Posts tagged clothing care

THE GUY’S GUIDE: SUDSIES 2014 MENSWEAR TREND REPORT & CARE TIPS

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:

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

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:

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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Four – FAUX FUR

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.