How to care for your Soeur pieces?
All our advice for caring for your garments so they stand the test of time.
KNITWEAR
All our advice for caring for your knitwear pieces.
Our creations are made from quality fibres that require particular attention.
It is important to always refer to the instructions on the care and composition label.
1 - WASHING
Care depends on the weight of the knit and its composition.
A cotton pullover or Cardigan can be machine-washed.
In that case:
- Wash your pieces at 30°C in a laundry bag suitable for delicate fabrics.
- Use a specialist wool detergent, preferably liquid — powder detergents can leave residue.
- Avoid fabric softeners, as they would damage the fibres of your pullover.
A wool pullover should be hand-washed in cold water to prevent the piece from shrinking (knitwear loves water, but not heat).
- Please note that hand washing must be done without soaking, otherwise your piece risks felting.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water, without wringing your piece to avoid damaging it.
- Gently knead your pullover by rolling it in a bath towel to remove excess water before leaving it to dry.
2 - DRYING
In all cases (wool or cotton), drying should be done flat and in the open air, folding in the sleeves to avoid stretching them. It should be kept away from direct sunlight in order to preserve its shape and original colour.
3 - IRONING
Ironing is neither necessary nor recommended, but in the case of stubborn creases, low-temperature ironing can be done on the reverse side using a damp pressing cloth.
4 - PILLING
Bear in mind that your knitwear may pill — this is not a sign of poor quality, but simply short fibres working their way out due to the specific construction of the piece.
They can be removed with a fabric shaver. Your knitwear will pill less and less with each wash and wear.
Your pieces should be folded and never hung on a hanger, as this risks distorting the knit.
White vinegar can be used to revive colours at the time of cleaning.
For fine knits such as cashmere or merino wool, we recommend using a cashmere comb. Lay your piece flat and comb it gently, applying light pressure.
WOOL
All our advice for caring for your wool pieces.
1 - WASHING
There is no need to rush to clean your wool pieces, as wool does not retain odours and has good antibacterial properties.
This is why washing your wool pieces regularly is unnecessary — simply air them out.
If an odour persists, you can also use an environmentally friendly spray; you can even use shampoo to hand-wash delicate wool pieces such as cashmere.
One machine wash (on a wool or delicate programme) or hand wash at the start and end of the season will be more than sufficient.
- Use a specialist wool or delicate detergent to avoid damaging the fibres.
- Take care not to pull, twist or rub the stitches during cleaning, as this risks distorting them.
2 - DRYING
Drying should be done flat and in the open air, folding in the sleeves or legs to avoid stretching them.
3 - IRONING
Ironing is neither necessary nor recommended, but in the case of stubborn creases, low-temperature ironing can be done on the reverse side using a damp pressing cloth.
4 - PILLING
Bear in mind that wool may pill — this is not a sign of poor quality, but simply short fibres working their way out.
They can be removed with a fabric shaver. Wool is a noble fibre that will pill less and less with each wash and wear.
Take care to protect your wool pieces from moths. You can place cedar balls or lavender sachets between your garments.
White vinegar can be used to revive colours at the time of cleaning.
5 - WOOL TYPES
Alpaca: comes from alpacas. It is douce, lightweight, resilient, yet delicate.
Cashmere: comes from the undercoat of the goat. A luxury fibre, rare and precious. It is fine, douce, silky and wonderfully warm despite being very lightweight.
Merino: comes from the shearing of merino sheep. It is dense, curly, elastic, resilient, douce and highly insulating, as it possesses thermoregulating properties.
Mohair: comes from the shearing of goats. It is lightweight, lustrous, douce and an excellent thermal insulator.
SILK
Silk is a noble and delicate material that lasts a very long time when properly cared for.
1 - WASHING
We recommend hand washing rather than machine washing.
- Washing should be done in cold water, not lukewarm.
- Do not soak your garment for more than a few minutes.
- Take care not to rub or crumple your garment when washing — silk is delicate and this could leave marks.
- We recommend using a gentle liquid detergent suited to silk.
2 - DRYING
We recommend drying your garment directly on a hanger in the open air, away from direct sunlight to prevent any fading. You can also first wrap your garment in a towel to remove excess water, but take care not to crumple your blouse or dress so as not to damage the fibres. In some cases we also recommend dry cleaning.
3 - IRONING
If you wish to iron your garment, we recommend doing so on the reverse side using a slightly damp pressing cloth. The iron should be set to the "silk" position if available, and at the lowest setting, to avoid damaging the fibres. You can also steam your garment if you have the necessary equipment.
Denim
All our advice for caring for your denim pieces.
Our creations are made from quality fibres that require particular attention.
We recommend washing your denim piece once before wearing it for the first time. The fibres will naturally tighten and the fit will adjust slightly; the piece will then relax again with wear. In all cases, it is important to always refer to the instructions on the care and composition label.
1 - WASHING
A denim piece is hardly ever washed. Too-frequent washing can damage the fibres and the colour of the denim. Opt for a few washes per season, especially if you are washing by machine. To space out your washes, consider airing your denim piece outside away from direct sunlight, or leaving it in your freezer for a few hours. The bacteria will be eliminated and your denim will be refreshed.
And if it needs to go in the machine?
First, make sure nothing has been left in the pockets of your jeans before washing, to avoid any fabric discolouration.
- We recommend a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30°C, inside out, with a cap of white vinegar to set the colour.
- Place your piece with other garments, without overfilling the machine, to avoid drum marks.
- For dark denim, opt for a detergent formulated for dark fabrics. As a general
rule, use a certified detergent to protect your fibres.
2 - DRYING
Limiting the spin cycle helps prevent excessive fading of your piece. Opt for a maximum spin speed of 400 rpm.
