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Vacation essentials.
Packing tips for your late-summer getaway: Start with a packable hat to avoid overexposure, you may look like you’re on safari, but you’ll be cooler and sunburn-free; a one-piece swimsuit will suit activities from bodysurfing to snorkeling; waterproof shoes from rain boots to aquasox, depending on your destination. Be ready for almost anything with a…
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Get the most from special cottons.
Cotton is not just for weekend anymore – we’re seeing it used in designer wear for summer – but be careful when attempting to clean extra special pieces yourself, even when the label tells you home cleaning is OK. Natural fibers are prone to losing color over time, and special designs and styles require professional cleaning to make that…
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Lint ball?
To avoid spreading lint throughout your entire load of laundry, always separate the into three groups: high, medium and low lint production. Towels and terry robes are high, corduroy, fleece, socks and sweaters are medium, and jeans, T-shirts, workout gear. Turn garments inside out, avoid crowding, over-agitation and high heat. After every load, clean the…
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Swimwear care.
After each use, rinse swimwear in cool tap water to remove sunscreen, sand, sweat and chlorine. To wash after every few wearings, turn the swimsuit inside out and hand wash in the sink, using a few drops liquid detergent in warm water. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment, don’t wring or twist. Rinse well and lay…
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Chino alert.
Warm weather means chinos for most guys, dressed up with a white cotton shirt, dressed down with t-shirt or polo. Chinos come in colors way beyond khaki; we’re seeing classic blue, green, grey, brown and black. And there are a lot more colors in chinos than ever before (try Dockers). For a crisp tailored look,…
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Keep your jeans in shape
Scared of shrinking your fancy new jeans? Remember, it’s the last 15% of the hot dry cycle that causes shrinkage. Clothing has a base moisture level when “dry,” but overdrying causes the fabric to shrink, fade and lose softness. Instead of using a hot dryer, hang dry or “air only” dry those items you are…
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Leave your sports stains to the pros
Summer sports are a great way for kids and adults alike to get out and enjoy the sun. But what happens when you get grass stains, mud splatters and tears to your favorite jersey? Washing at home can set the stains and permanently ruin your sports gear. Lucky for your gear, we are waiting at…
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Which suit suits you for summer?
Poppin’ neon colors, abstract patterns and slinky styles are what’s on at poolside or beach. Look for one- and two-piece suits in bold geometric patterns, from exact to wavy and distorted. Crave a little more old-school? Details like fringe, braiding, halter necklines and ruching, all in neutral colors screaming Boho. See examples and more at…
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Odor outers
Are smelly stains making you wrinkle your nose every time you lay down on your pillowcase or wipe your mouth with your napkin? Did you forget a load of laundry in the washing machine and now it smells like mildew? Or did the dog lay on your favorite blanket and all you smell is wet…
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Flax by any name
Are you in the hunt for a cool fabric this season, but want to try something other than cotton? Flax is the oldest known fabric, and is commonly referred to as linen. Flax is eco-friendly and great for areas with high moisture and humidity. Flax is less likely to mildew, keeps the body cool, and…