Use & Care

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own.

At Curuva, every piece has already lived one life — and we believe it deserves many more. How you care for your preloved pieces determines how long they'll last. Below are our care guidelines by material and category, written to help you keep each piece in the best condition possible.

Clothing Care

Cotton

Cotton is durable but can shrink and fade. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry. Iron on medium heat if needed. Avoid bleach — it weakens fibers over time and can yellow white cotton.

Wool & Cashmere

Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, or dry clean. Never wring — gently press out water and lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Reshape while damp. Store folded, never hung, to prevent stretching. Use a cashmere comb to remove pilling and keep the fabric looking new.

Silk

Silk is delicate and sensitive to heat and moisture. Hand wash in cold water with a silk-safe detergent, or dry clean. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then hang to dry away from direct sunlight. Iron on the lowest setting while slightly damp, or use a pressing cloth.

Leather & Suede

Leather should never be machine washed or submerged in water. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and condition regularly with a leather conditioner to prevent cracking. Store stuffed or hanging — never folded. Allow to air dry naturally if wet. Avoid direct heat and prolonged sun exposure, which can dry and fade the material.

Suede requires extra care: brush with a suede brush to restore nap. Treat with a suede protector spray before first wear and reapply seasonally. Spot clean with a suede eraser for minor marks.

Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic)

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or air dry. Avoid high heat, which can permanently damage synthetic fibers and cause pilling. Wash inside out to reduce friction and maintain the surface.

Shoe Care

Leather Shoes

Clean with a soft brush or damp cloth to remove dirt. Apply a matching shoe cream or wax polish to nourish the leather and restore color. Buff with a soft cloth for shine. Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture when not in use. Avoid walking in heavy rain — if they do get wet, allow to dry at room temperature, away from heat sources.

Suede & Nubuck

Brush regularly with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove surface dirt. Treat with a suede protector spray before wearing. For stains, use a suede eraser or white vinegar applied lightly with a cloth. Never use water directly — it can leave permanent marks. Store in a breathable bag away from direct light.

Fabric & Canvas

Remove laces and insoles before cleaning. Hand wash with mild soap and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry — never machine dry. Stuff with paper towels while drying to maintain shape.

A note on vintage care labels

Vintage pieces sometimes carry worn, faded, or missing care labels — and older labels use symbols or language that differ from modern standards. When in doubt, treat gently: hand wash cold, air dry flat, and skip the dryer. When a care label is unclear or absent, we note it in the product listing.

If you have a question about caring for a specific piece, reach out. We know every item in our inventory and are happy to advise.