How to Make Your Cotton Clothes Last
Let’s be honest - kids put their clothes through a lot. Paint splatters, grass stains, snack crumbs, muddy knees… that’s what they’re made for!
But if you’ve ever pulled a shrunken top out of the wash or noticed a favourite tee fading too soon, you’ll know: how we care for clothes matters just as much as how they’re made.
At HoLM THINGS, we believe that fewer, better things just make sense - especially when they’re made to last. Our clothes are crafted from 100% OEKO-TEX® certified cotton, designed to be worn, loved, mended, and passed on.
But even the best-made garments need care to stay soft, strong, and beautiful over time.
Here’s how to look after your HoLM THINGS pieces - and why it truly matters.
With love,
The HoLM THINGS Team
1. Wash Cool - 30°C is Enough
Washing your clothes at 30°C uses less energy and is gentler on the fabric.
Hot water can cause the fibres to swell, lose shape, fade more quickly and become less soft, while cooler washes help your garments retain their colour, soft texture, and durability.
Turn items inside out, wash with similar colours, and avoid fabric softener. It can coat the fibres and reduce their natural breathability.
2. Treat stains early (not hotter)
We’ve all been there - spaghetti sauce, juice, mystery playground smudges. The secret isn’t hotter water; it’s catching stains early.
Gently dab the spot (no scrubbing – it only pushes the dirt in!) and use a mild detergent or stain remover before washing.
For parents on the go, a small travel-size stain remover spray can be a lifesaver.
So you can skip the boil-wash guilt and still get spotless results.
3. Skip the Tumble Dryer
The tumble dryer might be quick, but it’s also one of the biggest culprits behind clothes losing their softness and shape.
High heat and constant movement weaken the fibres, causing shrinkage, thinning, and pilling.
Instead air dry your garments - either laid flat or hung up. It’s gentler on the material and helps maintain shape too.
For styles with ruffles, simply pull them straight before hanging - they’ll dry beautifully, no ironing needed.
4. Repair with Pride
A small tear or scuff doesn’t mean the end - it’s just part of the story. Repairing clothes adds character and extends their life.
Our signature heart patches were designed with this in mind - to make mending easy, creative, and joyful.
Involve your kids in the process: let them choose a patch, help with the repair, and take pride in caring for their clothes. Each patch tells a story of play, discovery, and care.
And when something truly reaches the end of its life?
Send it back to us. Through our Take-Me-Back programme, we’ll make sure it’s recycled responsibly - and you’ll get 20% off your next order as a thank you.
Why It Matters
Cotton is natural and durable, but it still takes care - and resources - to produce.
By extending the life of a single cotton garment, you can significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
Caring for clothes isn’t just about maintenance - it’s about connection.
Each well-worn piece carries stories, moments, and meaning. With a bit of care, it can bring joy to the next child who wears it.
The simple care checklist
- Wash at 30 °C with mild detergent
- Treat stains early
- Skip the tumble dryer
- Mend, patch, and pass on
- Recycle through our Take-Me-Back programme
Fewer, better things - made to last.
With love,
The HoLM THINGS Team
