CARING FOR YOUR GARMENTS
At Sideline, we are committed to reducing our impact on the earth. We make our garments to last, using natural fibres and quality manufacturing. We use materials that have as little impact on the planet as possible. We use organic cotton, linen, ramie and hemp, and our wool is sourced and spun in Aberdeenshire. We are also proud to have collaborated with our denim manufacturer to recycle our waste fabric offcuts into new high-quality denim. Each pair of jeans using this fabric saves more than 2,500 litres of water. But reducing our environmental impact doesn’t have to stop there. The way you wash and care for your clothes is also important.
WASH LESS & WASH MINDFULLY
Be mindful of the fabric of your clothes before putting them in the wash. Knowing the right way to care for each type of clothing will help prolong their lifespan. The care label instructions on each item will advise how best to care for your garment.
Another general rule during washing is to turn your garment inside out to keep them looking newer for longer – this will help keep the original colour longer and limit surface damage.
WASH AT LOWER TEMPERATURES
Low-temperature washing means that your clothes will last longer and are less likely to shrink or fade. It can also reduce wrinkles, which will save you ironing time. Washing at lower temperatures also uses less energy.
USE ECOLOGICAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Conventional laundry detergents contain synthetic chemicals, artificial dyes and fragrances. Eco-friendly products are natural, safe and effective. They’re not only kinder to the environment but also your clothes.
SKIP THE DRYER
Skipping the dryer may be one of the most significant choices in reducing your carbon footprint and leaving your garment in better condition and good shape longer. Tumble-drying will not only increase the wear and tear of the fabric, but it may even cause your garment to shrink due to the high heat and tossing motion. We advise no tumble drying for most of our garments.
STEAMING & IRONING
Depending on the fabric construction, some fabrics can be more prone to creasing and wrinkles. If needed, we recommend steaming over ironing as it’s gentler to the fabric fibres. Most garments don’t need ironing if you wash on a lower cycle and gently stretch them (line dry or lay flat) when they come out of the washing machine and hang the garment to dry. If the garments need ironing, refer to the garment care label to know the safe temperature setting. When ironing cotton and linen items, we recommend using a damp function or steam setting on the iron. Giving the cotton or linen a little moisture before ironing will make the fibres smoother, and the garment will flatten quicker. Never iron knitwear.
STORAGE
It is best to store each garment type differently. Always fold your knitwear as hanging can stretch the garment. Jeans are best folded, whereas woven garments such as shirts and dresses should be hung in a wardrobe. Avoid storing your clothes in direct sunlight as this can cause fading and colour change.