Care Guide offers clear, practical insights to help extend the life of your garments, minimise waste, and support a more responsible fashion cycle. Embracing circularity means keeping your pieces in use through repair, upcycling, and responsible disposal. These practices reduce waste, preserve resources, and contribute to a more mindful approach to fashion.

FIBRE CARE

SIMPLE CARE TIPS

Spot cleaning and a steam refresh are often enough. Avoid fabric softeners—they weaken fibres and reduce breathability. Skip the dryer. Air drying helps maintain shape and longevity. Always check the care label before washing to ensure proper care. Handwashing is the gentlest way to preserve fibres and extend the life of your garment. If you're pressed for time and need to machine wash, use cold water, a garment bag, and a gentle detergent to minimise wear.

SILK

Silk is antibacterial and does not require frequent washing.
Spot clean with a dry microfibre cloth.
Steam iron between wears to refresh.
When necessary, cold hand wash with delicate detergent.
Wash with like colours and avoid wringing or twisting.
After washing, place the wet item on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to remove excess water.
Lay flat to dry in the shade.
For stains, consult your local dry cleaner. Anti-static spray on silk, check the label first as some sprays contain chemicals that can spot or stain delicate fabrics like silk. You can also use alternatives such as water and vinegar solution. Mix 1 cup distilled water with 1 teaspoon white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the air around the garment and let the fabric hang dry.

LENZING™ TENCEL™ and ECOVERO™

Made using a closed-loop process with sustainable wood sources, these fibers are breathable, soft, and naturally resistant to wrinkles.

Spot clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
Steam between wears to maintain freshness.
When necessary, cold hand wash with delicate detergent.
Wash with like colours and avoid wringing or twisting.
After washing, place the wet item on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to remove excess water.
Lay flat to dry in the shade.
For stains, consult your local dry cleaner.

WOOL

Wool requires gentle handling to preserve softness and structure.
Brush off dirt and lint regularly.
Steam between wears to refresh and remove wrinkles.
Spot clean with a damp cloth for small stains.
Dry clean only when necessary.
Store folded or on a hanger with support to prevent creasing.
For seasonal storage, use breathable garment bags and natural moth repellents like cedarwood.

COTTON

Cotton is breathable and softens over time.
Steam iron between wears to refresh.
When necessary, cold hand wash with delicate detergent.
Wash with like colours and avoid wringing or twisting.
After washing, place the wet item on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to remove excess water.
Lay flat to dry in the shade.
Iron after washing to smooth natural creases.
For stains, consult your local dry cleaner.

If machine washing, use a cold, delicate cycle with a gentle detergent and a mesh garment bag. Remove promptly and lay flat to dry.

The most direct approach to minimising negative environmental impacts is by extending the lifespan of your garments through longer wear.

WEAR FOR LONGER

CHOOSE WELL

Invest in timeless, well-crafted pieces that you’ll wear again and again. Before buying, ask yourself: Will I wear this at least 30 times?

REPAIR

Mending doesn't have to be complicated. With a few basic tools and a little patience, most common repairs can be done at home, and there's something genuinely satisfying about keeping a piece going longer. Below are guides for the repairs we hear about most. If something feels beyond a DIY fix, a local tailor is always a good option.

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Re-securing a button

1. Thread a needle with thread that matches your garment (around 40cm is plenty)

2. Knot the end and bring the needle up through the fabric from the back, through one of the button holes

3. Sew through the holes in a cross or parallel stitch 4–6 times to secure firmly

4. On your final stitch, bring the needle through to the front but not through the button — wrap the thread around the stitches beneath a few times to form a shank (this keeps the button sitting neatly)

5. Secure with a knot on the back of the fabric and trim any excess

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Fixing a loose hem

A loose hem is one of the easiest repairs to do at home and only requires a needle, thread, and a few minutes.

1. Turn the garment inside out and press the hem back into its original position with your fingers

2. Thread a needle with thread that matches your garment (around 40cm is plenty) and knot the end

3. Using a slip stitch, pick up a few threads from the garment fabric, then pass the needle through the folded hem, keep your stitches small and evenly spaced (around 1cm apart)

4. Continue along the loose section, keeping tension gentle so the hem lies flat without puckering

5. Secure with a knot on the inside of the garment and trim any excess thread

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Fixing a snag or pulled thread

A snag looks worse than it is, in most cases it can be fixed in under a minute without any sewing.

1. Turn the garment inside out

2. Use a fine needle or a dedicated snag repair tool to gently hook the pulled thread from the outside

3. Carefully pull it through to the inside of the fabric

4. Gently smooth the fabric from the outside to redistribute the fibres back into place

5. Avoid cutting the thread, pulling it through preserves the integrity of the weave


If you have any trouble, or would prefer we help, reach out at hello@olgajoan.co — we're always happy to.

ALTER

Keep garments that may need small adjustments. A local tailor can make custom alterations for a better fit, ensuring you continue to enjoy your clothing.

RE-PURPOSE

For a fresh look, consider length adjustments or experimenting with over-dyeing to transform your clothing.

When your journey with one of our garments ends, we offer responsible options:

WHEN IT'S TIME TO PART WAYS 

RESELL

Pass on your pre-loved items through platforms like Depop or eBay, or within your local Buy, Swap, Sell community.

DONATE

Donate clean, wearable items. Mending garments before donating ensures they’re in the best condition to be resold, avoiding unnecessary strain on charities.

RECYCLE

For unwearable items, recycle textiles through services like RecycleSmart to ensure they are responsibly processed.