Caring for your item

Caring for Your Item

African Wax Print (Ankara & Adire)

African wax print fabric is 100% cotton — naturally breathable and insulating, keeping you comfortable year-round. Ankara and Adire are created using wax-resist dyeing techniques to produce their distinctive, vibrant patterns.

Spot Cleaning

For light marks, spot clean with mild soap and cold water, then leave to air dry.

Washing

  • Turn the item inside out before washing
  • Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle using lukewarm or cold water
  • Use a bar soap or mild detergent — avoid harsh chemicals or bleach
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Avoid a high spin cycle — use a low spin setting if machine washing
  • Dry cleaning is also suitable — ensure your dry cleaner is familiar with African wax print fabrics

Drying

  • Hang to dry in a well-ventilated space, indoors or outdoors
  • Dry flat or on a hanger to help the item keep its shape
  • Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colour fade or shrinkage

Ironing

  • Iron on the reverse side using a cotton setting, or a cooler setting if preferred

Storage

  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve the colours

With the right care, your African wax print item will stay vibrant and looking new for years to come.

Madras Cotton

Madras is a lightweight, breathable, and soft cotton fabric — ideal for warm-weather wear. Its characteristic vibrant plaid patterns make it a timeless casual classic.

Washing

Care instructions can vary depending on whether your madras uses traditional vegetable dyes or modern chemical dyes — always check the label first.

  • Bleeding madras (authentic hand-dyed): Genuine madras is “guaranteed to bleed” over time, creating a beautifully muted, unique look. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
  • Modern madras (chemical dyes): Generally colourfast and can be machine washed at 30°C with like colours.

Additional tips:

  • Pre-wash raw fabric before sewing — shrinkage can be up to 10%
  • Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
  • For delicate pieces, hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent

Drying

  • Tumble dry on a low or cool, gentle cycle
  • Remove promptly from the dryer to prevent wrinkles
  • Line drying is a great alternative

Ironing

  • Use a low-heat setting
  • Iron on the reverse side for best results
  • Use a press cloth for extra protection on delicate or dark-coloured fabrics