Clothing Care: 6 Pillars of a Sustainable, Transitional Wardrobe With Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and countless celebrities promoting sustainable fashion, you’ll be inspired to take an active part in this movement. After all, following their example can be a powerful step towards adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Supporting this cause starts with knowing the pillars of building and maintaining a sustainable wardrobe, which rests on four key principles: Ethical production Mindful consumption Quality over quantity Sustainable clothing care By embracing these principles, you can be a more responsible consumer with longer-living clothes that let you stay on top of your fashion game.   Eco-Friendly Care Instructions for Clothes Below are the specific pillars to keep in mind to maintain a sustainable, transitional wardrobe that can last for many years:   Pillar 1: Follow Mindful Washing Practices If you want to know how to make clothes last longer, the first thing to remember is that they don’t have to be washed after each wear. Clothes typically last longer when they’re not washed often. This is because washing them frequently can cause the colors to fade and ruin the material. As such, wash your casual dresses and other garments only when they are soiled or start to smell bad. You can wear them at least two or three times before they need to be cleaned. When you do have to wash your clothes, check the label for its washing requirements. Some fabrics need to be washed by hand, such as wool and silk, or dry cleaned, like rayon and suede, while others can be machine washed. It’s important to know the care instructions for clothes, or at the very least, the recommended washing method to ensure your clothes don’t get damaged and last long.   Remember to choose the right detergent when washing your clothes. Opt for eco-friendly laundry detergents, which do not contain chemicals that can be tough on fabrics and the environment. Also, air dry your garments whenever possible. These simple practices allow you to preserve the condition of your clothes and protect the environment.   Pillar 2: Opt for Thoughtful Storage Solutions Proper storage lets you have clothes that last long. Store your garments in a cool, dry area (devoid of heat and moisture) where they won’t be exposed to sunlight. A clothes care tip worth remembering is to use wooden hangers to avoid misshaping the shoulders of your clothes and fold the arms crosswise over the shoulders. You can follow this tip for most fabrics, except for wool, which is best folded to prevent sagging. If you need to hang delicate items, such as your designer evening dresses or lace sweaters, use padded hangers to avoid stretching them. Also, don’t stuff too many garments in your wardrobe since they are more likely to crease. If you don’t want to hang your clothes, store them in airtight containers. Keep them in a dry, cool place. Dried lavender in each container will protect the garments and give them a pleasant scent. Whether you’re storing your clothes in the wardrobe or containers, make sure they are clean because dirt can attract moths and even cause mold and mildew growth. Organizing your wardrobe can help you shift between seasons without the clutter. Start by keeping versatile pieces like lightweight, neutral staples in easy-to-reach areas of your closet. Also, arrange your closet by category to find your layering staples faster. Store off-season items in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space.   Pillar 3: Learn to Repair and Maintain Garments Repairing small damages is an essential part of knowing how to keep clothes looking new. It also lets you get more wear out of your clothes. Watch video tutorials to learn how to sew a hole, replace a button, and mend seams. Get ideas for patching holes to avoid throwing clothes with this issue. Look for tips for removing pilling from garments using scissors or a lint roller to maintain your clothes' appeal. You can also prevent pilling by hand washing or using the washer's gentle cycle, turning the garments inside out, and adding fabric softener during the rinse cycle. You can worry less about maintaining and repairing your clothes when you shop for well-made pieces from trusted clothing brands.   Pillar 4: Choose Fabrics Wisely Certain types of fabric are more durable than others. Cotton, leather, cashmere, silk, and wool are examples of textiles that last long because they are more resistant to wear and tear. With these options, you don’t have to focus too much on how to take care of your clothes. Your choice of textile can also affect your desire to wear clothes repeatedly. For instance, natural, breathable materials like cotton and linen adapt well to seasonal changes; minimalist dresses made of these textiles can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Cotton, leather, cashmere, silk, and wool are also eco-friendly, which helps you stay true to your sustainable fashion goals. Buying your clothes from brands that support eco-friendly practices can further strengthen your thrust.   Caring for these garments properly can prolong their quality, allowing you to wear them repeatedly for years. When you opt for clothes made of high-quality eco-friendly fabrics, you can have a more sustainable wardrobe and buy new ones less frequently.   Pillar 5: Focus on Conscious Buying for Versatility Opting for classic, versatile pieces that you can style in different ways also allows you to get more out of these garments. Focus on getting timeless staples like everyday dresses, jeans, coats, knitwear, and women’s luxury tops. These pieces can help you create a capsule wardrobe you can wear all year round and for any occasion. Next, pick clothes in neutral colors, such as black, white, gray, and earth tones. These shades work well with other hues, allowing you to mix and match outfits easily. Skip clothes with noticeable logos and graphics so you can stay true to your minimalist style and ensure your outfit stays stylish over time.   Pillar 6: Practice Ethical Disposal When it’s time to let go of your worn-out clothes, avoid throwing them in the garbage. There are different ways to give them new life and make them usable again. For instance, you can tie-dye faded oversized shirts to create a coverup you can use for a day at the beach and upcycle old jeans or denim shorts into a bag. You can also donate or sell old clothes so that others can use them while avoiding the need to throw them away. These practices help you reduce landfill waste and continue upholding your sustainability efforts. Being stylish and having a sustainable wardrobe is easier when you keep these pillars in mind. With well-chosen investment pieces, you can also have outfits you can flaunt any time of the year. Explore our collection of curated luxury pieces designed to look great for years to start building your sustainable, transitional wardrobe.

