Did you know? 60% of greenhouse gasses generated over the lifetime of a garment come from typical machine washing and drying. You can easily cut this down by trying a green tip we at Orb encourage: wash your clothes in cold water and hang to dry. Also, try a phosphate free or planet friendly detergent!

Our garments have special applications so it’s normal if there are some colour variations from one garment to another. Please do not mistake these differences as flaws. Some applications and fabrics may alter over time due to wash and wear. We recommend washing your clothes inside out. Do not put in the dryer.

Fabric

Flock
: Machine wash garment inside-out cold wash, lay flat or hang to dry. If this application goes in the dryer the flock will rub off over time and lose its fuzziness.

Foil and metallic ink
: Machine wash garment inside-out in cold water, lay flat or hang to dry. If this application goes in the dryer the metallic will become less shiny over time and it may eventually rub off.

Plastisol, gel, puff & high density inks
: Machine wash garment inside-out in cold water, lay flat or hang to dry. If this application goes in the dryer the ink colours may distort over time.

Jersey, Organic Jersey, Organic Lt Terry, Stretch French Terry, 80/20 Fleece, Heather Fleece, Slub Rib: 
Machine wash in cold water, lay flat or hang to dry. Harsh detergents or detergents with bleach will fade colours and adornments slightly. To ensure best care for your garments wash them inside out and do not put them in the dryer.

All of our cotton based fabrics are pre-washed. Further shrinkage is possible but will be minimal if the garment is cared for properly.

Modal Spandex Jersey, Slub Modal Jersey, Cotton Modal Jersey: 
Modal is made from processing wood pulp into a fibre form.  It has a luxurious soft hand feel and drape.

Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle or wash by hand. If this fabric is put in the dryer it will shrink. These garments must be laid flat to dry because when hung the weight of the wet garment stretches out the fabric. 

Sweater Knits
: Sweater knits are similar to modal as they will stretch out over time on a hanger. Storing your sweaters folded is the best way to preserve their quality. Because we use different types of knits each season, please follow the care instructions on the garment as some knits can be machine washed and some should be hand washed only.  The weight of the wet garment will stretch out the fabric if hung, so instead it should be reshaped when wet and laid flat to dry.

Stretch Canvas, Denim, Stretch Poplin
: Wash the garment in cold water, lay flat or hang to dry. The spandex content helps the fabric mold and stretch to the body. All of our cotton based fabrics are pre-washed. Further shrinkage is possible but will be minimal if the garment is cared for properly.

Rayon Shirting
: These fabrics should be hand washed in cold water and laid flat to dry. If damp, do not wring or scrunch this fabric or wrinkles may be difficult to release.  Garments may be pressed with a cool iron if necessary. Do not wash this fabric in hot water or place in the dryer or shrinkage will occur.

Vintage Fleece: 
The fibre blend of this fabric has been designed to achieve a soft hand feel and luxurious drape. Machine wash these garments in cold water on a gentle cycle or wash by hand. Do not put in the dryer or the fabric will shrink. The weight of the wet garment will stretch out the fabric if hung, so instead it should be laid flat to dry. 

Silk: 
This 100% silk fabric is flowing and delicate.  It should be dry-cleaned only.

If damp, do not wring or scrunch this fabric or wrinkles may be difficult to release.  Be cautious when steaming or ironing to not allow water to spray onto the garment as this may result in water spots.

Ikat Shirting, Sheer Plain Shirting, Check Shirting, Lightweight Denim: 
Machine wash in cold water, lay flat or hang to dry. To ensure best care for your garments wash them inside out and do not put them in the dryer.

All of our cotton based fabrics are pre-washed. Further shrinkage is possible but will be minimal if the garment is cared for properly.

Crepe Shirting: 
This fabric has the look of silk but without the need for dry cleaning. Hand wash these styles in cold water and lay flat to dry. This fabric has the look of silk but without the need for dry cleaning.

Nylon Jackets: 
Wash in cold water and hang to dry. Do not put these garments in the dryer. If nylon garments are left in the washer damp they may pick up odours that can be difficult to get rid of. 

Waterproof fabrics used in our technical outerwear & rainwear have both an inside waterproof coating and an outside fabric finish to keep you warm and dry.  This finish, called a DWR or “durable water-repellent,” enables the fabric to “bead” water off the surface of the garment. The DWR is an after fabric finish and will wear down over time.  If the garments are left dirty or muddy the DWR will wear faster than if you keep your garment clean. It is necessary for the DWR to be reapplied every few seasons, and there are many easy options for you to do this at home.  When properly cared for, the outer fabric will repel water while also enabling moisture vapour to pass through and escape.

Wash your technical garments in cold water and hang to dry.  Do not leave in the washer wet.  If these garments are left in the washer damp they may pick up odours that can be difficult to get rid of.  Do not put these garments in the dryer.  Once your garment has aired dry completely, we recommend a quick 5-10 minutes in a dryer on a cool setting.  This blast of heat will reset your DWR and improve its ability to bead water off the surface of the fabric.  Please be aware that a hot dryer can melt fur & plastic trims and damage the waterproof coating of the fabric over time.

It is also crucial to be aware of the types of detergent to use to clean your outerwear.  Using harsh soaps or stain removers with bleach additives will cause your DWR to wear away much more quickly.  Never dry clean garments with technical fabrics.