Best practices to make samurai garments last longer and Post Use Guide

How do I best take care of my samurai to prolong their life?

Great question! We’re firm believers in owning less & as makers we’re committed to fewer, functional collections meant to last you a long time. If you’ve selected one of our hemp pieces, you’re half way there as hemp is the sturdiest fabric known to mankind. Additionally, you can cold wash with similar colours and a gentle detergent (hand washing is best!)

Will my clothes shrink on washing considering they are natural?

All our silhouettes are fitted and stitched without margins so it is important to care for the garments as specified. Both fabrics used for samurai (hemp & solar vastra cotton) are susceptible to shrinkage if washed with hot water or dried in high heat (strong sun counts as high heat as well as the machine dryer). Its best to use cold water for washing and line drying inside out in the shade to retain the shape and size of the garment.  

What should I keep in mind about colour bleeding?

Only one garment, made with solar vastra cotton fabric, is available in colour. While the fabric is pre-washed before stitching to minimise colour bleeding, there might still be some colour loss over frequent washes. To ensure vibrancy of colour over a longer time, please hand wash the garment in cold water and line dry inside out in the shade. We also recommend washing the coloured garment separately.

What are the wash care instructions for samurai?

• We recommend hand washing for longer garment life. If required, machine wash on gentle cycle works as well

• Please use diluted liquid mild soap or mild detergents only.

• We strongly advice against using chlorinated bleach as it will leave stains on your garment. If you need to get a stain out of a hemp item, spot treat it with gentle soap

• Rinse the detergent/soap out thoroughly but avoid scrubbing.

• Line dry or air dry for longer garment life. If required, a lower heat cycle in a tumble dryer would work as well.

Should I wash my garments with cold or hot water?

We recommend washing with cold water to avoid shrinkage of the garment.

Care instructions for ironing?

• Ironing wrinkles out of our natural fabrics is easier if the fabric is slightly damp

• Iron on reverse to avoid colour loss or shrinkage due to heat.

How should I discard my garment post use?

All our undyed fabrics are gentle for the earth! Please remove hooks and zips from your garment, cut it up into small pieces and bury it in soil (yes, a flower pot works)! The garment will completely decompose in 5-6weeks.

While we only use eco friendly azo dyes for our coloured garments, it would be safer to convert them into a shopping bag to use!

You can also write to us and we can together brainstorm on other ways to reuse or discard samurai garments

Will you recall the garment to recycle once I’m done using it?

Sorry, we will not be able to recall our garments just yet. However, if you are able to send it to us, we will be most grateful and will recycle it responsibly.