Hey friends, let’s talk about how to care for your beloved Ivory Sheep pieces!

As a clothing collector myself, I’m all about curating a wardrobe that I can cherish for years to come—and eventually pass down. Each piece holds its own story and memory, making it that much more special. With that in mind, I treat my clothes with the utmost care, though I’ll admit, I can sometimes be a bit reckless. But hey, I like to think it’s all part of the journey!

How to Wash Your Ivory Sheep Pieces:

Washing can be the tricky part, and I’ll be honest—I don’t always follow the instructions to the letter. Sometimes, I skip the hand wash and toss things in the machine. But when it comes to caring for your Ivory Sheep garments, it's important to know when to follow the rules (and when it’s okay to bend them).

The Basics: Most Ivory Sheep designs come with care instructions that recommend hand washing, laying flat to dry, or even dry cleaning. But let’s give some product examples:

• The Eleanor Top: I wouldn’t risk washing this one in the machine. The fabric is super delicate, with hand-sewn lace appliqués and intricate ruffles. Even on the delicate cycle, I’d worry about damaging the fabric or affecting the fit.
• Bows and Gloves: These pieces feature intricate handmade detailing, so I’d recommend keeping them away from the washing machine altogether.
• The Josephine Gown or Midi: These pieces have a sturdier fabric, so I’d feel comfortable breaking the rules here and washing them on a delicate cycle with cold water.

A Word of Caution: I’d never recommend ignoring care instructions entirely, as doing so could damage your garments. But if you're feeling a little rebellious like me, just be mindful of the fabric, trims, and handwork involved in each piece. The above products were used as an example of when and when not to break the rules. Please use your own discretion, and if the fabric seems to be incredible delicate with detailed embellishments, that's typically when you should follow the care tag to a t! 

Ironing vs. Steaming:

When it comes to wrinkles, steaming is generally your best bet. It’s gentler than ironing, and there’s less risk of burning the fabric or causing discoloration. Keep a steamer on hand to keep your Ivory Sheep pieces looking fresh!

Storing Your Pieces:

• Elastic in Sleeves: If your piece has elastic in the sleeves (like a puffed dress), avoid hanging it by the sleeves. Instead, fold it carefully and use a skirt hanger or store it in a drawer. Hanging by the sleeves can cause the elastic to lose its shape and stretch out.
• Storage Location: Always store your garments in a cool, dry, and dark space. Sunlight can fade colors over time, especially since many of our pieces are custom-dyed.

Moving Your Wardrobe:

As someone who has moved quite a bit, I know how daunting it can be to pack up a collection of delicate clothing. Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:

• Garment Bags: Invest in garment bags to keep your pieces protected and wrinkle-free during the move. These bags help keep your clothes flat and shield them from dirt.
• Packing: Fold your garments neatly and pack them into a moving box lined with plastic bags or tissue paper to prevent stains or dirt from damaging them.
• Unpacking: Clothes should always be the last thing you pack, the last thing you move, and the first thing you unpack. I recommend loading your clothes into your car and heading directly to your new place to hang them up immediately. This minimizes the chance of any mishaps along the way.

I hope these tips help you care for your Ivory Sheep pieces with the same love and attention you put into curating your wardrobe! If I missed anything or you have any great tips of your own, feel free to share them with me!

PS have you ever peeped our care tags? Notice how their is little quote that differs from collection to collection? 👀 Have you ever found the quotes origins?