Care Instructions
General Care Principles
How should I wash my block print cotton garment for the first time?
We recommend a cold hand wash for your first three washes to preserve the integrity of our hand block prints and natural vegetable dyes.
- Use cold water (below 30°C)
- Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent free of bleach and optical brighteners
- Wash separately from other garments
- Do not soak
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear
Because our prints are made by hand using non-toxic, plant-based dyes, slight colour release in early washes is completely normal — a hallmark of authentic block printing.
How should I wash my silk garment?
Silk is a delicate, natural protein fibre and requires gentle handling. Where possible, we recommend specialist dry cleaning. If hand washing at home:
- Use cool water (below 30°C)
- Use a pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for silk or wool
- Submerge the garment and gently swirl — do not scrub, twist, or wring
- Soak for no longer than 3–5 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until clear
Never use hot water, bleach, or biological detergents — these will damage the fibres and dull the natural lustre.
How should I wash my cotton poplin garment?
Cotton poplin is a tightly woven, breathable cotton with a smooth, crisp finish. It is more robust than our hand block-printed pieces, but still benefits from gentle care.
- Turn inside out and machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle (30°C or below)
- Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent free of bleach and optical brighteners
- Skip fabric softeners — they coat the fibres and dull the finish
- Wash with similar colours and avoid heavy fabrics such as denim or towels
- Use a low spin to minimise creasing
- Line dry in the shade, or tumble dry on the lowest heat if necessary
- Iron on medium to high heat while slightly damp to restore the signature crisp drape
Cotton poplin can shrink slightly on its first wash, so always follow the temperature guidance carefully.
Why does DesignerFriday recommend gentle, low-impact care?
Our garments are made from natural, biodegradable fibres and dyed with non-toxic, plant-based pigments. Gentle care preserves both the beauty of your piece and the environmental values behind it.
Low-temperature washing, line drying, and infrequent laundering significantly reduce energy use, water consumption, and microfibre shedding — making the way you care for your clothes part of the sustainability story.
How often should I wash my DesignerFriday garments?
Less often than you might think.
- Spot-clean small marks rather than washing the whole garment
- Air pieces overnight after wearing to refresh them naturally
- Steam to release wrinkles and odours between washes
- Only fully wash when visibly soiled
Natural fibres benefit from rest and air, and reducing wash frequency dramatically extends the life and quality of each piece.
Can I dry clean DesignerFriday garments?
Yes, dry cleaning is suitable for most of our pieces, particularly silk and structured cotton garments. We recommend choosing an eco-conscious dry cleaner that uses non-toxic, liquid CO₂ or wet-cleaning processes rather than perchloroethylene (PERC).
Always check the care label inside the garment before dry cleaning, and inform your cleaner that the piece is hand-block printed with natural dyes.DesignerFriday garments are made by women artisans in India working in women-only, flexible workshops supported by a non-profit social enterprise. These makers receive fair wages and opportunities to support their families while preserving traditional skills.