For lightly worn, machine-washable cotton clothing, 30°C is often enough, as long as the label allows it. Wash with similar colours and preferably air-dry. Iron only at the setting shown. For cotton with stretch or a special finish, follow the care instructions for the whole piece, not just the cotton.

Linen does not have to be perfectly smooth to look beautiful. Does the label allow machine washing? Choose a delicate cycle at 30°C, or cooler if specified, and keep spinning to a minimum. Gently reshape and dry out of direct sunlight. For a smoother finish, iron while slightly damp at the setting shown on the label.

Wash machine-washable viscose inside out on a delicate cycle at no more than 30°C, unless the label specifies a cooler wash. Do not soak, and keep spinning to a minimum where allowed. Do not pull on the fabric while wet. Gently reshape the piece and follow the drying method on the label; heavy or knitted pieces need support.

Follow the label: not every lyocell piece can be washed in the same way. When a 30°C delicate cycle is allowed, that is our gentle choice. Use a suitable detergent, minimise friction and remove the piece once the cycle has finished. Air-dry as directed on the label and iron only when needed and allowed.

When machine washing is allowed, we recommend washing inside out on a 30°C delicate cycle, or cooler if the label says so. Do not soak or wring firmly. Do not hang a heavy modal blend by the shoulders. Does it contain cashmere or silk? Take that fibre into account and follow the blend's care label.

Give wool time to air between wears. Wash only when needed and as directed on the label, using a suitable wool detergent. A wool programme is only an option for machine-washable wool; a hand-wash symbol means washing by hand. Do not rub or wring. Dry knitted wool flat, gently arranged in shape.

Start by airing these pieces too. For washing, follow the individual label and use a detergent suitable for these fibres. Support wet knitwear with both hands, gently press out excess water and dry flat on a clean towel. Keep it away from radiators. Even a small amount of these fibres in a blend deserves attention.

For machine-washable pieces, choose a gentle cycle at no more than 30°C, or cooler if the label says so. Wash with similar colours and minimise friction. Dry knitwear flat. Iron only when allowed by the label, at the indicated low setting, and do not assume steam is suitable.

For ordinary, machine-washable pieces, choose a gentle programme at 30°C if the label allows it. Preferably air-dry. Hot air or a hot iron is not a shortcut; follow the drying and ironing symbols. Lined jackets, prints or coatings may need different care. Nylon is another name for polyamide.

Elastane, also known as spandex, gives a blend its stretch. LYCRA is a brand name for elastane. Follow the care label for the whole blend and avoid unnecessary heat. Do not stretch wet fabric to reshape it. Preferably skip the tumble dryer; use it only when the label allows.

For silk, follow the piece's own care label, including for blends. Only hand-wash or machine-wash when that method is allowed, and use a detergent suitable for silk. Do not rub or wring. Avoid fabric softener. Dry as directed on the label and iron only at the permitted setting. When professional cleaning is specified, leave it to a professional.

A fluid blouse or a lustrous lining can need its own approach. Cupro and acetate are different materials, so do not automatically follow advice for viscose or acrylic. Let the label tell you whether washing, drying or ironing is allowed. Spot cleaning and steaming are not suitable for every piece either.

There is no standard machine-wash advice for a PU coating or leather-look fabric. Only spot-clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth if the product instructions allow it. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Do not scrub or use harsh cleaners. Let it dry naturally, away from heat. Do not iron or steam directly onto the coating.

A shimmering thread is not an invitation to turn up the iron. Follow the label for the complete fabric, including its finish. When machine washing is allowed, a laundry bag helps protect delicate details. Avoid rubbing, pulling and direct heat on embellishments. A metallic effect may come from a yarn or a coating; they do not automatically need the same care.

From a fine jumper to a chunky cardigan or knitted scarf: support the piece while it is wet. Gently arrange it in shape without pulling and preferably dry flat, following the label. Do not hang wet knitwear by the shoulders. Wait until it is completely dry before storing it loosely folded. This applies to cotton, viscose and acrylic knits too.

Care for T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts according to their fibre content. Jersey containing wool, cashmere or silk does not automatically belong in a regular T-shirt wash. After washing, gently straighten the seams and hem. Support heavy jersey trousers, dresses and sweatshirts as they dry, so their weight does not pull on a narrow area of fabric.

For trousers, cargos, shorts and Bermuda shorts: empty the pockets and fasten the zip. For denim, we recommend washing inside out with similar colours, on a cold or gentle programme allowed by the label. Wash new, dark denim separately the first time and let it air-dry. Stretch denim also needs the care advised for elastane.

A blazer, cape, waistcoat or bodywarmer is more than its outer fabric. Linings, interlinings and any padding matter too. The label determines whether washing at home is possible. Have the piece professionally cleaned when instructed. Between wears, give the dry piece room on a suitable hanger. For a reversible piece, both sides count.