Our clothes are made to be worn, loved and worn again. Our fabrics have already lived a life before becoming something new, which is part of what makes them so special. From the character-filled stitching of our kantha to our colourful recycled silks and beautifully soft pashminas, each fabric has its own little quirks. With a bit of extra care, you can help your Renew favourites stay lovely for years to come. Here's everything you need to know about washing, drying, storing and caring for your pieces.
Washing Your Kantha & Cotton Sari Pieces
We recommend handwashing your kantha and cotton sari garments in cold water, either on their own or with similar colours. Some of our fabrics are overdyed and may release colour during washing, particularly in the first few washes, so keeping colours separate is a good idea.
If handwashing isn't your thing, you can use a washing machine on a short, cold, gentle cycle. Pop your garment inside a laundry bag to help protect it from snagging or catching on the drum. Washing machines can be surprisingly rough, so the more protection, the better!
Drying Your Garments
Whenever possible, line-dry your garments. A breezy, shaded spot is ideal for keeping those beautiful prints vibrant.
What About That Kantha Smell?
Sometimes a new-to-you kantha garment arrives with a distinctive scent; we call this the "kantha smell". Some of us love it (iykyk), some want to start fresh, and that's easy to do.
Try hanging your kantha outside in a breezy, sunny spot for a few hours (a spritz of vinegar all over can help here too). A little fresh air can work wonders! If a smell persists, try a gentle wash according to the care advice above and allow the garment to dry thoroughly.
Caring for Recycled Silks
Our recycled silk garments are all about beautiful colours, lovely drape and that special feeling you get when you put them on. To help keep them looking their best, we recommend gentle handling and avoiding unnecessary heat.
Steaming is recommended over ironing for our silk pieces, as direct heat and pressure can affect the fabric's texture. Keep the steamer moving and avoid holding it too close to the material.
Our luxurious Pashmina Lounge Pants
Giving Your Pashmina a Little Extra Love
Our upcycled pashmina fabrics are wonderfully soft and have a beautiful weight, but their delicate weave means they need a little extra care.
We recommend gentle handwashing in cold water, taking care not to twist or stretch the fabric. Gently squeeze out excess water, avoiding wringing the fabric, and dry flat in the shade to help your garment maintain its shape.
When it's time to put your pashmina away, store it folded rather than hanging.
A Little Note About Kantha Stitching
Kantha is made using rows of running stitch, and those threads can sometimes catch or pull with wear. If you notice a loose thread, don't panic and definitely don't pull it!
Instead, gently ease the thread through to the inside of the garment and secure it with a small knot if you're comfortable doing so. This can help prevent the thread from pulling further.
If you're keen to learn more about caring for and repairing your kantha, we also have a tutorial on patching your own garment. We love seeing clothes cared for, mended and given a long life rather than discarded at the first sign of wear. This is a big part of what we stand for here at Renew!
A fantastic patch on a pair of kantha pants.
Imperfections, Repairs & Loving Your Clothes for Longer
One of the things we love most about working with recycled fabrics is that they come with a history. Sometimes that means little variations in colour, old seams, subtle marks or signs of previous repairs. These details are part of the character of the textiles we choose, and sometimes our teams in India add decorative stitching or patches to give a garment extra life.
Of course, we know there's a difference between the character of an existing textile and general wear and tear. If you lose a button, snap a tie or need help with a repair, please reach out to our team at hello@renewbohemian.com. We're always happy to help where we can, including arranging a replacement button, patching fabric or tie to pop in with your next order.
We're big believers in rewearing, repairing and loving your clothes for as long as possible. We're proud outfit repeaters, and we hope you'll be too!
After all, the most sustainable garment in your wardrobe is one you love enough to keep wearing. Look after your Renew pieces, wear them your way and don't be afraid to give them a little repair when they need it. A little care goes a long way. 🌈
For future tutorials, community style inspiration and to keep up-to-date with the Renew world, check out our community Facebook group, Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.