Avoid the tumble dryer, which is very energy-intensive and damages the fibres. Dry your piece inside out in the open air, away from direct sunlight — ideally flat.
3 - IRONING
Ironing is not necessary, but it can be done on the reverse side of the piece.
Bear in mind that denim is a natural material that will develop a patina and evolve over time — this is what makes your piece unique. The denim will bleed and fade to varying degrees with each wash. The denim fibre will tighten, then relax again with wear. This can also result in a slight difference in length compared to an unwashed Jeans.
LEATHER
All our advice for caring for your leather pieces.
Leather care is essential to extend the life of your pieces. Neglecting it could lead to the leather drying out and the finish deteriorating.
We recommend caring for your leather once a year, following the instructions on the label or the box.
It is important to know what type of leather you are dealing with, in order to determine whether any specific precautions are needed.
In most cases, leather can be cleaned with a clean cotton cloth.
- Begin by gently dusting the leather with a dry cloth, then a slightly damp one to wipe it down.
- Clean the leather with a small amount of cream suited to the leather type (smooth, patent…) such as the SAPHIR universal cream, once a year using a clean, dry cloth.
- Work in vigorous circular motions across the entire surface, then buff with a dry cloth.
LEATHER GOODS
Leather is a natural material that requires great delicacy.
Over time, it evolves and develops a patina: this natural wear manifests as variations in colour and texture.
It should be protected from moisture, prolonged exposure to light and excessive heat.
Here are a few tips to help you care for your bags and other small leather goods:
- We advise protecting your items from moisture (rain) and any source of heat (radiators, sunlight).
- In the event of contact with water, do not wipe the leather — blot it with a natural-coloured cloth to absorb the liquid.
- Depending on the type of leather, you can maintain it regularly with a lotion suited to leather goods (SAPHIR lotion available for purchase in our boutiques), which will help minimise marks, scratches and any light scuffs.
- Take particular care of white or light-coloured bags to prevent soiling, as they are difficult to clean.
- Avoid knocking the metal hardware, as the finish risks deteriorating.
- Do not overfill your bag so that it retains its original shape for as long as possible.
When your bag is not in use, store it in its protective cover, filled with tissue paper to preserve its shape, away from light and humidity.
Be mindful of colour transfer: your clothing can bleed onto the leather, so avoid contact with coats and raw textiles that shed colour, such as dark denim — their dyes can transfer onto the leather and damage the bag irreversibly, and vice versa.
JEWELLERY
Soeur jewellery is crafted from delicate metals that require particular care and attention. A piece of jewellery lives with its owner — daily wear will patinate it, and your life will leave its mark, making your jewellery truly unique.
We offer jewellery in vermeil and brass. All our vermeil jewellery is made from solid silver coated with 5 layers of gold (5-micron vermeil) and is crafted in India by our partner workshop. All our brass jewellery (an alloy of copper and zinc) is manufactured in Vietnam. Our gilded brass pieces are plated (a step carried out in France) with a genuine layer of gold (1 micron).
Care is similar for both materials — below you will find all our tips for preserving the beauty of your jewellery for as long as possible:
- It is essential to keep your jewellery away from any source of heat or humidity.
- Avoid water and perspiration (no showering, swimming pools or the sea).
- Avoid cosmetic or household products; apply your perfume before putting on your jewellery, allowing sufficient drying time to prevent direct contact with the metal.
- Clean your jewellery regularly by wiping it gently with a soft cloth or chamois leather to remove any impurities or substances that might alter its appearance.
- To slow the natural oxidation process, we recommend wearing your jewellery as often as possible and not leaving it in a closed box for too long.
- When you are not wearing your jewellery, it should be stored in a cool, dry place inside its pouch.
If your jewellery shows signs of oxidation, you can clean it gently with soapy water using a soft cloth. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it well once clean.
This age-old remedy works equally well on vermeil: simply replace the soapy water with white toothpaste.
For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service at serviceclient@soeur.fr.
SHOES
All our shoes have leather soles — a mark of quality.
To protect them, we recommend having a toe cap fitted to your shoes. The new sole will be less slippery in wet weather.
- For our leather shoes, we recommend cleaning them with a soft cloth and polishing them regularly.
- For leather or suede, consider waterproofing your shoes. To clean them, use a douce brush and a small eraser to remove any stains.
- For our python or croc-effect leather shoes, we recommend using a moisturising lotion, such as the SAPHIR universal cream available for purchase at our stockists.
If your shoes get caught in the rain, leave them to dry thoroughly for a few days before storing them.
Finally, when you are not wearing your shoes, take care to store them in their dust bag, ideally filled with tissue paper or fitted with shoe trees to help them retain their original shape.
LIDO & SOEUR
1 - WASHING
Lido swimwear is designed to be machine-washed. You can therefore wash your swimwear at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. Regular washing and thorough rinsing extend the lifespan of your swimwear.
2 - DRYING
Air drying is optimal — avoid quick-fix solutions.
Small contained stains caused by sun cream, fatty foods or pens can be removed with a simple washing-up liquid. Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub gently between your fingers. If necessary, use a soft sponge or the corner of a Douce towel. For stubborn stains, simply rinse and repeat.
Never use bleach.
REMOVING A STAIN
All our advice for removing a stain without damaging your piece.
Whether or not you use a machine, removing a stain is straightforward if you adopt the right approach.
The best course of action is to identify the origin of the stain so as not to make it worse.
- For blood stains, for example, avoid hot water, which would set the stain — cold water is sufficient to remove them.
- For water-based stains, a mixture of hot water and bicarbonate of soda can be applied locally. Leave it to work for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water. Genuine Marseille soap with more than 72% vegetable oil will also work well to remove a stain with ease.
Before a machine wash, if your piece has a stain, apply genuine Marseille soap directly to the stain, then place your item straight into the washing machine without rinsing.