With the right care, quality clothing and footwear can look great and last for years. Below is some general guidance for common materials, but always check the individual care label and manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning, washing or treating your purchase. Where specific instructions differ, the care label should always take precedence.
Leather
Keep leather clean and conditioned using suitable leather-care products. Avoid soaking and allow wet leather to dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Waxed Products
Waxed garments should be re-waxed when required to maintain their protective finish. Avoid machine washing unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer, as this can remove the wax coating.
Suede
Protect suede from moisture with a suitable suede protector and use a suede brush to remove surface dirt. Avoid excessive water and unsuitable cleaning products.
Nubuck
Use products specifically designed for nubuck and gently brush away dirt with a suitable nubuck brush. Avoid standard leather creams, which can alter the finish.
Wool & Cashmere
Follow the care label carefully and avoid excessive washing. Where hand washing is recommended, use a suitable gentle detergent and dry flat to help maintain the garment’s shape.
Cotton
Wash according to the care label and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures, which can cause shrinkage and fading. Wash darker colours separately where appropriate.
Denim
To help preserve colour and shape, wash denim only when necessary and follow the care label. Washing inside out and at a lower temperature can help reduce fading.
Knitwear
Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions and avoid hanging heavy knitwear, as this can cause it to stretch. Where appropriate, dry knitwear flat and reshape while damp.
Technical & Waterproof Fabrics
Technical garments and footwear often have specialist waterproof or breathable finishes. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only recommended cleaning and reproofing products.
Canvas
Gently brush away surface dirt and clean according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Avoid excessive soaking and allow canvas footwear or bags to dry naturally.
Synthetic Fabrics
Materials such as polyester and nylon are generally easy to care for, but specific finishes and blends can require different treatment. Always follow the garment's care label.
Sheepskin & Shearling
Avoid excessive moisture and use only products specifically designed for sheepskin or shearling. Allow wet items to dry naturally and never place them directly against a radiator or other heat source.
Down & Quilted Garments
Follow the manufacturer's washing and drying instructions carefully. Proper drying is particularly important to prevent the filling from clumping and to help maintain the garment's loft and warmth.
General Care
Different fabrics, finishes and products require different methods of care. Parkinsons recommends always following the care label supplied with your item and using products specifically designed for the material. If you're unsure how to care for something, please contact us or consult the manufacturer's guidance before treating it.