We often get asked the best way to care for Indigowares pieces and with good reason. Some of our garments are hand-dyed with natural plant-based colours, some are woven by hand on traditional looms, and others are stitched from vintage kantha quilts that are decades old. Each one is crafted with care and deserves the same in return.
Here’s what we recommend (and it’s also on the tag):
Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with a pH-neutral detergent – we like Bio D, which is gentle on skin, clothing, and the planet.
If hand washing, think of it like steeping tea – dip, swirl, press – no rubbing or wringing.
Let it air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight.
If you’re pressed for time, a 30°C machine wash on a gentle cycle will work too – just avoid harsh detergents or pods, which can leave bleachy marks if they don’t fully dissolve. If using a pod, open it and pour it into the drawer rather than straight into the drum.
Please avoid dry cleaning.
The chemicals are too aggressive for natural dyes and vintage fabrics and not great for the OUR planet earth either.
Why does pH matter?
Natural dyes can be sensitive to acidity and alkalinity, it’s actually how we shift colours during the dyeing process. Using the wrong detergent can alter or fade the colour too.
Indigo is the exception – it’s more stable – but all natural fibres do best with gentler care.
And remember:
These are clothes made to live and love in. Some soft fading, a streak here or there – that’s the character of natural textiles. It’s not damage, it’s their journey travelling with you.
Here’s our deep dive into each garment type –
Caring for Your Kantha Jacket 💙
Our jackets are crafted from vintage kantha quilts — old textiles given new life through careful stitching and thoughtful design. And with a little love, they’ll last for years to come.
Here’s how to care for yours:
🌀 Machine wash on cool — 30°C max or use a gentle/hand-wash cycle
🌿 Use a non-bio, eco-friendly detergent
✨ Optional but lovely: Add a cup of soda crystals straight into the drum before washing — it helps freshen and soften naturally
🌬️ Line dry in the shade
🧺 No tumble dryers, please
🧼 A quick press with a warm iron will bring it back to shape, if needed
🌿 Or simply air it out by hanging in an open window or doorway between wears
Each jacket carries a story — and with the right care, you’ll keep writing your own chapter in it for years to come.
We know how special your naturally dyed piece is – it’s been gently crafted using plant-based colour and traditional techniques.
Here’s a little guide to help you care for it gently and keep the colour glowing for as long as possible.
💧 Wash with care and only when needed
Natural dyes are delicate souls. Try to wash your garment only when it really needs it. A quick air-out near an open window can often do the trick.
When it’s time for a wash
Go for cold water and a gentle, pH-neutral detergent – something kind and eco-friendly. Hand washing is best, but if you’re using a machine, choose a delicate cycle and a slow spin.
☀️ Let it dry naturally (but not in full sun!)
Sunshine might be lovely, but it can fade natural dyes over time. Instead, dry your garment
flat or on a line in the shade.
⚠️ Be gentle with stains
If something spills, don’t panic – just rinse the area with cool water straight away. Avoid using bleach or anything acidic like lemon juice as they can alter the colour.
🌿 Embrace the change
One of the joys of natural dyes is that they evolve. You might notice your piece softening and shifting slightly over time – that’s part of the charm, a little story woven into the fabric.
If you ever have a question about caring for a specific piece, just drop us a line – we’re always happy to help!
By using only the most sustainable fabrics and natural dyes, Indigowares brings you thoughtful eco friendly design that is created to last.
We also understand that everyday wear and tear is inevitable. That’s why we offer our Repair and Care Services.
Repair
If you have a Indigowares design that needs repairing we are happy to do that for you free of charge.
All you need to do is post back the piece to us at
4 Saxon Road
Wheathampstead
Hertfordshire
AL4 8NY
Please include your name, address and email so that we can confirm we have received it. We will then work our magic to repair it by either stitching, darning or patching it back to life.
You just need to pay for your postage (do get proof of postage for your insurance) We will send it back to you free of charge.
Recycle
In the middle of a closet clear-out? Maybe you’re in the market for something new, and are looking to retire your piece of Indigowares?
When you’re done wearing an Indigowares piece, we offer you the option to send it back to us in exchange for 25% off your next purchase with Indigowares.
Just email us blue@indigowares.com
We will reuse, recycle, or repurpose your old Indigowares to give it a new life.
We offer this service so that you can make the best decisions to keep.
Remember
Ultimately repair-rewear-reimagine wherever you can in life and keep them out of landfill for as long as possible.
Before sending it back to us have you considered maybe offering a swop with a friend? Or sell it on as second hand? Maybe gift it to someone who always admired it or reimagine it into something else.
By offering the above service we hope to make Indigowares a more circular fashion brand.
What is circular fashion?
In brief, circular fashion means that every part of the life span of a garment can be recycled or biodegrade back into the soil.
Could this approach save our planet?
Well, it has the most logical reasoning. We all need to slow down and put thought into how and where we shop for our clothing. If we want to change the way we buy and care for our clothes- and ultimately our planet- we need to stop being a slave to trends and start buying garments wisely and taking care of them like the good friends they are to us.
We can’t go on feeding that need to have the latest of everything and have it tomorrow! Sure it’s convenient in the moment, but it is at the expense of our planet.
Here are a few questions to ask when you shop:
Think about the design: Is it timeless? How much longevity in its life span does it have?
Always consider the materials used: Are they from sustainable sources or recycled, reused? Have they been ethically produced and made in safe working conditions? Are animal rights upheld?
I know it’s a lot to have to consider but I do believe everyone’s heart is in the right place. I think that most are already subconsciously considering some of these, which means we’re half way there! Now let’s all learn how to ACT on these thoughts and shop ethically.
Indigowares will keep on striving to lessen our impact on the planet through using sustainable fabrics and natural dyes that are planet friendly and people friendly.
