You get a lot of packaging when you order something online. There is a function to packaging. No one wants their order to arrive damaged. We don’t want our efforts in creating ethical clothing to be wasted on packaging.

Obus has focused on packaging for the past 12 months. Our team has been researching and designing packaging that can be used online to ship orders. It can also be recyclable, reusable and/or not entirely made of plastic materials. We have also worked closely with our producers and makers to ensure that we receive product in recyclable packaging or reduced single-use plastic waste.

Fabric offcuts

Fabric offcuts are a natural part of clothing production. We strive to get the best out of every piece of fabric, even if we modify garment designs to reduce fabric wastage, but there will always be some leftovers.

What do we do about those leftovers? We make accessories from them, such as scarves, beeswax wraps, and other items. You can save the planet by wearing a Obus scrunchie! Thanks, scrunchies (*whispers* We’re so glad you’re back.)

Our clothing’s life expectancy is extended

We mentioned this week that Obus’ design philosophy includes a desire to make every Obus garment something you will treasure for many years.

This is the key to reducing pressure on the environment that clothing manufacturing places on the world’s resources. Buy well and be careful about what you buy. You’ll be able to enjoy your garments for a longer time than if they have an expiry date.

We are always trying to find new ways to help Obus customers get the best out of their Obus clothing.

We are aware that our small business cannot change the global fashion industry’s processes, but collectively our buying power and yours can.

We are proud to be part of a group of companies making ethical manufacturing decisions. We hope that this series has provided insight into our business philosophy and practices.

Obus Clothing Care

WASHING

WARM/COLD HANDWASH

Use a mild liquid product that is suitable for delicate or hand-washable garments to get the best results. Avoid products that contain bleach, eucalyptus or other colour brighteners. This could cause damage to the fabric or print. Be sure to thoroughly dissolve the detergent in water. Place the garment in warm water and wash gently. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Viscose crepe and some fabrics may shrink when washed. To restore the garment’s size and shape, we recommend using a gentle press on the reverse side or steaming at low temperatures.

MACHINE WASTING

Use a gentle cycle for best results. Follow the instructions on the laundry detergent label. Avoid products that contain bleach, Eucalyptus or other colour brighteners. This could cause damage to the fabric and print. Use a gentle spin cycle and cool rinse. Take off the garment if it says “Drip Dry”.

DRY CLEANING

Some fabrics and special tailoring can be dry cleaned only.

To get the best results, be specific about any marks or stains. If you have removed them, make sure to show your dry cleaner. A dry cleaner will need information about the nature and time of the stain to be able to remove it.

Please Note: Certain Obus Garments will be marked ‘Do not Dry Clean’.

A tumble dryer is not something we recommend for your garment. If we do recommend it, the care label will say ‘May be tumble dried’.

SPOT CLEANING

Stains should be treated immediately to get the best results. Stains should never be stored in garments.

Avoid rubbing stained areas, as this can cause fabric damage and piling. Use a spot cleaner to clean the stain from the centre. Blot the stain gently from the outside. You can test spot cleaners by using them on a small area of clothing. Some fabrics may stain when water is used. If you aren’t sure, consult your drycleaner.

Tencel items can be spot cleaned with a little baby powder. Leave it on for a night before vacuuming.

Refer to your garment care label as spot cleaning can cause damage to some fabric dyes.

DRYING

DRIP-DRYING AND AIR

Never wring garments. We recommend rolling the garment in a towel and gently pressing down to remove water.

Obus recommends that garments be dried in shade. Your garment may prematurely age and fade in direct sunlight. To avoid peg marks and stretching, dry your garment by hanging it upside down on a soft coat hanger. You can dry your garment flat by gently pressing it on a flat surface.

IRONING , PRESSING AND STEAMING

Different fabrics may require different pressing and ironing temperatures.

It is best to press dark colours on the wrong side of fabric or use a pressing cloth.

We recommend gentle pressing or steaming on the reverse side of your garment if it appears that the garment has shrunk after washing.

Garments with embroidery or surface effects should be pressed on their reverse side. Do not press beads or sequins as this could cause damage. Use a pressing cloth to press trims and laces.

PRODUCT CARE

You can remove the care label from your garment at any time. Please keep it safe for future reference.

Obus suggests letting deodorants and perfumes dry completely before you put on your clothes.

To avoid color variations, it is important to wash matching garments together.

KNITWEAR – PILLING AND BALLING

Some knitwear yarns will naturally ball up and pill after a few wears. A de-pillar brush will smoothen the fibers and reduce the balling.

JEWELLERY

To remove any oils, perfumes or acids that have been transferred to the skin from jewellery during wear, gently clean it with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh detergents, ammonia or alcohol as jewellery cleaners. Keep it dry. Avoid wearing while swimming or in the bath. Keep your pieces in the original packaging and don’t store them with any other items that could scratch or damage them.

SHOES

Before you wear your new shoes, we recommend that you apply a suitable protector. Reapply every month to ensure durability.

SWIMWEAR

To avoid any damage caused by chemicals such as salt, sand, and pool chemicals, we recommend that you rinse your swimwear with cold, clean water after each use.