Product care

How do I care for shoes made from a leather-textile combination?

First things first: Always remember to use a shoehorn when putting on your shoes - this will prevent the heel tabs from becoming deformed. It is just as important to undo the laces when putting them on and taking them off.

Secondly, shoes with textile uppers should not be washed in the washing machine - this will damage their shape, appearance and quality. To clean the textile parts, remove dust with a soft brush. If the dirt is fresh, wait for it to dry before doing this. Afterwards, use a slightly damp cloth to remove any excess dirt that is left behind. Use a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water to remove any remaining stains - be careful not to use chlorine or other strong cleaners. Then remove excess dirt with a slightly damp cloth and clean water. Never wet the textile too much.

If the upper of the shoe contains leather parts, you will need to clean them separately and at a different time. If you wet the leather and textile parts at the same time, the color may bleed into the other parts.

Once you've finished cleaning your shoes, let them air dry at room temperature. Finally, spray the shoes with a multi-purpose fabric protectant available from your cobbler. This prevents further stains and also improves the water-repellent properties.

We recommend not waiting too long to clean your shoes. The dirt then settles deeper into the fabric, making cleaning much more difficult.

How do I care for leather items?

Leather items need special care and attention. After purchasing a leather item, we recommend that you apply a thin layer of leather balm before first use. About 15 minutes afterward, you should brush the dried surface to keep the surface in good condition. You should then spray the surface evenly with a leather protectant to create a water- and dirt-repellent barrier. To extend the lifespan and quality of your item, you should repeat this process regularly.

Pay attention to the area around the logo - constant cleaning can cause this area to become damaged or discolored.

Sneaker wipes are a great way to keep your leather items clean and in good condition. Having one in your bag will come in handy if you accidentally step in a puddle or place your bag on a dirty surface.

Which products should you use for leather items?

After testing many different leather conditioners for our designs, we have found that Sneaker LAB products deliver the best results. The Sneaker Kit and Sneaker Wipes are particularly good for leather shoes.

If you need a leather balm, we recommend visiting your cobbler. This product is suitable for all your leather goods including shoes, bags and small accessories.

How do I care for suede items?

It's easy to forget that suede needs just as much care and attention as leather. Although it does not need to be treated with a cream or balm, the rest of the procedure applies here too. Start by brushing the surface with a suede brush to restore the nap and keep the surface in good condition. Then, spray a suede protector evenly onto the surface to create a water- and stain-repellent barrier. To extend the lifespan and quality of your item, you should repeat this process regularly.

Pay attention to the area around the logo - constant cleaning can cause this area to become damaged or discolored.

Don't forget that suede has a velvet-like texture and is therefore much more delicate than leather and more prone to stains.

How do I care for puffer jackets?

Our puffer jackets are made from natural down filling, which means that a few feathers can penetrate the fabric shell from time to time. This is usually due to the light weight of the jacket and the friction that occurs when wearing it. If this happens, don't pull out the springs. Instead, gently push them back in and massage the fabric to remove the holes.

Feathers are also sensitive to water. So if you've been out in heavy rain or snow, you'll want to make sure your jacket has dried properly before wearing it again. To do this, hang it on a hanger in a room with enough space for moisture to spread away from the jacket. If you feel like it isn't drying quickly enough, you can put it in the tumble dryer on a short program and at a low temperature. Place a tennis ball with the jacket to prevent the feathers from clumping together.

If you would like to have your garment cleaned, we recommend that you visit a local dry cleaner. Our puffer jackets have been tested and are dry cleanable.

How do I care for cotton knit items?

Cotton is a natural fiber, which means it can shrink. To prevent this, we pre-wash some of our Axel Arigato clothing - but it can still happen.

When washing your cotton garment, you should always follow the care label, which indicates the optimal washing temperature. Make sure to dry at room temperature as tumble drying can cause excessive shrinkage. We recommend ironing your cotton garment - this will restore it to its original shape and softness. Be careful not to iron prints or embroidery, and always iron the product inside out to prevent the color from fading over time.

TIPS:

To prevent heavier items from losing their shape, we recommend storing them folded rather than hanging - this includes sweatshirts and hoodies. Lighter garments such as T-shirts and button-down shirts can be stored on hangers to avoid creasing. For T-shirts, make sure that you insert the hanger into the garment from below. Hanging it from above will stretch the neck and ruin the shape.

One last point. Cotton is a natural fiber and does not tolerate the sun. Avoid storing and drying them in direct sunlight.

How do I care for wool items?

Always wash wool items with mild detergents. If the care label says it can be put in the washing machine, turn it inside out and use the wool or delicate cycle. To maintain the shape of your garment, avoid using a strong spin cycle when removing excess water.

When drying your wool piece, lay it flat and away from a heater. Return it to its original shape before letting it dry. In addition, wool should not be ironed. If the garment wrinkles, use a cold iron to gently work out the wrinkles.

Wool is a fluffy material, which means small knots can form on the surface. If this happens, try removing them with a wool comb. Whatever you do, don't cut them with scissors - this will damage the structure of the fabric and you could accidentally cut some of the yarn. After washing your garment a few times, you may notice that the pilling begins to subside.

TIP:

Have you noticed that your clothing smells like food? It's not dirty - the fibers have just absorbed the smells. Instead of washing the item, let it air out for a few days. The smell should go away soon. However, if it persists, it is best to wash the garment.

How do I care for denim?

As you may already know, denim is prone to bleeding. For this reason, always wash separately or with similar colors. The color can also rub off on upholstery or furniture, so we recommend always washing denim items before wearing them for the first time.

Due to daily wear and color bleeding, you may notice the color fading. This is not a defect, just a natural characteristic of denim.

Denim usually doesn't need to be ironed, but if you want, iron your garment inside out. This prevents the colors from fading more quickly.

How do I care for textile accessories?

Have you just bought a hat, scarf, socks or other textile accessory and don't know how to care for it? Always follow the instructions on the care label as they will tell you whether or not you can wash the product and if so, how.

If you have any doubts or if the care label has been cut out, contact our customer service team who will be happy to help you.

- For caps, we recommend spot cleaning of stains with a damp cloth. Do not rub excessively as this may change the color in the area. Caps are mainly used in bad weather – rain and intense sunlight. This may result in color changes to the item, but this should not be viewed as a defect.

- For socks you will find care instructions on the outer packaging. Read them carefully before throwing them away.

- Cloth bags come with a label with care instructions. Remember that they can get dirty easily, so it is recommended to take special care of these types of items.

How do I care for synthetic items?

Synthetic materials have the advantage that they are less vulnerable than leather and textiles, especially when it comes to water and dirt.

However, stains can occur. To clean items made from synthetic materials, use warm, soapy water and a cloth to gently wipe the surface. When you are satisfied with the result, remove the excess dust and soap with clean water. Remove any excess water with a fresh cloth, then allow it to air dry completely at room temperature. That's all.

How do I care for outerwear?

Our outerwear collection includes a wide range of jackets in fabrics such as luxurious weighted wool and technical shell. Always pay attention to the care label as it contains important information about your item and how to keep it looking as good as new.

In general, jackets should be professionally dry cleaned. Each style is made from a high quality material that should be handled with care - external factors such as friction and rough surfaces can cause damage. Always remember this when you put on your jacket.