Care Guide

At TOAST, we make our clothing to last, championing natural materials and quality craftsmanship. How an item is made matters, but the way we wash and care for our garments is just as important in extending their lifespan. No two fibres are the same, and each requires specific washing and storing methods. With this in mind, we have created a care guide to help you enjoy your TOAST garments for longer.

While these are general guidelines, always check the garment label for tailored care instructions.

Cotton

Cotton is a comfortable, breathable, and easy-care fibre that holds dye well, making it an ideal canvas for vibrant colours and prints. Sourced from the cotton plant's seed pods, its natural and biodegradable properties make it gentler on the environment than other materials. Cotton can be transformed into a range of durable fabrics, including denim, poplin, and twill.

• Machine wash at 30°C with similar colours.
• Wash only when necessary to preserve shape, colour, and quality.
• Reshape while damp by holding the seams and gently shaking the fabric out.
• Dry flat or hang to reduce creasing.
• If needed, iron while damp or use steam.
• Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Corduroy

Corduroy is valued for its durability, soft handle, and versatility across clothing and homeware. Believed to have evolved from Ancient Egyptian fustian, a weighty cloth with a raised nap, its distinctive ridges, or “wales,” were later developed to strengthen the fabric.

• Wash corduroy inside out, with fastenings closed, at 30°C or on a cool setting.
• Avoid overloading the machine to prevent surface damage.
• Shake out gently after washing, smooth seams.
• Hang to air dry to prevent creasing.
• Store on a hanger.

Denim

Denim is a strong, durable fabric characterised by a twill weave and blue wash. It is traditionally made from cotton, though some varieties contain elastane to give it stretch. We value denim for its functionality, versatility, and how it softens with wear.

• Wash denim sparingly to preserve colour and shape.
• Use mild detergent and choose a wool or delicate machine setting at a maximum of 30°C.
• Always turn inside out and fasten zips and buttons.
• Wash with similar colours and avoid overloading the machine to prevent creasing.

Indigo

Our accessories, workwear, and handmade pieces are often dyed indigo, providing a deep tone and a subtle fade over time. Indigo dyeing has rich cultural ties, from Japanese resist-dyeing to Cameroonian tie-dye and French smocking. The process is labour-intensive and skilled. We work with craftspeople at mills in Japan and Türkiye to create our indigo fabrics.

• Indigo fades naturally and may rub off on first use due to surface dyeing. 
• Wash sparingly at 30°C, inside out, with mild detergent and similar colours. 
• Avoid spot cleaning, which may cause uneven fading.
• Avoid wringing, tumble drying, and heat exposure. 
• Gently press out water, reshape, and air dry flat to preserve strength and colour. 
• Iron when damp, if needed. 
• Store on padded hangers to prevent creasing.

Knitwear

All our knitwear is made from natural fibres, including Scottish wool, fine merino, and recycled Italian cashmere. Wool is warm, sustainable, and renewable – sheep regrow their fleece each year, and any wool waste biodegrades naturally. We harness its strength and intrinsic warmth to create insulating pieces, and its absorbent nature allows it to be easily dyed in a wide spectrum of colours.

• Wool rarely needs washing due to its breathable, odour-resistant, and naturally antibacterial fibres. 
• Airing or freezing often works well. Wash by hand, as needed, in cool water with a wool detergent. 
• Avoid soaking, stretching, rubbing, or using fabric softener, as it may cause pilling. 
• Rinse well and gently squeeze out water, but avoid wringing.

Leather

Many of our shoes and accessories are made from natural leather, often tanned with vegetable-derived dyes for a more environmentally friendly finish. Leather is durable and develops a rich patina as it ages.

• Apply a leather or suede protector before wearing to guard against moisture. 
• Scuffs can be restored with polish. 
• Wear leather soles in carefully and consider adding rubber sole protectors for longevity.
• Use tissue or newspaper to maintain shape when not in use.
• For polished leather, use a neutral or colour-matched cream polish and apply with a soft brush, then buff it in gently.
• Avoid using polish on matt leather. Surface clean with a damp sponge, then lightly apply saddle soap with a slightly damp sponge. 
• Avoid excessive foam and always allow leather to air dry naturally.
• For accessories, apply natural leather wax to condition and add a sheen.

Linen

Derived from the durable flax plant, linen is one of the strongest natural fibres. It is naturally antibacterial and biodegradable, valued for its strength, breathability, and relaxed drape. First developed in Ancient Egypt, most modern flax is grown in northern France and Belgium.

• Machine wash linen at 30°C or on a cool setting; delicate pieces may require handwashing. 
• Always turn garments inside out and avoid overfilling the machine so the fibre can absorb water properly.
• Avoid tumble drying. Line dry on a hanger, reshape, and iron inside out while damp to reduce creasing. 
• Use a moderate heat and avoid pressing firmly on seams, as high heat or pressure can damage fibres.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a soft, breathable fabric made from wood pulp, such as eucalyptus and beech, using a sustainable, closed-loop process that recycles 99% of solvents. It is strong, moisture-wicking, biodegradable, and it holds dye well. We use lyocell for garments with a smooth, fluid drape and vibrant colour.

• Most lyocell can be machine washed at 30°C, ideally on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. 
• Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. 
• For delicate items, handwash in cool water without wringing or twisting.
• Lay flat or hang on a padded hanger to dry. Avoid tumble drying. Reshape while damp and dry in the shade. 
• Iron inside out on a low to medium setting while slightly damp, or use a steamer.
• Store folded in a cool, dry place using breathable bags; heavy items may stretch if hung.

Silk

Silk is a fine, strong fabric with a natural sheen, primarily produced by the Bombyx moth, a species native to China. Once reserved for royalty, today silk is widely valued for its luxurious handle and ability to adapt to different temperatures.

• Silk is delicate and should be dry cleaned, where possible. 
• If handwashing, use cool water and mild liquid detergent. 
• Avoid soaking for more than five minutes and rinse thoroughly. 
• Heat can damage or shrink silk. Air dry away from sunlight to prevent fading. 
• Iron inside out on a low setting without steam.