Decode Your Fabric Care Symbols: An Easy Guide Excited about the new luxury clothing you just bought? You can enjoy those gorgeous cashmere sweaters or 100% wool clothing longer if you know the right way to care for them. The good news is that clothing manufacturers attach labels to their products that indicate precise care instructions to keep them in good shape. The only problem is that they use icons and symbols that not everyone understands. But don’t fret – we’re here for you. In this guide, we’ll help you decode fabric care symbols so you can confidently care for your garments. No more guesswork, accidental shrinkage, or fading — just clear, practical advice to help you protect your investment. Ready to learn? Let’s decode fabric care together, one symbol at a time.   Breaking Down the Most Common Care Symbols Below are fabric care symbols charts to guide you through washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry cleaning your clothing. Washing Both the washtubs with degrees Celsius and those with dots indicate the recommended water temperature for machine washing. Lines under the washtub indicate a special wash cycle. For example, synthetic fabrics like polyester and other wrinkle-proofed materials must be washed in a permanent press cycle (warm water washes and slower spin) to reduce wrinkles. Machine Wash Machine-washable in a normal wash cycle Cold Wash in cold water Warm Wash in warm water; the more dots there are, the higher the temperature Hot Wash in hot water; the washtub with the dots icon can have as many as six dots Permanent Press Set on a permanent press wash cycle Gentle Cycle Set on a gentle wash or delicate cycle Do Not Wash Avoid washing altogether Hand Wash Hand wash only; applicable to delicate clothing made from linen or silk Do Not Wring Do not wring out excess water   Drying Similar to washing, dots indicate drying temperature settings. Lines underneath the tumble dry icon signal a special dry cycle. Tumble Dry Can be tumble-dried Do Not Dry Avoid tumble-drying Low Heat Dry in a cool setting Medium Heat Dry in a warm setting High Heat Dry in a hot setting Dry in Shade Dry under shade only Dry Flat Lay flat when drying Drip Dry Hang to drip dry Line Dry Dry on a line Permanent Press Set to permanent press dry cycle Gentle Cycle Set to delicate or gentle dry cycle No Heat/Air Cycle Set to tumble dry without using any form of heat   Ironing Fabric care icons for ironing that come with dots indicate recommended temperature settings. Iron Cool Iron in low heat; ideal for delicates like wool and silk Iron Warm Iron in medium heat; ideal for synthetic fabric Iron Hot Iron in high heat; ideal for linen and cotton Do Not Iron Avoid ironing Steam as Needed Use steam ironing as needed Do Not Steam Avoid steaming   Bleaching Do Not Bleach Avoid all types of bleach Bleach as Needed Can use any type of bleach Non-Chlorine Bleach Only Use non-chlorine bleach as needed   Dry Cleaning Dry Clean Dry-cleaned only Do Not Dry Clean Avoid dry cleaning   Why Luxury Garments Need Special Attention Most fabric products have labels indicating fabric care instruction symbols, including designer jackets, dresses, skirts, pants, and tops. Even though these luxury pieces are made with the finest fabrics and exceptional detail, they still need the right care to keep them looking their best. Some are even made with delicate materials like silk or include intricate decorative elements that need gentle, specialized care. With that said, garment care instructions solve those big problems. Each label is tailored to the unique fabric blend and construction of each piece of clothing, ensuring you know the best way to preserve its beauty. Take cashmere sweaters, for example. They benefit from a gentle approach – either hand-washing or using a delicate machine cycle to prevent shrinkage and maintain that plush feel. If you opt for the machine, use a mesh washing bag to protect the fabric from excessive agitation. You must also be careful about using heat in every step of garment care. For instance, silk skirts must be ironed using the lowest temperature setting to avoid burning the delicate fabric. By following manufacturer-recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures, you can enjoy your minimalist designer apparel for years to come.   Smart Care, Timeless Style Caring for your luxury garments doesn’t have to be a guessing game. After decoding these garment care symbols, follow these simple, tailored instructions to ensure your investment pieces look pristine and feel fresh season after season. Ready to elevate your wardrobe even further? Explore Rue Sophie’s minimalist luxury clothing collections today and discover more ways to build a sustainable, stylish wardrobe.

