Vintage Care Guide

Vintage Care Guide

Every piece in our collection has already lived a life. With the right care, it will live a second life with you. Whether you've just brought home a 1940s silk blouse or a deadstock 1970s wool coat, this guide will help you preserve your new vintage garment beautifully.

Our Condition Promise

Every garment is inspected before listing. We note any flaws, repairs, or signs of wear found in each product description. Conditions are graded from Great to Fair, so you always know what you're getting. If you're ever in doubt, reach out. We're happy to share additional photos or details.

Care by Fabric

Silk

Silk is luminous and strong, but more delicate when wet. Treat it accordingly.

  • Washing: Handwash in cool water with a gentle, pH-neutral soap. Never wring or twist. Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water.
  • Drying: Lay flat or hang away from direct sunlight. Silk weakens and fades in UV light.
  • Ironing: Iron on the lowest setting while garment is slightly damp, on the reverse side. Use a pressing cloth.
  • Dry cleaning: Your silk pieces can be taken to a trusted dry cleaner who specializes in vintage or delicate textiles.

Rayon

Rayon is one of the most common vintage fabrics, as well as one of the most misunderstood. It can shrink dramatically while wet and can be reshaped with steam.

  • Washing: Structured pieces need to be dry-cleaned to maintain their crisp shape. For unlined rayon, handwash briefly in cool water with minimal agitation.
  • Drying: Never put rayon in the dryer. Lay flat to dry; hanging can distort the shape while wet.
  • Ironing: Iron on a low-medium setting while slightly damp, on the reverse side.
  • Extra note: Rayon is vulnerable to water spotting. Test an inconspicuous area first.

Wool

Vintage wool is higher quality than modern equivalents. It's worth protecting.

  • Washing: Dry clean for structured coats and suits. For knitwear, handwash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent. Never agitate or wring.
  • Drying: Lay flat to dry, reshaping/blocking while damp. Never hang wet wool; it will stretch out of shape.
  • Storage: Store clean; moths are attracted to body oils and food residue. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets; mothballs can damage fibers and leave a persistent odor, difficult to remove.
  • Pilling: Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to gently remove pills.

Cotton 

Vintage cotton is generally the most forgiving, but colorful prints require extra care.

  • Washing: 1970s or newer: machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water. 1960s or older: handwash using a mild detergent. All eras: avoid bleach, which can yellow whites.
  • Drying: 1960s or older: air dry when possible to prevent shrinkage. 1970s or newer: if using a dryer, use low heat.
  • Ironing: Cotton can handle higher heat, but always check for embellishments, prints, or buttons first.

Stain Handling wrt Vintage Textiles

Act quickly, but carefully. The wrong move sets a stain permanently.

  • Blot, don't rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages fibers.
  • Test first. Always test any stain remover on a hidden seam allowance or turned-up hem before applying to visible fabric.
  • Water-based stains (coffee, wine, juice): Blot with cool water. For stubborn stains on cotton or polyester, try diluted white vinegar or enzyme-based cleaner (do not use on silk or rayon).
  • Oil-based stains (grease, makeup): Apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder, let absorb for 30 minutes, then gently brush away. Follow with a gentle dish soap on cotton or wool.
  • Old stains of unknown origin: Take to a professional dry cleaner. Be upfront that your garment is vintage (they don't always know!). A good cleaner will adjust their approach accordingly.
  • Perspiration stains: Make a thick paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a tablespoon or two of water, and apply this to the stain with an old toothbrush. Allow to sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash garment as normal. Note: sunshine can help brighten whites, but can also fade prints! For silk and rayon with perspiration stains, professional cleaning may be your best bet.

Storage

How you store your vintage pieces matters as much as how you clean them.

  • Fold, don't hang delicate fabrics like silk, rayon, and bias-cut pieces. Hanging can cause stretching and distortion over time.
  • Use padded hangers for structured garments like coats, jackets, lined skirts, and blazers. Wire hangers and metal clips can leave shoulder or waistline marks.
  • Breathable storage: Store in cotton garment bags or acid-free tissue paper. Never use plastic or dry cleaning bags, which trap moisture and can cause yellowing.
  • Cool, dark, and dry: Avoid attics, basements, and anywhere with humidity and temperature fluctuations. A climate-controlled closet is ideal.
  • Fold knitwear flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Never hang knits; they will lose their proper shape.
  • Pest prevention: Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or herbal moth repellents work well. Replace cedar every 6–12 months as the scent fades.

Handling Fragile Pieces

Some pieces in our collection are exceptionally rare or are made of more delicate textiles that require a lighter touch.

  • Minimize handling. Soil and oils from hands can transfer to delicate fabrics. Consider wearing clean cotton gloves when handling very fragile pieces.
  • Support the full garment when lifting, especially with heavily beaded pieces. Never hold a fragile piece by a single seam or strap.
  • Beaded or embellished pieces: Hand-wash only if absolutely necessary. Older sequins can melt in water; spot-clean only. Never put beaded pieces in a dryer; it can and will melt sequins and beads.
  • Lace and sheers: Place inside a mesh laundry bag for extra care during hand-washing or soaks. Handle with extra care when wet; these fabrics are most vulnerable when saturated.

Questions?

We're happy to share specific care advice for a piece you've purchased. Contact us and we'll do our best to help. Our Instagram account and Substack newsletter also feature plentiful cleaning tips, videos, and more!