Care, Maintenance and Long-Term Fit Preservation

How to Keep Shape, Structure & Integrity for Years to Come

Fit does not end when you leave the boutique.

A beautifully tailored garment will only retain its shape, drape, and comfort when it’s cared for with the same intention with which it was made. Fine materials are alive, they breathe, relax, and respond to the environment. Maintenance, therefore, is not an afterthought; it’s an act of preservation.

At Espace Cannelle, we encourage clients to think of care as a continuation of design, the invisible craftsmanship that happens after the atelier.

Proper Hanging, Folding and Storage

Jackets, Coats & Blazers

• Always hang on broad, contoured wooden hangers that support the shoulders.
• Avoid wire hangers, they distort shape over time.
• Button or zip the front to help retain form.
• Allow airflow; never crowd garments in a wardrobe.

Knitwear & Heavy Fabrics

• Fold instead of hanging to prevent stretching.
• Stack loosely in drawers or on shelves with tissue between layers.
• Store cashmere and wool with natural moth repellents (cedar, lavender, or bay leaves).

Delicate Dresses & Blouses

• Use padded hangers or garment bags made of breathable cotton.
• Avoid plastic covers, they trap moisture and promote yellowing.
• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Seasonal Rotation

At the end of each season, inspect garments before storage. Clean or air them thoroughly; dirt, perfume, and body oils are what attract moths and cause discoloration, not the fabric itself.

Fabric Relaxation and Recovery

Every fine textile behaves differently after wear. Understanding that behavior preserves the original line of the garment.

Material	Post-Wear Behavior	Care Response
Wool / Cashmere	Fibers compress and then rebound with rest.	Let the garment “breathe” 24 hours between wears. Steam lightly to refresh.
Silk	Softens with warmth; may crease temporarily.	Hang overnight; wrinkles release naturally.
Cotton / Linen	Loosens with wear, tightens after washing.	Iron or steam while damp to restore crispness.
Leather / Suede	Molds to the wearer’s shape over time.	Brush gently, condition seasonally, never force-dry.

Key principle: Never wear the same tailored piece two days in a row. Rotation preserves elasticity, especially in natural fibers.

Cleaning and Professional Care

Luxury garments deserve professional handling.
Home washing should only be attempted when clearly indicated on the care label, and even then, restraint is wisdom.

Dry Cleaning

• Choose eco-friendly cleaners that specialize in natural fibers.
• Inform them of any delicate finishes (beading, coatings, hand-dyed fabrics).
• Remove garments from plastic immediately; allow to air before storing.

Spot Cleaning

• Blot, don’t rub.
• Use cool water and a neutral detergent only when necessary.
• Test inconspicuous areas first, dyes and finishes vary greatly.

Steaming vs. Ironing

• Steam restores drape without flattening texture, ideal for wool, silk, and viscose.
• Iron only with protective cloths; high heat can scorch natural fibers.
• Avoid over-pressing seams, they can create shine or break the fabric grain.

Preventing Stretching and Shrinkage

Fit distortion often begins not with wear, but with cleaning and storage errors.

• Avoid hanging wet garments, fibers elongate permanently.
• Use minimal detergent; residue stiffens textiles.
• Reshape knits while damp, laying them flat to dry on a towel.
• Do not tumble dry fine materials, even on low settings.
• Close zippers and buttons before washing or steaming to maintain seam alignment.

Atelier note: Re-blocking, the process of gently reshaping garments with steam and form, is used in couture houses annually. It restores drape without altering construction.

Periodic Re-Tailoring

Bodies evolve, and so should garments.

Every few years, have your most cherished pieces reviewed by a professional tailor. A minor adjustment, a sleeve shortened, a waist refined, can restore fit while preserving the original craftsmanship.

Re-tailoring is not repair; it’s renewal. Fine garments are built with extra seam allowance precisely for this purpose, because longevity is the ultimate luxury.

The Philosophy of Care

Care is not maintenance, it is reverence.

Each time you brush a wool coat, fold a silk blouse, or return a dress to its hanger, you’re engaging in a quiet conversation with craftsmanship. The hands that made it intended it to last. Your care completes that intention.

A garment’s true lifespan is determined not by when it was bought, but by how it is kept.