7 Care Mistakes That Ruin Premium Pieces

A premium piece is an investment, but even the most expensive clothing or sneakers can be ruined by improper care in a matter of weeks. The worst part is that most mistakes seem harmless — we make them out of habit. We’ve gathered the seven most common ones to avoid and explained how to do it right.

Mistake 1: machine-washing everything

Graphic prints, merch, and luxury fabrics often aren’t meant for machine washing. High spin speeds and hot water destroy the print, shrink the fabric, and warp the cut. Always read the label, and hand-wash delicate pieces in cool water. If you can’t do without the machine — use a delicate cycle, a wash bag, and turn the piece inside out.

Mistake 2: drying on a radiator or in the sun

Direct heat and ultraviolet are enemies of both fabric and leather. Pieces fade, leather cracks, and sneakers on a radiator lose their shape and glue. Dry everything at room temperature, away from direct heat sources and the sun. Dry colored clothing inside out to preserve the saturation.

Mistake 3: ignoring protection for new sneakers

Many people wait for the first stain before thinking about protection. But you need to treat the pair before the first outing. Without a water-repellent layer, moisture and dirt penetrate the material, and removing them becomes much harder. This is especially true for light suede, on which any mark is immediately noticeable.

Mistake 4: improper storage

Each type of item has its own storage method, and they must not be confused:

• Sweaters and knitwear — fold them, because on hangers they stretch under their own weight;
• Sneakers — store with shoe trees or paper inside so they don’t crease;
• Jackets and shirts — hang on quality hangers to keep the shoulder shape;
• Silver accessories — in closed pouches, away from moisture.

Mistake 5: aggressive cleaning

Stiff brushes and household chemicals strip away the material along with its coating. Suede needs a special brush, leather needs a soft cloth and a gentle product. There is no universal “strong” chemical for premium pieces. Always start with the gentlest method and test the product on an inconspicuous spot.

Mistake 6: wearing one pair every day

Sneakers don’t have time to dry out on the inside, moisture and odor build up, and the sole wears out faster. Rotate at least two pairs, giving each a day to recover. The same goes for a favorite jacket or hoodie — constant wear without a rest accelerates the wear of the fabric.

Mistake 7: skimping on care products

Cheap sprays and creams of dubious composition can leave stains and break down the material. It’s not worth skimping on care for an expensive piece — a quality product costs pennies compared to the piece itself. Invest in trusted care brands, and they’ll pay off in years of service from your pieces.

A special danger for knitwear and prints

Expensive knitwear and graphic prints require special caution, because they lose their look fastest from typical mistakes:

• Ironing a print directly — hot contact melts the paint, so iron only from the inside or through a cloth;
• Wringing out knitwear — deforms the fibers; it’s better to press it out wrapped in a towel;
• Drying in a vertical position — a sweater stretches out, so dry it only laid flat horizontally;
• Storing in the light — colors fade, so dark shelves are better than open hangers in the sun.

How to tell that your care is already doing harm

Sometimes we notice the consequences of mistakes too late. Warning signs to watch for right away:

• The fabric became stiffer or “crusty” after washing;
• The print started to crack or flake;
• The sneaker leather lost its elasticity and developed fine cracks;
• Creases appeared on the sole or toe that don’t straighten out.

If you notice any of these symptoms, review your care habits — usually the cause is one of the seven mistakes described.

In short: the golden rules of care

• Always read the label before washing;
• Dry at room temperature, without direct heat;
• Protect new sneakers right after purchase;
• Store each type of item properly;
• Use only dedicated care products;
• Let your pieces rest between wears.

Care for them right — and your pieces will last for years

Avoiding these mistakes will extend the life of your wardrobe. Choose quality care products and new pieces in our catalog, browse the models in the sneakers section, and for personalized advice reach out via contacts.