shjark

Fabric Directory and Care Guide

Fabric Directory and Care Guide

TENCEL

Tencel is a natural fibre responsibly produced from raw wood pulp. The tencel used in our collections is made from Eucalyptus. It is sustainably made using recyclable and earth-friendly solvents on a closed loop production process, meaning over 99% of the non-toxic solvent is recycled into the system instead of being flushed out as waste. Easy to care for with a beautiful drape and handle, tencel is a Shjark favourite!

CARE GUIDE

Take care as rough surfaces and jewellery can cause snagging. A cold hand wash is recommended making sure not to wring or rub. Alternatively, you can machine wash on the gentle setting in a laundry bag using a delicate detergent. Do not tumble dry. Line dry on a hanger for best results. If some creases remain, use a warm iron with plenty of steam.

CUPRO

Cupro is the by-product of the industrial harvest of cotton, specifically the waste fibres that are too small to spin. Produced in a closed-loop, much like tencel, this means that any chemicals used can be extracted afterwards and the waste water easily reused. 100% plant-based, cupro is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, breathable, anti-static and stretch-resistant. It has an elegant drape and silky hand feel.

CARE GUIDE

A cold hand wash using a mild and natural detergent is recommended. Do not wring or rub. Alternatively, gentle cold machine wash inside out in a laundry bag. Do not tumble dry. Lay flat or hang to dry. Steaming is recommended. Alternatively, hover your iron over the item using the steam setting, or press through a cloth using the lowest temperature setting. Store folded as hanging can alter the shape.

WOOL and MERINO

CARE GUIDE

Wool does not require frequent washing. We recommend airing out your jumpers, tees and trousers in the shade on a warm day and spot cleaning if stained. 

If a wash is needed, always check the instructions on the care label first and either wash by hand or machine wash on the delicate cycle with a specialist wool detergent. Wash in a laundry bag to prevent snagging and felting. To avoid stretching the fibres, do not wring and always dry flat to avoid stretching, preferably on a towel to absorb any extra moisture. A quick iron with plenty of steam after washing helps to restore the fibre's natural sheen. Use a pressing cloth if the garment is particularly delicate.

DENIM

Denim is synonymous with style and comfort. This sturdy, versatile fabric is a staple in most of our wardrobes.

CARE GUIDE

To extend the lifespan of your denim, wash as infrequently as you can. To refreshen up your jeans you can steam them between washes to remove bacteria. If they require a wash, do so separately and inside out, either by hand or in the washing machine in cold water on a gentle cycle. Take them out of the machine as soon as possible to avoid creasing. Hang to air dry. 

LEATHER

Leather is a hard-wearing natural material, yet it can be sensitive. Keep leather away from humidity, heat and chemicals and protect it from rain and rough surfaces, which can scratch and damage it.  

CARE GUIDE

Polishing every other month will soften the leather and strengthen its protective barrier; it also keeps the leather fresh and supple, and prevents it from cracking and getting scratches. Remove dirt and stains regularly with a brush or damp cloth. If leather should get wet, allow it to air dry at room temperature.

ALPACA

Alpaca wool is a natural animal fibre harvested from an alpaca, an animal indigenous to South America where it has been bred for thousands of years. While alpaca wool is similar to sheep's wool, it is considerably softer, warmer and more durable. It also does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic. With the fibre providing enhanced breathability as well as being highly insulative, alpaca wool is considered to be one of the warmest types of animal fibre. Given these properties, it is no wonder that it was often reserved for royalty and sometimes referred to as “the fibre of the gods” by many indigenous South American cultures.

CARE GUIDE

Take extra care with this luxury fibre. It is the nature of the long fibres to lightly shed. Alpaca wool does not require frequent washing. We recommend airing out your jumpers on a sunny day (out of direct sunlight) and spot cleaning if stained. 

If a wash is needed, a very gentle hand wash with a mild or specialist wool detergent is recommended. Roll in towel to remove excess water and lay flat to dry taking extra care not to stretch out in length.