Few of us have the means to make regular luxury purchases, especially in the current economic climate here in the UK. That said, our luxury apparel and footwear markets are projected to grow over the coming years.
If you do own any high-end items, they might be gifts, purchases for special occasions, or one-off treats. Whatever the case, it’s logical to look after them as best you can to extend their lifespan and help retain their appearance and value.
That’s especially true for clothing and accessories such as jewellery, bags and shoes, all of which can begin to wear over time or through heavy use. General tips include rotating the items you use and investing in proper storage both at home and on the move. But for more specific advice, read quick tips by category below.
Clothing
There are several ways to maintain your luxury clothing – some more obvious than others:
- Read the care label and follow its instructions – like avoiding washing silk fabrics in your washing machine
- Tackle stains quickly to stop them from setting in
- Have delicate items such as dresses and suits professionally cleaned
- Store clothes in dark, dry and airy spaces where possible
- Invest in quality hangers to help your clothing keep its shape
- Give items room to breathe, keeping worn and unworn clothes separate
Jewellery and watches
Accessories like jewellery and watches need cherishing too:
- Store them safely and separately, away from direct sunlight, damp or extreme temperatures
- Wear your items carefully, avoiding risky situations like strenuous exercise, manual work and hair styling
- Avoid contamination with everyday substances such as perfumes, hairspray and lotions with chemicals, as well as grease and even your natural skin oils
- Clean, rinse and dry precious items carefully – or leave it to professionals
- Take out comprehensive jewellery insurance for a possible extra layer of protection
Bags
If you love to elevate an outfit with a designer bag, follow these tips to safeguard your companion:
- Avoid handling your bags with greasy or dirty hands – for example, after applying moisturiser or eating
- Wrap up items that could harm the interior of your bag, like cosmetics, pens and hand sanitiser
- Use the right care products as necessary, like leather cream and suede brushes
- Store bags upright and separate, stuffing the interior to maintain their shape
- Remove stains like food, water, pen and odours as soon as possible
Shoes
Last but not least, here are some smart ways to protect your luxury footwear:
- Add rubber soles to leather soles to prevent them from wearing down and coming into contact with wet ground
- Use protective sprays or coating before use and repeat regularly to guard against water, dirt and salt stains
- Store your shoes properly, either on a shoe shelf or inside their boxes stuffed with tissue paper, or in dust bags when travelling
