Vintage deserves a little more care.

Every piece that passes through the Atelier is carefully cleaned, refreshed, or professionally treated according to its material, age, construction, and condition. We favor gentle, fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaning methods whenever the piece allows, and avoid adding artificial fragrance.

Once prepared, pieces are stored with dried lavender and cedar wood before making their way to you.

Because vintage garments can be decades old, and because two pieces made from the same material can behave very differently, we always recommend treating each garment individually and following the care guidance appropriate to its fabric and construction.

Caring for Your Vintage

The best way to preserve a vintage piece is often to wash it less, not more.

Air pieces out between wears, spot clean small marks when possible, and allow garments time to rest between use. When a full cleaning is necessary, choose the gentlest method appropriate for the material.

When in doubt, professional cleaning is always the safest choice, particularly for delicate, highly embellished, unusually constructed, or exceptionally old pieces.

Cashmere & Wool

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool or cashmere detergent when the garment's care instructions and condition allow. Never wring or twist. Gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry, reshaping the garment while damp. Store folded rather than hanging to help prevent stretching and distortion. 

Silk

Silk is delicate and can be particularly sensitive to water, dyes, and friction. Avoid harsh detergents, prolonged soaking, and excessive agitation. For vintage or particularly delicate silk, professional cleaning is often the safest option. Store away from direct sunlight to help preserve the color.

Linen

Linen is durable, breathable, and naturally prone to a little wrinkling—that's part of its character. Wash gently in cool water when appropriate and allow to air dry. Avoid excessive heat, which can contribute to shrinkage and unnecessary wear.

Cotton

Most cotton garments are relatively forgiving, but vintage cotton can be considerably more delicate than its modern counterpart. Wash gently in cool water when possible and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures. Air drying is preferable to high-heat drying.

Rayon & Vintage Synthetics

Older rayon, acetate, and other vintage synthetics can be surprisingly delicate and may react poorly to heat or agitation. Always check the garment's specific care instructions and condition before washing. When there is any uncertainty, professional cleaning is recommended.

Beading, Sequins & Embellishment

Embellished garments should be treated with particular care. Beading, sequins, embroidery, appliqué, and decorative trims can become damaged, loosen, or discolor with washing and friction. Avoid machine washing unless the garment is specifically designed for it. For heavily embellished or exceptionally delicate pieces, professional cleaning is recommended.

Leather & Suede

Keep leather and suede away from unnecessary moisture. For routine care, gently brush or wipe away surface dust and store in a cool, dry environment. Stains, water damage, and more significant cleaning should be handled by a specialist familiar with vintage leather and suede.

Vintage Swimwear & Delicates

Vintage swimwear, lingerie, and other delicate garments often contain elastic, fabrics, and construction techniques that become more fragile with age. Avoid unnecessary washing and prolonged exposure to heat. When cleaning is necessary, use the gentlest appropriate method and allow the piece to air dry completely.

A Note on Storage

Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of a vintage garment. Whenever possible, store delicate pieces in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Fold knits, cashmere, and other fabrics that may stretch on a hanger. Use padded or appropriately shaped hangers for garments that are best stored hanging. Avoid tightly packing vintage pieces together. Giving garments room to breathe helps prevent unnecessary creasing, friction, and moisture retention. At the Atelier, pieces are stored with dried lavender and cedar wood. Beyond their subtle natural scent, both have traditionally been used as natural deterrents against clothing pests, making them a fitting addition to the careful storage of vintage garments.

What We Use

We believe vintage clothing should be cared for with the same consideration that went into finding it. For cleaning and preparation, we favor fragrance-free, non-toxic products and gentle methods whenever appropriate for the garment. We do not intentionally add artificial fragrance to pieces. Natural materials such as dried lavender and cedar wood are used in storage. If a garment requires specialized treatment, we choose the method based on the individual piece rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Before You Clean

Vintage clothing does not always behave like contemporary clothing. Care labels may be missing, incorrect, or no longer applicable. Fabrics can weaken with age, dyes can become less stable, and previous alterations or repairs can change how a garment should be handled. For that reason, the care information provided with each piece should take precedence over general fabric recommendations on this page. And if you're ever unsure: don't wash it. A reputable cleaner experienced with vintage and delicate garments is always preferable to risking an irreplaceable piece. After all, these clothes have already made it this far. The goal is to help them make it much further.