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Why Vintage Clothes Need Different Care

Vintage clothing was made differently — different fabrics, different dyes, and different construction methods. This means the care instructions you'd apply to a modern H&M purchase can actually damage a vintage piece. Taking a few extra steps will keep your vintage garments in excellent condition for years to come.

Not sure what condition your piece is in before you start? Check our grading system to understand how we assess each item.

Washing Vintage Clothing

Read the Label First

If your vintage piece has a care label, follow it — these labels existed for a reason. For pieces without labels (common in pre-1970s clothing), err on the side of caution. Our guide on How to Spot Quality Vintage Clothing explains how to read labels and date your pieces.

Hand Washing is Almost Always Safest

For delicate items, knitwear, anything with embroidery or appliqué, and all vintage silk, hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is the safest option. Swirl gently — never wring or scrub.

Machine Washing Guidelines

• Use a cold wash (30°C maximum) to prevent shrinkage and colour bleeding.
• Turn garments inside out to protect prints and dyes.
• Use a mesh laundry bag to reduce agitation and friction.
• Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with reduced spin speed.
• Avoid biological detergents on natural fibres — use a non-bio or specialist vintage clothing wash.

What to Avoid

• Tumble drying — heat causes shrinkage and fabric damage. Air dry flat or on a hanger.
• Bleach — never use bleach on vintage clothing, even on whites. Vintage cotton can yellow and weaken from bleach.
• Dry cleaning solvents at home — if a piece says dry clean only, take it to a professional.

Removing Common Stains

Underarm yellowing: A mixture of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda left for 30 minutes before washing can lift old underarm stains. For severe staining, a specialist pre-treatment soak works best.

Grease: Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing in cold water. Avoid hot water, which can set the stain.

General grime: A pre-soak in cool water with a small amount of non-bio detergent for 30–60 minutes before washing loosens general dirt without stressing the fabric.

Storing Vintage Clothes

• Avoid wire hangers — they distort shoulders over time. Use wide, padded hangers for structured pieces like those in our Mens Coats & Jackets and Womens Coats & Jackets.
• Fold heavy knitwear rather than hanging — hanging causes knitwear to stretch out of shape. This applies especially to pieces from our Premium Sweaters collection.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place — light causes fading and heat can damage fibres.
• Use acid-free tissue paper for particularly delicate or valuable pieces stored in boxes.
• Cedar blocks repel moths naturally without the chemical smell of mothballs.

Freshening Without Washing

Between wears, hang vintage pieces near a steamy bathroom or use a clothes steamer to freshen and remove light creasing. A light mist of diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) eliminates odours without washing — let it air dry completely before wearing.

Ready to add more pieces to your wardrobe? Browse our New Arrivals, or shop our Mens and Womens collections. And if you're buying denim, don't miss our guide on How to Style Vintage Denim for care tips specific to jeans.

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