Care, Repair & Ritual

A Note on Living in Cotton

Our garments are crafted from 100% organic, undyed Peruvian Pima cotton—a raw, living fiber that breathes alongside your skin. Because these pieces are kept in their natural color and free from toxic chemical coatings, they possess a pure somatic state. Caring for them is a slow, intuitive practice that prolongs the life of the knit and preserves its comforting softness for years to come.

1. The Power of Air

Cotton is naturally breathable and rarely needs intensive washing. Often, simply hanging your garments in a fresh breeze or letting them air out in a shaded, outdoor spot is enough to refresh the fibers. Reducing the frequency of traditional washing protects the delicate purl and pointelle structures while saving water.

2. Mindful Washing

When a true wash is needed, treat the knit with gentle care. Hand wash your pieces in cool water, or use a machine’s most delicate, low-temperature cycle. To maintain the uncompromised purity of the undyed fiber against your skin, we highly recommend using a mild, biodegradable, plant-based detergent free from synthetic fragrances and optical brighteners.

3. Drying Flat

To maintain the tailored lines and intentional drapes of your garments, never hang them while wet. Traditional hanging can cause wet cotton to stretch and lose its shape. Instead, gently press out excess water between clean towels and lay the garment completely flat on a drying rack, allowing it to dry naturally in the shade.

4. Fold to Rest

Knitwear thrives when it is folded, not hung. Hanging your sweaters, dresses, and pants long-term can distort the shoulder lines and stretch the knit architecture. Store your pieces neatly folded on a shelf or in a drawer, giving the cotton fibers a dedicated space to rest and retain their natural elasticity.

5. Longevity & Repair

We believe in garments that endure, shifting effortlessly with you through the changing seasons. Imperfections, snags, or small holes that occur over a lifetime of wear are simply chapters in the story of your garment. We invite you to mend them lovingly with local craftspeople, or reach out to us directly at hello@ilatstudios.com so we can guide you on restoring your piece.