So, you’ve done it. You’ve navigated the digital concrete jungle, secured that perfect piece from Unfriendly NYC, and it’s now hanging in your closet, a testament to your impeccable taste. It’s more than just fabric and thread; it’s a piece of downtown attitude, a slice of Brooklyn resilience, a uniform for the authentically cool.
But let’s be real. That effortless, “just-thrown-on” look we champion? It actually requires a little effort to maintain. True style isn’t about fast fashion; it’s about longevity. It’s about a garment that evolves with you, that gets softer, fades perfectly, and tells a story with every wear.
Think of this not as a laundry list of chores, but as a love letter to your wardrobe. A guide to ensuring your Unfriendly pieces don’t just make a statement today, but for years to come. Let’s get into it.
The First Rule: Read the Damn Care Label
We know, we know. It’s the most obvious, most ignored piece of advice in the history of clothing. But those little hieroglyphics on the tag? They’re your garment’s personal constitution. They’re not suggestions; they’re the law of the land for that specific piece.
At Unfriendly, we source unique fabrics—heavyweight organic cottons, custom blends, vintage washes, and specialty knits. Each one has its own personality and its own needs. That crazy-soft hoodie needs a cold wash, while our structured graphic tee might be fine with a warmer one. Five minutes of decoding those symbols can save you from a world of shrinkage, fading, and tears.
Your Call to Action: Before you even think about the washing machine, take a second to acknowledge the label. It’s the first step in your garment’s journey to longevity.
The Art of the Wash: Less is More
Your washing machine is not a mystical cleansing portal; it’s a brutalist, agitator-filled chamber that can be harsh on your favorite pieces. The goal is to clean your clothes while preserving their color, shape, and spirit.
- Turn Garments Inside Out: This is the single easiest trick to preserve your prints and the surface of the fabric. It minimizes friction against other clothes and the drum of the machine, preventing pilling and keeping those graphics sharp and Unfriendly for longer.
- Cold Water is King: Almost always, wash on cold. Hot water sets stains into the fabric (yes, really) and causes dyes to break down and fade much faster. Cold water is gentler, effective, and better for the environment. It’s a win-win-win.
- Gentle Cycle, Always: Stop the violence. The gentle or delicate cycle uses a slower, softer agitation and a slower spin speed. This protects seams, prevents stretching, and is generally just a kinder way to treat your clothing.
- Ditch the Harsh Detergents: Those brightly colored liquids full of optical brighteners and heavy fragrances are slowly murdering your black jeans and oxidizing your white tees. Opt for a mild, neutral pH detergent. For darks, use a detergent formulated specifically for black clothing. For whites, a touch of oxygen-based bleach (not chlorine!) can work wonders without degrading the fabric.
Your Call to Action: Treat your next laundry day like a meditation. Slow down, turn those pieces inside out, and choose the gentle cycle. Your closet will thank you. Ready to add a new piece to your mindful wardrobe? Explore our latest collection of easy-care essentials right here.
The Drying Debate: Why the Dryer is the Enemy
If the washing machine is a chamber of mild peril, the dryer is the seventh circle of hell for quality garments. The extreme heat and tumbling are responsible for shrinkage, fading, misshaping, and that dreaded pilling that makes a sweater look old before its time.
- Air Dry is the Only Way: The absolute best thing you can do for your clothes is to air dry them. Lay flat on a clean towel or a drying rack for sweaters and knits to maintain their shape. Hang tees, button-ups, and trousers on padded hangers to dry naturally. This preserves the fit and color integrity like nothing else.
- If You Must…: We get it. NYC apartments aren’t exactly blessed with abundant space. If you absolutely must use a dryer, do it on the lowest heat setting possible or the air fluff (no heat) setting. And for the love of all that is cool, remove them while they’re still slightly damp. This allows you to smooth them out and hang them to finish drying, preventing deep wrinkles and that stiff, over-dried feeling.
The Secret World of Storage
How you store your clothes between wears is just as important as how you clean them.
- Fold Heavy Knits: Gravity is not your sweater’s friend. Heavy hoodies and sweaters will stretch out and lose their shape if hung on a hanger for long periods. Fold them neatly and stack them on a shelf.
- Hang with Care: Use sturdy, wide, padded hangers for blazers, coats, and structured shirts. The flimsy wire hangers from the dry cleaner are a one-way ticket to weird shoulder bumps.
- Breathe: Don’t cram your clothes together. They need air circulation to prevent musty smells. And please, keep them out of direct sunlight, which is a potent fading agent.
Dealing with the Inevitable: Stains
You’re living your life. Coffee happens. A splash of street cart sauce happens. Don’t panic.
- Act Fast: The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of total eradication.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing grinds the stain deeper into the fibers. Use a clean cloth to gently blot from the outside of the stain inward.
- Start with Water: Often, cold water and a little gentle dabbing is all you need, especially for fresh stains.
- Spot Test: Before you go pouring any stain remover on the spot, test it on an inside seam or hidden area to make sure it doesn’t affect the color or fabric.
- The Professional Option: For a truly cherished piece or a stubborn, mysterious stain, there is zero shame in taking it to a reputable dry cleaner. Tell them exactly what the stain is and what the garment is made of.
Spilled something on your favorite Unfriendly tee? Don’t stress. Treat it right, and it’ll be part of your story. For a tee that’s worth the extra care, check out our newest designs.
The Philosophy of Repair: Wear Your History
A small rip, a loose thread, a missing button—these are not tragedies. They are opportunities. They are the patina of a life well-lived. Learning a basic stitch to fix a seam or embracing a visible mend (look up sashiko stitching, it’s incredibly cool) adds character and narrative to your garment. It transforms it from a mass-produced item into a unique artifact that is unquestionably yours.
This ethos is at the heart of what we believe in at Unfriendly. It’s not about disposable culture; it’s about building a curated, lasting wardrobe.
A Final Word: This is an Investment
Caring for your clothes might seem like a hassle, but reframe it. It’s a form of self-respect. It’s a quiet rebellion against the idea that things are meant to be temporary. When you buy a garment from Unfriendly NYC, you’re not just buying a product; you’re buying into a mindset. You’re investing in a piece of independent design, crafted with intention.
By taking the time to care for it properly, you’re honoring that intention. You’re ensuring that your style isn’t just for the ‘gram, but for the long haul. You’re building a wardrobe that doesn’t just look good, but feels good, because every piece in it has been chosen—and cared for—with purpose.
So, wear it hard. Love it harder. And take five extra minutes to wash it right.
Your Final Call to Action: Your future favorite piece is waiting. Discover garments built to last, designed to be lived in, and meant to become part of your story. Build your legacy wardrobe in our shop. And tag us in your #OOTD—we love seeing how you wear your Unfriendly, now and for years to come. Find us on IG @unfriendlynyc.
Stay Unfriendly.
