Care guide

It’s important to note here that clothing longevity is not only determined by the quality and how well it's been made, but also how it's looked after. 

Here’s how to take proper care of your pieces so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. Please note that I work with three very different materials and consequently they have different care instructions!

These are the things they have in common:

Storage

I recommend storing your DBA pieces in the little canvas bags they arrive in:

This avoids the fibres catching on anything in your bag as they travel around with you.

Washing

I encourage you to wash your DBA pieces less. Not only will this prolong the life of your piece but it's also better for the environment. 

Ballet skirts

I recommend hand washing. I advise against machine washing in general because all that tumbling around causes delicates to degrade more quickly. If you find that hand washing alone isn't enough, a one-off 'deep clean' in the washing machine is fine every now and then. Opt for the eco-setting, on a short cycle 30c or below. Do not mix with items that may pull the fabric eg. make sure there are no clothes with zips or velcro that could catch and pull. I always recommend using a guppy-bag to catch any loose microfibers. 

After a wash it’s best to hang your ballet skirts out to air dry. Do not tumble dry.

In the case of a photoshoot or audition or important event the ballet skirts can be gently  steamed ironed with great care ON YOUR LOWEST SETTING. Please note that the fabric is a delicate polyester and can easily melt at higher temperatures. Be very cautious and if in any doubt. Don’t iron!!!

Bodysuits

If you've been in the sea or a pool ensure that you always rinse your bodysuit with clean water after every use to remove any salt or chlorine. 

When it's time for a good wash, fill a sink with clean water and add a small amount of natural detergent (non bleach/no softeners). Swish your bodysuit around in the sink for 10 minutes, rubbing gently with a clean wet cloth where needed. 

I advise against machine washing in general because all that tumbling around causes delicates to degrade more quickly. If you find that hand washing alone isn't enough, a one-off 'deep clean' in the washing machine is fine every now and then. Opt for the eco-setting, on a short cycle 30c or below. Do not mix with rough fabrics and make sure there are no clothes with zips, buttons or velcro that could catch and pull. We always recommend using a guppy-bag to catch any loose microfibers. 

To dry, lay your bodysuit flat on a drying rack or flat surface and leave it somewhere warm to air dry. You’ll be surprised how fast it dries!

Do not Drying your bodysuit in a tumble dryer or similar will heat up and break apart all the woven fibers throughout the fabric and will dramatically reduce the longevity of your bodysuit.

 Some swimming baths and spas often have a convenient drying machine in the changing rooms that will partially dry your swimwear by tumbling it around. I strongly advise against tumbling your favourite DBA bodysuit through these machines.

After use, do not attempt to squeeze the excess water out of your swimsuit by twisting or scrunching it, as this may break the fibers and cause your swimsuit to lose shape. Instead simply roll it in your towel, which should soak up the excess water until you get home. 

Never leave your bodysuit wet at the bottom of your bag for any period of time as this creates a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Which aren't easy to remove and can leave behind permanent stains, especially on lighter fabrics.

Silk scarves

The silk scarves are 100% silk. They should be hand washed and NEVER machined. 

And they should be hung out to dry. 

They can be pressed flat on the regular hot silk setting on your iron or steamer