FabricsUpdated a year ago

We carefully select each fabric that we use by considering quality, texture, ‘hand-feel’ and of course how the fabric treats your skin. Here is a list of the fabrics that we currently use and why we have chosen them.

Linen/Rayon Blend

Medium weight fabric made from a balanced blend of Linen and Rayon: 55% Linen 45% Rayon

Why we chose it - This linen/rayon blend was selected because it is a balanced fabric that combines the structure of linen with the silky drape of rayon. As it is worn and washed, the fabric gets softer and more textured. Made from natural fibres this fabric allows your skin to breathe. 

How to care for it: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle.  Do not tumble dry. Iron on medium. Some colour loss can occur on first wash. Iron on the reverse side on medium heat. 

100% Rayon

Fabric composition: 100% Rayon 115 gm

Our 100% Rayon is produced from a wood pulp cellulose treated to create a delicate weave that ensures soft handling and a beautiful drape.  Rayon has developed over the years to now be a very versatile, breathable and comfortable fabric that falls and feels silky smooth. 

Why we chose it - Rayon has the benefit of being plant based with the technical advantages of a synthetic process. This is how we are left with a fabric that can allow your skin to breathe, but have the complete regularity of a continuous fibre. 

How to care for it - Machine washable on a gentle cycle in Cold water (completely cold! not even 20 or 30 degrees)  All our Rayon has been pre-shrunk, but because it is a long strand fibre further shrinking or stretching is always a possibility. Do not Tumble dry. Iron garment inside out. 

Crisp 100% Linen

Fabric composition: 100% Linen

Linen has amazing properties. It is breathable and absorbent, and temperature regulating, however it does crease.  Please be aware that crisp linen requires ironing. 

Washing: Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Ironing required. 

Stonewashed 100% Linen

Fabric composition: 100% Linen

Linen has amazing properties. It is breathable, absorbent and temperature regulating, however it does crease.  This linen has been stonewashed to set in a crushed look that helps reduce the appearance of strong creasing.  In order to keep this look, wash on a cold gentle cycle with a softener and then tumble dry.  You can also hang up your garments on a hanger to dry.  Ironing is optional, but it will affect the appearance of the texture created by the stonewashing.  

Washing: Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Hang dry on a hanger not over line. Or tumble dry to damp and then hang on a hanger. Ironing optional, but not advised. 

Tencel

Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from Eucalyptus trees and has been pre-shrunk for your convenience.    

Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it has the ability to mimic silk and rayon, but is by far the most sustainable as it uses less energy and water in its production. This medium weight fabric allows your skin to breathe, has a luxurious lustre and drapes beautifully over the body.

How to care for it - Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Iron inside out on low heat. Do not tumble dry.  Do not hang in direct sunlight as colour can fade.  

Bamboo

Fabric composition: 95% Bamboo 5% Spandex.  

This bamboo knit is a stretchy and soft knitted fabric that is lightweight and luxurious. 

Why we chose it:  Mostly for its silky soft  feel on the skin with a sumptuous look.  Bamboo fibres wick moisture away from the body, keeping your temperature regulated. They also have the added benefit of being a natural repellant for odours, are hypoallergenic and antibacterial. As well as being biodegradable. Winning...

How to care for it: Gentle Hand wash in cold water, preferably with a natural detergent. Air dry flat.  Cool iron if needed and fold flat rather than hanging up as the shape may distort. Machine washable with a cold, gentle cycle that doesn’t spin the garments too aggressively - ideally in a washing bag. 

Mohair

South Africa is the biggest global producer of mohair, producing approximately 50% of the world’s mohair. Most of South Africa’s Angora goats are farmed in the Karoo area of the Eastern Cape. 

Why we chose it - Mohair fabric is luxuriously lightweight and renowned for its versatility, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. Mohair breathes naturally, absorbing and releasing atmospheric moisture and controlling its own ‘climate’ to ensure optimal comfort. 

How to care for it - Note : Minimal washing needed. Do not keep knitted mohair garments on hangers. Fold and store on a shelf.  Your mohair item can be cleaned by a reputable dry cleaner or you can wash it yourself by following these simple steps.  Soak in tepid water using mild detergent recommended for washing wool, or even hair shampoo. Very gently agitate by hand to dislodge dirt particles. Do not agitate unduly. Rinse in clean, cool water. A small amount of fabric softener can be used if desired.  Lay flat to dry (mohair dries quite quickly). When dry, a brisk shake or brush (with a stiff hair brush) will restore the pile. Gentle coaxing, rather than firm strokes, is advised to ease out tangle and create the downy pile for which Mohair is renowned. Do not tumble dry.

Cashmere

100% cashmere - machine knitted in Mauritius

Why we chose it - Cashmere is luxuriously lightweight and renowned for its warmth and softness.  Cashmere breathes naturally, absorbing and releasing atmospheric moisture and controlling its own ‘climate’ to ensure optimal comfort. 

How to care for it - Your cashmere item can be cleaned by a reputable dry cleaner or you can wash it yourself by following these simple steps.  Wet  in tepid water using mild detergent recommended for washing wool, or even hair shampoo. Very gently agitate by hand to dislodge dirt particles. Do not agitate unduly. Rinse in clean, cool water. Do not wring water out of the jersey - rather scrunch into a ball to get rid of excess water and/or squeeze gently in a towel. Lay flat to dry (cashmere dries quite quickly). Do not tumble dry.

100% Cotton (knit)

100% Cotton knit - Machine woven. 

Why we chose it - Cotton yarn is breathable, warm and long lasting. It bio-degrades and is wonderful to wear - what’s not to love? 

How to care for it: Hand wash in cold water. Do not soak. Squeeze water out, do not wring. Dry flat - do not hang when wet. Do not tumble dry. Some colour loss can occur on first wash.

Cotton Twill

100% Cotton Twill - Twill has a slanted lined surface texture.  It is a 220 gm fabric which is a heavier weight used for jackets and pants.  

Why we chose it - This cotton twill is nice and structured and is warm for cooler months.  

How to care for it: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle.  Do not tumble dry. Iron on medium. Some colour loss can occur on first wash.

Leather Shoes

Leather is unique in the way that it improves with age and gets more character.  However, if you want it to last it should be properly cared for. Brush your shoes lightly with a shoe brush to remove dirt regularly.  Once clean, rub the shoes with a leather balm to keep the leather moist and nourished. If you scuff your shoe you can polish the shoe with the appropriate colour polish to lightly cover the scuff.   

All our shoes are handmade with love, but occasionally we make a mistake and if this happens please don’t hesitate to contact us. If your heel comes off or if your sole loosens we will happily fix it for you. 

We work very hard to find quality suppliers, but we cannot control when that quality drops unexpectedly. Sometimes the dye of the black lining has not been sealed properly by our suppliers and it can come off on your feet  - if this happens you can easily scotch guard the inside of your shoes at home. If you are unable to do this yourself please contact us and we can arrange to do it for you. We unfortunately cannot coat all of our shoes as scotch guard is incredibly poisonous to humans in bulk and we will not  put our employees lungs and lives in danger.