Posts tagged Sudsies Dry Cleaning
THE GUY’S GUIDE: SUDSIES 2014 MENSWEAR TREND REPORT & CARE TIPS
Feb 4th
Let’s hear it for the boys! The recent Milan Men’s Fashion Week showed that the male wardrobe has evolved way beyond the suit, t-shirt and jeans triad. In fact, we too can have a little fun with our fashion selections with retro references, rockstar appeal, and even a little sheen. After following all the major label runway shows, we compiled a 2014 Menswear Trend Report sharing our top picks for what should move on from the runway to street. Of course, being the clean fanatics we are, we shared some care tips for each as well.
Vivienne Westwood
Photo by: Davide Maestri
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014
Activewear: Understanding the active lifestyles of today, top designers introduced a more comfortable, albeit still luxe, side to their lines. Marni upgraded traditional sweat pants and shirts via knitted materials, while Calvin Klein toppers included quilted-satin sweatshirts. Vivienne Westwood presented three distinct versions of a track suit: one tight and grey, one baggy with black trim, and one a statement in all metallic gold.
Care tips:
- Before purchasing, check the quality of the neckline and waistband to prevent over stretching
- Don’t let the term “sweat” or “track” deter from proper care. Even some athletic clothing require special treatment depending upon the fabric. Check the labels carefully to determine if the garment is even safe to wash. Easy-care or even delicate cycles may be best to maximize the life of the garment and reduce the dryer heat to “low.”
- For knits, be mindful when putting on and taking off, so as not to stretch the neck.
Giorgio Armani
Photo by: Giovanni Giannoni
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014
A Softer Side: Even traditional suits featured a softer silhouette. Giorgio Armani fashioned his jackets after the cardigan to make them more relaxed. Tailored pants were flecked with baggier trousers, yet still exuded the fine Italian tailoring. Fabrics included velvet and corduroy.
Care tips:
- Ensure proper hanging of these garments, using broad or heavily padded hangers to avoid warping.
- If purchasing a two-piece suit, try to wear and clean together as much as possible to avoid uneven wear of one piece over another.
- Never iron velvet – it can crush the fibers and leave an imprint.
- While velvet should be dry-clean only, corduroy can be washed. However, turn garment inside-out before placing in machine. If ironing, run it over the wrong side of the fabric.
Gucci
Photo by: Giovanni Giannoni
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014
Rock On: The soft and comfy were contrasted with rock-star influences. Emporio Armani showed biker jackets of ponyskin underneath skinny pants of reflective sheens. Gucci got tight with leather trousers and t-shirts, but also nodded to retro figures with pea coats and greek fisherman hats.
Care Tips:
- The average consumer will probably own only one pair of leather pants, hence take care to find a pair that fits properly, yet comfortably.
- Before wearing, treat with a leather protector to shield damage from rain… or beer spills.
- Be selective about your cleaner, choosing one that specializes in leather.
Armor: Dolce & Gabbana marched on with 11th century, Norman soldier-inspired gear, including open-faced chain-mail like balaclavas, sheepskin sweaters with Gothic crosses, and silk-covered overcoats painted with references to the Norman period in Sicily.
Care Tips:
- Do not wash sheepskin with a darker colored pelt, as bleeding may occur.
- Sheepskin can withstand some moisture, though it’s not ideal to have the garment soaked or used in lieu of a raincoat. If this happens, gently blot with a clean towel. Do not rub, as this will force moisture into the pelt.
- Gently use tweezers to pull out any debris trapped in sheepskin.
- When wearing silk, be particularly careful of snags from watches, rings or briefcases.
Mixing it Up: In addition to looking good, garments on the Milan runway felt good too. Designers played with unique fabric combinations to create new looks. Flax was woven into cashmere for a bolder silhouette and outwear was refreshed with neoprene bonded to Tuscan wool. Cavalli even created an ombre effect, fusing herringbone and zebra prints.
Care Tips:
- Even if combined with another fabric, do not hang cashmere tops, as they are easily susceptible to shoulder “horns” left by hangers.
- Cashmere can be washed in mild detergents or shampoo and cold water only. Keep in mind that the material can take days to dry. The material should not be wrung, but laid flat out to dry. Press a clean towel on the garment to help remove excess water.
- While neoprene can traditionally a tougher material, it is usually best to dry clean wool. Gentle washing is possible, but understand it could result in shrinkage and/or loss of the material’s softness.
