Sustainable Care Tips for Natural Fabrics

I've spent years raving about cotton - how it breathes, how it feels against your skin, how it's the perfect antidote to tropical heat. But today I want to talk about something equally important: how to make your cotton clothes last for years (maybe even decades) with proper care. Because the most sustainable garment? It's the one you already own.

When I started West Indies Wear 14 years ago, sustainability wasn't the buzzword it is today. I simply wanted to create clothes that worked in hot climates - clothes that let your body breathe and didn't leave you feeling like you were wrapped in plastic. But as time went on, I realised that choosing natural fibres isn't just about comfort - it's about making choices that are better for our planet too.

So here's my guide to caring for your cotton treasures so they'll be with you for years of island adventures to come!

Washing with Love (Not Chemicals)

The first rule of cotton care? Wash less frequently than you might think! Unless you've been sweating heavily or have visible stains, many cotton garments can be worn multiple times before washing. This not only saves water and energy but also reduces the wear and tear that comes with each wash cycle.

When it is time to wash, cool or lukewarm water is your cotton's best friend. Hot water might feel more cleansing, but it's harder on the fibres and can lead to shrinkage (even with pre-shrunk fabrics) and colour fading over time.

I've experimented with so many detergents over the years, and here's what I've learned: less is definitely more. A small amount of mild, eco-friendly detergent works beautifully with cotton. Harsh chemicals and optical brighteners might seem like they're doing a better job, but they're actually breaking down those beautiful natural fibres faster.

The Dreaded Dryer (Just Say No!)

If there's one piece of advice worth framing above your washing machine, it would be this: STAY AWAY FROM THE DRYER!

I know, I know - it's convenient. But tumble dryers are cotton killers. The heat breaks down fibres, the tumbling action causes tiny tears, and suddenly that perfect tunic that should have lasted for years is looking tired after just a few months.

Instead, I urge you to embrace the joy of line drying. Not only does it save energy (and money on your electric bill), but it also allows your garments to maintain their shape and structure naturally.

Pro tip: Hang cotton items upside down (from the bottom hem) to prevent stretching at the shoulders, and try to avoid direct, harsh sunlight which will also fade colours over time. A shady spot with good airflow is ideal - your cotton will thank you!

Ironing Without the Stress

I'm going to let you in on a little secret... I hate ironing. There, I said it! Despite being a fashion designer, I've always looked for ways to minimise this chore. And here's how:

First, timing is everything. Remove your cotton clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle finishes. Give them a gentle shake to smooth out wrinkles, then hang immediately. This simple step can reduce or even eliminate the need for ironing!

For those pieces that do need a touch-up, iron while still slightly damp for best results. Your iron should be warm (not hot), and remember to iron on the inside of the garment when possible to protect prints and details.  Do not touch the iron onto sequins, beads or trims - they melt!

But here's my true confession: for casual, beachy cotton pieces, I've embraced what I call the "natural look." Those tiny little wrinkles? They're part of cotton's character and charm! Perfect is boring - a few gentle creases show that you're wearing real, natural fabric.

Stain Management for Real Life

Trying to wear white cotton on a sailboat taught me more about stain removal than I ever wanted to know! Here are my top tips for dealing with common stains:

1. Act quickly - The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of removing it.

2. Know your enemy - Different stains need different treatments:

   • For food oils, a bit of dish soap directly on the stain works wonders
   • Red wine? Believe it or not, white wine can help neutralise it before washing
   • Fruit stains respond well to a gentle lemon juice treatment
   • Sweat marks around collars can be pre-treated with a paste of baking soda and water

3. Sun power - For stubborn stains on white cotton, the sun is a natural bleaching agent. After treating the stain, lay the damp garment in direct sunlight and watch the magic happen.

The best part? These natural stain-fighting methods are gentler on your clothes and the environment than harsh chemical stain removers.

Storage Solutions

How you store your cotton pieces makes a huge difference in their longevity. Here's what I've learned through trial and error:

Always ensure your cotton is completely dry before storing - even a little moisture can lead to mildew, especially in humid and climates.

Fold heavy cotton items like jeans and thick tunics, but consider hanging lighter dresses and tops on padded or wooden hangers that support their shape without creating shoulder bumps.

If you're storing seasonal items for longer periods, avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. Instead, use cotton storage bags that allow the fabric to breathe while keeping dust away.

And a tip for those of you who, like me, have had the heartbreak of finding tiny holes in your favourite pieces: cedar blocks or lavender sachets are natural moth deterrents that smell divine and keep your cotton safe without chemicals.

Mending - The Lost Art We Need to Reclaim

Remember when people knew how to mend socks and patch jeans? I'm on a personal mission to bring back the art of mending. Not just because it extends the life of our clothes, but because there's something deeply satisfying about saving a beloved garment from the landfill.

Keep a small mending kit with cotton threads that match your most-worn items. Address small tears or loose buttons immediately - these tiny fixes take minutes but can add years to a garment's life.

For larger issues, don't be afraid to get creative! A patch made from a scrap of beautiful fabric can transform a tear from a problem into a feature. An idea that I saw on Pinterest that I loveddddd (but sadly don't have time for) is hosting small "mending circles" with friends - they bring our repair projects, share some snacks & beverages of choice, and turn a chore into a social occasion. What a cute idea!!

The End of Life Question

Even with the most careful treatment, cotton clothes will eventually wear out. When that day comes, remember that pure cotton is biodegradable - it will return to the earth without leaving microplastics behind.

Before consigning a cotton garment to the compost, consider:

• Can it be cut down into something else? An old dress might become a child's top or a set of napkins
• Are there usable parts? Buttons, trims, and even large sections of fabric can be salvaged for patching
• Is it suitable for rags? Cotton makes excellent cleaning cloths that can replace paper towels

This complete lifecycle thinking is at the heart of true sustainability.

Why It All Matters

Every time you extend the life of your favourite cotton pieces, you're getting more value from your wardrobe investments. Quality cotton garments are worth caring for – they're made with attention to detail and designed to last.

When we treat our cotton clothes with love, we're making smarter choices about consumption. It's not about buying less – it's about buying better and enjoying each piece fully. This mindful approach lets you curate a collection of cotton garments you truly love, with room to add new seasonal favourites that complement what you already cherish.

Looking after your cotton properly also means when you do treat yourself to something new (like our latest collection!), you're building a wardrobe of pieces that will all stand the test of time. 

So next time you slip into your favourite cotton dress or that perfectly broken-in top, take a moment to appreciate it. With the right care, it will continue to be part of your story – while leaving space for new chapters and new cotton treasures to join your collection.

 

One love,

 

What's your top tips for caring for your cotton? Let me know in the comments so we can share the love with other island girls 🤗