Fabric & Care
Made to be worn, loved and kept
At Tuttabankem, we have always been drawn to beautiful fabrics with a natural sense of ease — soft cottons, airy linens, fluid viscose, lustrous silks and rich velvets.
Many of our pieces are designed to become favourites: thrown over swimwear, worn for long summer evenings, packed for holidays or kept close for years to come.
A little care goes a long way. We believe in wearing clothes often, washing them thoughtfully and allowing beautiful fabrics to develop their own character with time.
Cotton
Soft, breathable and wonderfully versatile, cotton is at the heart of much of our collection — from delicate cotton lawn and crisp cotton poplin to tactile needlecord.
Where the care label allows, cotton can generally be machine washed at a low temperature. We recommend washing similar colours together, using a gentle detergent and avoiding unnecessarily frequent washing.
Allow cotton pieces to dry naturally wherever possible. Do not leave damp garments sitting in the machine, and avoid high heat when ironing or tumble drying.
Our finer cotton lawns and pieces with Nottingham lace, pintucks or delicate detailing should always be treated particularly gently.
Linen
Light, breathable and naturally relaxed, linen is one of our favourite fabrics for summer.
Linen softens beautifully with wear and develops a lovely, lived-in character over time. It can crease easily — this is part of its charm.
Follow the care label for each individual piece. Where machine washing is permitted, wash gently at a low temperature and avoid overloading the machine. Reshape while damp and allow to dry naturally.
For a softer, more relaxed finish, light steaming is often preferable to pressing linen completely flat.
Viscose
Fluid and beautifully draping, viscose has a soft handle that makes it particularly lovely for kaftans and relaxed silhouettes.
Viscose can be more delicate when wet, so it is important to follow the individual garment's care instructions carefully. Where washing is permitted, use a gentle cycle or hand wash as directed, and avoid wringing or twisting.
Reshape while damp and dry naturally. Keep away from high heat, which can affect both the handle and shape of the fabric.
Some of our viscose pieces are dry clean only, so please always check the care label before washing.
Silk
Silk has a beautiful natural lustre and an exceptionally soft, fluid feel. It is delicate by nature and deserves a little extra care.
Many of our silk pieces are dry clean only. Where this is the case, we recommend using a reputable cleaner experienced in caring for delicate fabrics.
Avoid rubbing or spot-cleaning silk yourself, as this can leave marks or alter the appearance of the fabric. Keep silk away from excessive heat and strong sunlight when storing.
Always follow the care instructions supplied with your individual garment.
Velvet
Rich, tactile and beautifully luminous, velvet brings a particular depth to our Atelier pieces.
Velvet is best handled gently. Avoid crushing or pressing the pile, and allow the garment to hang naturally between wears.
Many of our velvet pieces are dry clean only. We recommend professional cleaning rather than attempting to wash velvet at home.
When storing, give velvet plenty of room and avoid placing heavy garments on top of it.
Cotton Needlecord
Our cotton needlecord has a wonderfully soft, tactile character and is particularly lovely for the cooler months.
The raised texture can be delicate, so avoid unnecessary friction and excessive heat. Follow the garment's individual care label, washing gently where permitted and allowing it to dry naturally.
To preserve the texture, avoid ironing directly onto the surface.
Lace & Delicate Details
Many Tuttabankem pieces are finished with cotton lace, pintucks, embroidery, trims and other considered details.
These details can be more delicate than the main fabric, so we recommend treating them gently and avoiding excessive agitation.
Where a garment is machine washable, use a gentle cycle and consider placing particularly delicate pieces inside a laundry bag. Always check the individual care label first.
Looking After Your Tuttabankem
A few simple habits can help your clothes stay beautiful for longer.
Wash less, where you can.
Not every wear requires a wash. Airing a garment between wears can help preserve both the fabric and its colour.
Follow the label.
Our garments are made in a variety of fabrics and constructions, so care instructions can differ from one piece to another. The care label on your garment should always take precedence.
Keep temperatures low.
Lower washing temperatures are generally kinder to fabrics, colours and delicate details.
Dry naturally.
Where appropriate, allow garments to dry naturally rather than relying on high heat from a tumble dryer.
Give delicate pieces room.
Store silk, velvet and other special fabrics carefully, avoiding crushing or unnecessary friction.
Treat stains with care.
Resist rubbing delicate fabrics or applying household stain removers without checking that they are suitable for the material.
Let beautiful fabrics be themselves.
A little creasing, softening and change with wear is part of the character of natural fabrics. These are pieces to live in, not keep away for best.
A Note on Care Labels
Every Tuttabankem garment has its own care requirements, depending on its fabric, construction and detailing.
Please always check the care label inside your garment before washing or cleaning it. If the instructions on the garment differ from the general guidance above, the individual care label should always be followed.
If you are unsure how best to care for a particular piece, please get in touch with us before washing or cleaning it.
Made for the Long Term
We hope your Tuttabankem pieces become part of your wardrobe for years to come — collected over time, worn often and remembered for the places you've taken them.
With a little care, beautiful clothes only become more personal with age.