- When pressing wool, set use steam heat only, never dry.
Remember, among Sudsies’ specialties are designer garment and couture care processes. So feel free to leave the dirty work to us, so you can just focus on looking good. Now, that’s a trend worth picking up!
For other resources on how to care for your most delicate garments, check out our Cloth Behind the Clothes Series by following the links:
- Part One – KNITS
- Part Two – LEATHER
- Part Three – CAPES
- Part Four – FAUX FUR
- Part Five – WHITE COLLARED SHIRTS
- Part Six – METALLICS
References: All photos used for Sudsies 2014 Menswear Trend Report were taken from the Women’s Wear Daily website and featured in this year’s Milan Men’s Fashion Week. To view all of the Men Collections/Runway looks for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season, please go here:
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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Six – METALLICS
Nov 19th
We end our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide series with a bang… or shall we say with bling – metallics! Let’s face it, women are always going to gravitate towards the shiny and pretty. Sophisticated pieces of lamé, silks, brocades and jacquard were heavily represented on the runways this year, ranging in silhouettes from 60s-inspired to ethnic chic. Even everyday items are fused with the trend, as seen with Tee and Cake’s silver metallic sweatshirt, Zara’s otherwise traditionally professional gold metallic pencil skirt, and metallic sheen jeans and leather pants by varying big name jean brands.
CARE CAUTIONS:
- Metallic fibers are very delicate. Most garments made from these materials are highly susceptible to damage from the repetitious rubbing associated with washing and drying machines and will need to be dry cleaned.
- Perspiration and other moisture may cause the fabric to tarnish, therefore, should not be exposed to weather precipitation or heat conditions that may cause the wearer to perspire more than usual.
- Brocade, jacquard and damask fabrics have raised patterns, so take care not to crush or warp the design by being seated for long periods and avoid jewelry that can catch and snag.
Well, that covers it. If you need a refresher on what’s fashionable this season, and how to take excellent care of your favorite fabrics, please follow the links below. We hope you found this guide useful, and remember that Sudsies specializes in intricate garments, including all the trends cited in our Guide. Now, time to get shopping…Art Basel Miami is quickly approaching!
The Cloth Behind the Clothes:
The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Four – FAUX FUR
Nov 5th
We’re a warm-and-fuzzy kind of company, so our next pick for the Sudsies Fall Fashion Fabric Guide is faux fur. A friendlier alternative to the real deal, many faux furs have a quality and texture that provide a soft feel and luxe look. Northerners are strutting in oversized coats, shrugs and capes, but we South Floridians can pick up the trend with accent pieces, such as an infinity scarf, hat or lined items.
CARE CAUTIONS:
- For minimal upkeep, select furs that are short in length. Longer, shaggier options tend to knot and matt and require a higher level of professional cleaning.
- With great caution, faux furs can be cleaned at home from time to time; however, never place in the dryer, as the fibers can melt and the damage is irreversible.
- Hats need to be cleaned too, perhaps more so than other garments with all the oils, makeup and hair product residues accumulated from use. Like coats, it is recommended that hats are professionally cleaned once or twice during the season and before storage.
- Keep the fluff and sheen of the material with periodic brushing using a soft-bristled clothing brush.
- Storage in a cool, dry place is especially important for faux fur since moisture can cause the fabrics to frizz.
Need to read up on previous parts of this blog series? Click here Part One- KNITS, Part Two – LEATHER, Part Three – CAPES.
The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Three – CAPES
Oct 29th
Ok, in South Florida we may be limited in picking up the cape trend, but it IS a more reasonable alternative to traditional coats with more air flow to the body. No superheroes here, just super fashionable. Coverlets have been modernized in a range of ways, from cropped, to short and feminine, to long and sweeping. For those anomaly cold days, capes can be paired with long leather gloves for an uber chic look.
CARE CAUTIONS:
- Though probably not often worn in South Florida, these garments should still be cleaned at least once during the “winter” season. As outerwear, they are touching public spaces and coat checks, as well as accumulating makeup and hair product residues.
- Before considering a cashmere option, understand that this fabric is very delicate and susceptible to microscopic abrasion. Those with an on-the-go lifestyle may want to consider a wool/cashmere blend.
- If opting for the wizard-style, bear in mind the longer hemline attracts debris from the floor and streets. As such, buyers may want to go with a darker color to help camouflage this effect in between cleanings.
- Before placing back in storage over the Spring/Summer months, be sure to professionally clean and store in a breathable garment bag of tissue to prevent mold build-up.
