Special care for party wear

We all know that organic, natural fibres are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics, but when it comes to the festive season many of us reach for glamorous items and party wear in made-made materials for sparkle and durability. To reduce the impact of these items, we should try to only buy things we really love (and will bring out year after year) and make sure we care for them properly to keep them looking great for as long as possible.

Taking the time to care for your festive clothing is not only beneficial for the appearance, condition and longevity of your garments, it also affects their impact on the planet. It is estimated that up to 20% of an item of clothing’s environmental emissions are generated after its purchase. We asked our Garment Technologist Breda Conlon for some helpful hints and tips to reduce microfibre shedding and damage and help keep your special party pieces in your festive wardrobe for longer.

Wash your clothes less

‘You can wear your garment a few times before it needs a wash (aside from underwear and workout gear, of course),’ says Breda. Less wash loads will be kinder to the planet and also kinder to your clothing, as it will protect the fibres, colours and any embellished details for longer. ‘In between washes, air the garment for a few days and use a fabric refreshing spray on the inside of the garment to keep it fresh.’ Breda recommends using the fabric spray in an inconspicuous area first to avoid any damage.

When it is time to pop it in the wash, check the label, as different fabrics have different care instructions, and some might be hand-wash only. ‘And avoid the tumble drier,' says Breda. ‘It consumes a lot of energy and the heat can shrink or warp delicate fabrics, metallic embellishments and sequins. Air-drying is best.’

Use laundry bags or balls

‘Party wear and other items made from synthetic materials like polyester can shed microplastics into the water system, so when washing try using a microfibre-catching device,’ recommends Breda. There are a few different technologies available, including special washing bags (which also prevent delicate clothing rubbing against other items) and laundry balls, designed to trap microfibres.

Washing bags can also be useful for festive knitwear, to avoid snagging and bobbling. ‘And using an eco-friendly laundry detergent free from harmful chemicals such as bleach, phosphates and chlorine, will be better for your garment as well as the environment,’ says Breda.

Reduce the water temperature

Washing your party clothes at a lower temperature protects the garments from shrinkage and fading as well as saving on energy and microfibre shedding. Breda recommends a gentle wash cycle at a maximum of 30°C using a detergent suitable for washing delicate fabrics, on a spin cycle below 1,000 to prevent damage.

Wash clothes inside out

When you wash your items inside out, it protects the structure of the outer surface, which gets washed and tumbled in the machine more gently. ‘Also, avoid overfilling the machine as it can cause friction between clothing items during washing, which can further damage the fibres and any embroidery, beading or sequins,’ says Breda. Wash similar items together rather than teaming delicate items with rougher items such as jeans.

Steam instead of iron

‘Steaming is much gentler on occasion-wear than ironing, as the heat from the machine does not come into direct contact with the fabric,’ explains Breda. And when you have delicate silky fabrics and details such as beading, sequins and metallic stitching, using a fabric steamer is far better for your clothes (and quicker). Alternatively, hang the garment up in a steamy bathroom and ensure it is completely dry before you put it away.