Cashmere Care: How to Wash and Preserve Your Finest Knitwear Legendary fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy summed it up perfectly when he said, “All a woman needs to be chic is a raincoat, two suits, a pair of trousers, and a cashmere sweater.”A cashmere sweater deserves a spot in every lady’s minimalist wardrobe because nothing compares to its elegance, softness, and warmth. It’s a must-have when you need something warm yet lightweight to stay comfy and stylish.It’s a designer jacket for women you can wear during the cool seasons every year, especially if you know how to care for cashmere properly.   Boulogne Cashmere Blend Sweater - $268.00 Explore more knitwear styles from Rue Sophie.   Why Cashmere Requires Special Care Cashmere is made of fine, delicate fibers and contains natural oils that make it soft. Harsh cleaning products and methods can strip these oils and leave the fabric dry and prone to damage.Knowing how to clean a cashmere sweater correctly lets you maintain its quality and look longer, which means you can have a stylish and comfy piece you can wear year in and year out.   Denis S/L Turtleneck Knit Top - $168.00 /  Denis Wide Leg Sweater Pant - $198.00 Explore more knitwear styles from Rue Sophie.   How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater If you want your cashmere sweater and other pieces to be part of your fall and winter minimalist capsule wardrobe every year, follow these cleaning tips:   1. Skip dry cleaning. Since cashmere is a delicate, luxurious fabric, your first thought may be to have it dry-cleaned like your trench coats whenever you want it washed. However, dry cleaning it frequently isn’t recommended since it may cause more harm than good.Dry cleaning solvents and fluids have chemicals that can damage the cashmere’s delicate fibers, which will affect your sweater’s look, quality, and longevity.As such, dry clean cashmere only once or twice throughout its lifespan, and only during an emergency. Make sure you choose a trusted dry cleaner and ask them about the process and products they use for this particular fabric. Also, ask if the garments come out undamaged after they’re washed.   2. Hand-wash cashmere pieces. Hand washing is the safest way to keep your cashmere sweater clean without damaging it.But when you want to hand-wash cashmere sweaters, you need to follow these tips to protect and preserve their pristine condition and fabulous look:   Always wash white and beige cashmere sweaters separately from colored ones. Fill a basin, tub, or sink with cold water and add the recommended drops of cashmere shampoo or mild laundry detergent for delicate fabrics. Submerge and gently swirl the sweater in the water for 30 seconds and let it soak for 30 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the garment in clean, cool water until you’ve removed all bubbles or traces of detergent. Gently squeeze or press out the water from the fabric without rubbing, twisting, or wringing it. Place the sweater on a dry, clean towel, gently straighten it to its original shape and dimensions (but avoid stretching it), and air dry it. Washing cashmere by hand may take up plenty of your time, particularly if you have several garments with this fabric, but it’s the best and safest way to keep them clean.   3. Place the cashmere garment in a mesh washing bag if you are using a washing machine. If you don’t have time to hand-wash your cashmere sweater, use the washing machine. But unlike machine-washing your casual dresses, you need to take a few extra steps to avoid damaging your knitwear.Below are some tips on how to wash cashmere in a washing machine: Turn your cashmere sweater inside out and put it in a mesh washing bag. Add the recommended amount of cashmere shampoo or mild detergent. Do not add fabric softener since this can cause fabric pilling. Choose cold water and the delicate, low, and short speed cycles on the washing machine. Remove the sweater immediately once the cycle is complete to prevent creasing. If the garment is still wet, place it on a clean towel and leave it to air dry.   4. Spot clean stains. If you spilled coffee, tea, sauce, or any beverage or food on your cashmere sweater, clean it immediately.Put a small amount of laundry detergent, baby shampoo, or mild shampoo on a cotton swab and gently rub it onto the stain. Leave it for half an hour, then rinse it with water or wash the garment.Avoid dabbing or rubbing the garment aggressively since you might end up making the stain bigger and disrupt the weave, or make it fuzzier. Keep in mind that you don’t have to wash your cashmere sweater and other pieces after wearing it. Wash it once or twice during the cool seasons to avoid damaging the garments’ fibers.   Mignet Midi Sweater Dress - $248.00 Explore more knitwear styles from Rue Sophie.   How to Care for Cashmere: More Tips Proper cashmere care also involves knowing tips for wearing and storing these garments correctly to ensure you get the most out of them.These tips include: Avoid wearing your cashmere sweater daily to prevent excessive wear and maintain its quality. Avoid wearing jewelry and other accessories that could tear or snag your sweater. Use a cashmere comb to remove loose fibers. Fold (never hang) your cashmere sweater to avoid distorting its size. Keep the garment in a clean, cool, and dry place. When winter is over, wash and dry your cashmere sweater and place it in a cotton storage bag to protect it from bugs and moisture. This storing tip ensures you can wear it again as soon as you need it.It’s also great advice to follow when storing your designer evening dresses.An authentic, high-quality cashmere sweater is a timeless investment. Protect this essential piece and make it a part of your minimalist wardrobe for years to come by giving it the thoughtful care it deserves.Visit our knitwear collection to browse through more of our cashmere sweaters – pieces that can certainly enhance your fall and winter wardrobe.