Need to catch up on the other parts of this series? Check them out here! Part One – KNITS and Part Two – LEATHER
The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Two – LEATHER
Oct 22nd
In continuation of our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide series, we now bring our attention to leather. A stand-alone statement piece or used in a hybrid form with other fabrics, leather was this year’s “it” material. Leather is traditionally associated with a biker or rocker vibe, but this season, designers quilted it, used as trim or paneling, and fashioned into sleek silhouettes to present it in a more sophisticated light.
Care Cautions:
- This material is an animal hide, not derived and woven from plant materials; therefore is prone to some imperfections. A leather tanner will treat and color the materials to hide much of these imperfections, but over time, these treatments will wear away, re-exposing them, much in the same manner that makeup covers up blemishes but wears off over the course of the day.
- Many professional cleaners recommend recoloring after cleaning to replace the finish that is naturally lost over time.
- With leather and suede, it’s especially important to store in a cool place over the summer months. Hides will stiffen from heat and humidity. These materials are also more susceptible to moth damage. That being said, never store in plastic, for this will only trap in heat and moisture. A muslin cover stored indoors is the best alternative.
In case you missed it, check out the other Fall Fashion Fabrics in this Series by clicking here: Part One – Knits.
The Cloth Behind The Clothes: Part One – KNITS
Oct 15th
The Sudsies Fall Fashion Fabric Guide includes six of the 2013’s top fall trends. Up first is knits! Slouchy, oversized, form-fitting, patterned, tightly woven, or intricately crocheted, knits are a classic fall go-to. In his show, Marc Jacobs paired sweaters and pencil skirts for a new kind of “suit”, while Mara Hoffman showed large pullovers with skinny pants.
Care Cautions:
- Before purchasing, keep in mind that knit fabrics are often stretched before even making it to stores during the processing process. Knitted loops should be round. Elongated or long loops are a sign that the garment had already been stretched.
- Have extra drawer or shelf space available. Ideally, knits should be stored flat with tissue.
- If knits must be hung, use a properly-sized padded hanger for tops. For bottoms, use a soft-clip hanger and clip so that the garment does not sag, stretch or droop. Even if the article has hanging loops, do not use, as they will pull and distort the shape over time.
- Networking is an important part of business, but try not to wear knits for functions that may require name tags, as the adhesive can create “fuzzy” damage when removed.
- Avoid pushing up the sleeves. Over time, the fabric will lose resiliency and hang shapelessly over the forearms. For South Floridians, save the knits for assuredly cool days to avoid the urge to hike up the sleeves.
Sudsies Bubbles Over: Second Location in North Miami
Sep 27th
Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry has announced the expansion of its services with the opening of a second location in North Miami. Located at 12711 Biscayne Boulevard, the 8,000 sq ft space will act as both a customer storefront and processing facility. Coupled with its original location in Miami Beach, Sudsies offerings span Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
“We’re continually striving to enhance the quality of our work, and this new location helps us do just that,” says Founder and President Jason Loeb. “Now, our customers can expect and enjoy even more services and faster response times.”
With the location expansion also comes the expansion of the Sudsies team. Its fleet of vans offering free pick-up and delivery is expected to double in size to reach all corners of the South Florida market. New cleaning experts and equipment bring with them new operational and managerial techniques to increase production capacity and turnaround times. While primarily a processing facility, a storefront component allows for customer pickup, drop-off, alterations and general cleaning consultations. Both Sudsies locations incorporate EPA-sanctioned green cleaning initiatives including wet cleaning processes, gentle detergents, water-conserving machinery and recyclable hangers and packaging.
Sudsies’ many core services include eco-friendly dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, restoration and preservation, couture work, on-site home cleaning and complimentary pick-up and delivery across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. High-tech facilities, in-depth skills and expertise and customer convenience are a part of the Sudsies S.M.I.L.E. mantra to provide friendly, impacting experiences for its clientele. More information about Sudsies and its many offerings can be found at www.sudsies.com or by phoning 1.888.898.SUDS (7837).
Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry Announces Expansion of Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Systems
Sep 5th
Clothing at Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry will take on an even greener tone. The South Florida-based dry cleaner announced the expansion of its environmentally-friendly cleaning department with the most recent high-performance equipment and agents. These processes mainly incorporate Professional Wet Cleaning and Hydrocarbon Cleaning, cited by the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) in Massachusetts as among the top alternatives to traditional perc dry cleaning systems that better support environmental and consumer health.
