10 tips for caring for travel fabric clothing
Travel fabric clothing is one of the best investments you can make for your wardrobe. This practical fabric, made from a smart blend of polyamide and elastane, is the perfect answer to our busy lifestyles. Whether you’re hopping off your bike for an important meeting or packing your suitcase for a weekend away, travel fabric always keeps you looking polished. The secret lies in its unique qualities: the fabric dries incredibly fast, stays wrinkle-free and feels surprisingly comfortable. With the right care, your travel fabric clothing will last for years, making it not only practical but sustainable too.
1. Wash travel fabric at a low temperature
The golden rule for washing travel fabric is simple: keep it cool. A wash temperature between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius is ideal for this modern fabric. This low temperature helps keep the elastic fibers in top condition, so your clothes hold their shape and don’t stretch out. Choose the delicate cycle on your washing machine, which is specially designed for delicate fabrics like travel fabric.
The great thing about washing at a low temperature is that it’s not only better for your clothes, but also for the environment and your energy bill. The synthetic fibers in travel fabric don’t need high temperatures to get clean. In fact, washing too hot can damage the fabric’s structure and cause your favorite pants or blazer to lose their fit. So turn that temperature dial down low and your travel fabric clothing will keep looking like new.
2. Use a mild detergent without bleach
When choosing a detergent for your travel fabric clothing, less really is more. Go for a mild liquid detergent without harsh chemicals or bleach. These gentle formulas are specially developed to remove dirt without affecting the delicate fibers. Liquid detergent also dissolves better in cold water, which is perfect since you wash travel fabric at a low temperature.
Avoid detergents with optical brighteners or bleach, as these can affect the color of your travel fabric clothing and reduce its elasticity. A good tip is to choose a delicates detergent or even a special sportswear detergent. These are developed for synthetic fabrics and help neutralize odors without affecting the fabric’s technical properties. Also, don’t use too much detergent, as it can stay behind in the fibers and leave a sticky feel.
3. Turn clothes inside out before washing
One of the simplest yet most effective tips for caring for travel fabric is turning your clothes inside out before washing. This small step protects the outside of your clothes from friction in the washing machine, preventing pilling and fading. Especially with dark colors and items with prints or embellishments, it makes a world of difference.
By washing your travel fabric clothing inside out, colors stay bright longer and details like zippers, buttons and decorative finishes keep their shine. The inside is also where most sweat and skin oils build up, so they get a direct wash this way. After washing, simply turn everything back and your clothes will look like they just came from the store.
4. Skip the dryer and hang to dry
Here’s one of the biggest advantages of travel fabric: you never need to put it in the dryer. The heat of a dryer can damage the elastic fibers and cause your clothes to shrink or lose their shape. Luckily, travel fabric naturally dries super fast, so hanging it up is more than enough.
Hang your wet travel fabric clothing on a hanger in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading. Give the items a good shake before hanging them to minimize wrinkles. Within a few hours, your clothes are dry and ready to wear again. This natural drying method is not only better for your clothes but also saves energy. That way, you contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe without any extra effort.
5. Iron only at a low temperature if needed
The beauty of travel fabric is that it’s naturally wrinkle-free, so in most cases you won’t need an iron at all. If you do come across a stubborn crease, set your iron to the lowest setting (usually marked with one dot or the synthetics setting). Always use the steam function instead of direct contact with the iron.
For extra protection, you can place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and your travel fabric clothing. This prevents shiny spots and protects the fibers from direct heat. A handy tip: hang your travel fabric clothing in the bathroom while you shower. The steam helps small wrinkles fall out on their own. You’ll save time and energy, and your clothes will look beautiful for longer.
6. Store travel fabric hanging or neatly folded
The way you store your travel fabric clothing has a big impact on how long it stays beautiful. Storing it hanging is the best option, especially for blazers, dresses and pants. Use sturdy hangers that support the shape of your clothes and leave enough space between items so they can breathe.
If you need to fold, for example when traveling, do so as little as possible and along natural lines. Roll T-shirts and tops instead of folding them to avoid deep creases. For packing suitcases, the rolling method is ideal: you save space and your clothes arrive wrinkle-free at your destination. Never store travel fabric clothing in plastic covers, as they can trap moisture. Opt for cotton garment bags instead, which let the fabric breathe.
7. Treat stains immediately with cold water
With stains on travel fabric, the faster you act, the better. Rinse the stain right away with cold water from the back of the fabric. This keeps the stain from soaking deeper into the fibers. Gently blot with a clean cloth, but don’t rub, as that can actually spread the stain.
For stubborn stains like coffee or red wine, you can apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain. Let it sit for a moment, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Avoid using hot water or harsh stain removers, as these can affect the color and structure of travel fabric. After pretreating, wash the garment as usual at a low temperature. With this quick action, even the worst stains don’t stand a chance against your favorite travel fabric pieces.
8. Prevent pilling with gentle washes
Pilling, those annoying little balls on your clothes, is caused by friction during wear and washing. Fortunately, travel fabric is naturally less prone to pilling than many other fabrics, but with the right care you can prevent it entirely. Always wash your travel fabric clothing with similar fabrics and avoid rough materials like denim or items with zippers and Velcro.
A laundry bag is your best friend when it comes to preventing pilling. Put delicate travel fabric items in a fine-mesh laundry bag before they go into the machine. This protects them from friction with other garments. If some pilling does appear, carefully use a fabric shaver or a special pilling comb. Treat the fabric gently and work in one direction so you don’t damage the fibers further.
9. Use fabric softener sparingly
Although fabric softener makes your clothes lovely and soft, it’s important to be careful with travel fabric. Too much softener can leave a coating on the fibers, causing them to lose their breathable properties. So use no more than half of the recommended amount, or even better: skip it every other wash.
A natural alternative to fabric softener is white vinegar. Add a splash to the softener compartment of your washing machine. It neutralizes odors, softens the fabric and helps remove soap residue without leaving a coating. Plus, it’s better for the environment and your wallet. Your travel fabric clothing stays fresh longer and keeps its unique qualities.
10. Rotate your favorite pieces regularly
Even though travel fabric is super durable, it’s smart to rotate your favorite pieces regularly. By rotating your wardrobe, you give the fibers a chance to recover between wears. This significantly extends the life of your clothes and prevents certain areas from wearing out faster due to overuse.
Air out worn travel fabric clothing before putting it back in the closet. Often, a night of airing is enough to freshen up your clothes for next time. A light spritz of water mixed with a few drops of essential oil can work wonders for items you don’t wash after every wear. That way, your entire travel fabric collection stays in top condition and you always have something beautiful to wear.
Enjoy your travel fabric favorites for years
With these ten practical tips, you’ll get the most out of your travel fabric clothing. From washing at a low temperature to storing your pieces smartly, every step contributes to a longer life and preserves the wonderful qualities travel fabric is known for. The best part is that good care isn’t just better for your clothes, but also for the environment. You’ll need to buy new clothes less often and save energy by skipping the iron and the dryer.
The travel fabric collection from &Co Woman is specially designed with sustainability in mind. Our TRVL fabric combines the best of both worlds: the wearing comfort of natural materials with the practical benefits of modern technology. By giving your travel fabric clothing the care it deserves, you’re investing in a wardrobe that will stay loyal to you for years. That way, you’re not only always well dressed, but you’re also contributing to a more mindful way of consuming fashion. After all, the most sustainable clothing is the clothing you love wearing the longest. Discover the full travel fabric collection in our shop and experience for yourself why these clothes are so loved by modern, conscious women.