“It’s not easy being green, but it’s among our top priorities here at Sudsies,” says Founder and President Jason Loeb. “We’re constantly exploring new and improved ways to impart the biggest impact on our clientele with cleaner, better-looking garments, while having the least impact on the environment.”
Professional Wet Cleaning is an alternative process incorporating biodegradable detergents, texture enhancers and specialized finishing equipment. According the recent TURI report, the method does not emit hazardous air pollutants and requires the lowest electricity usage of all garment cleaning options. Additional key environmental organizations including Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Green Peace, and Sierra Club Green Home deem wet cleaning as the most eco-friendly solution. While the technology isn’t the newest of the perc dry cleaning alternatives and has its limitations, it has evolved with significant improvements to its effectiveness and safety. New cleaning solutions and computer controlled conditions are gentler on fabrics, helping to maintain the integrity of the garment and a new-like appearance.
Despite wet cleaning benefits, there is still no single cleaning process that is perfect for all types of clothing. To best provide high-quality effectiveness across the vast range of its in-bound clothing, Sudsies has also incorporated Hydrocarbon Cleaning to its arsenal of green alternatives. This second innovation does not rely on any Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-classified hazardous air pollutants to function and is recommended by the agency’s Design for Environment Program. Sudsies’ hydrocarbon technology is especially suited for fragile articles, vintage wears, and intricate couture pieces, all of which are core specialities for the company.
Eco-friendly initiatives are part of Sudsies’ care trifecta for its clients, clothes and environment. The dry cleaner’s full-service offerings include dry and wet cleaning, laundry, alterations, restoration services, vintage and couture care, bridal gown preservation and on-site home cleaning. Customer convenience is further enhanced with complimentary personal pick-up and delivery to all locations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as nationally via a Sudsies Express Mail service that cleans and ships garments across the United States.
More information about Sudsies and its offerings can be found at www.sudsies.com or by phoning 1.888.898.SUDS (7837).
Going the Distance: Sudsies Launches Express Mail Service for Loyal Clients Nationwide
Apr 11th
MIAMI, FL — Well-heeled travelers and part-time South Florida residents no longer have to despair about clean clothes when outside the Sunshine State. Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry has announced that it will now offer Sudsies Express, whereby clients can mail their garments to the dry cleaner for care and return. Sudsies Express is offered throughout the United States and includes all services – including cleaning, alterations, restoration and more – at regular pricing, plus the cost of shipping.
“Local or long-distance, we aim to make all our customer relationships a success,” says Founder and President Jason Loeb. “We added Sudsies Express to help assure that clients and their garments will get our reliable service, no matter where their travels take them.”
The process is simple. Customers enclose a special care form, found on the the company’s website, with their garments and mail them to the North Miami facility address, where the Sudsies team cares for the items and places them freshly pressed in a garment box for return. While all services are offered via Sudsies Express, Loeb adds that it is particularly appealing for clients with designer or couture labels, garments in need of restoration or damage repair, or vintage pieces given the cleaners’ expertise and superior capabilities in working with specialty garments. Another key user group are customers preparing to return to South Florida. Instead of packing, they can ship their garments to Sudsies for a cleaning, followed by direct, complimentary delivery to their South Florida residence at the date and time of preference.
Sudsies continues to add offerings that enhance its quality of service and convenience for its clientele. The company’s many core options include eco-friendly dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, restoration and preservation, couture work, on-site home cleaning and complimentary pick-up and delivery across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. More information about Sudsies can be found at www.sudsies.com or by phoning 1.888.898.SUDS (7837).
About Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry
Miami-based Sudsies is full-service dry cleaning company dedicated to clean clothes, clean service and a clean environment. An industry pioneer for South Florida home pick-up and delivery services, the Sudsies fleet of bubbly, blue and yellow vans offer prompt service to every nook and corner across the tri-county area, while a team of highly-trained specialists care for garments and customers with a smile. The vast range of services includes ecological dry cleaning and laundry processes, alterations and tailoring, clothing restoration, bridal gown storage or alteration and knowledge of specialty items such as couture garments. At Sudsies, customers look and feel their best, while sister company Rugsies Carpet & Drapery ensures customers live in their best with on-site home or office cleaning for carpets, drapes furniture and other home items. For more information about Sudsies, please call 1.888.898.SUDS (7837) or visit www.sudsies.com.
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