A Guide to Caring for Your Antonina Poppy Linen and Silk Pieces

3 min’ read.

Antonina Poppy embodies the delicate beauty of Italian design, incorporating luxurious materials like silk and organic linen. From elegant female 100% silk shirts to organic linen dresses for womenswear, these pieces combine timeless sophistication with natural fabrics that require special care to maintain their charm. Whether it’s the soft luster of a silk shirt or the breathable comfort of an organic linen shirt, both fabrics are naturally delicate and need mindful handling. Here's a guide to help you preserve the elegance of your Antonina Poppy garments for years to come.

1. Handling Linen

Linen is a breathable, durable fabric that only gets softer and more comfortable with age. However, it’s prone to wrinkles and can be vulnerable to harsh washing methods. To preserve the fabric's texture and longevity:

• Washing: Always hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, which can weaken linen fibers.

• Drying: Air dry linen pieces flat to retain their shape. If necessary, tumble dry on a low setting, but remove the garments while they’re still slightly damp to prevent wrinkles.

• Ironing: For a smooth look, iron linen on a medium setting while it’s still slightly damp. Alternatively, embrace the natural texture of linen, which is part of its charm.

Hanging Out the Laundry to Dry – Berthe Morisot

2. Caring for Silk

Silk is known for its soft luster and luxurious feel, yet it’s highly sensitive to water, heat, and abrasion. Proper care can preserve silk’s natural sheen and integrity:

• Washing: Ideally, hand wash silk with a mild detergent in cold water, or opt for dry cleaning. Avoid soaking silk, as prolonged exposure to water can damage it.

• Drying: Never wring out silk. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel and gently press to remove excess water. Then, hang the air dry away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

• Ironing: Iron on a low setting using a press cloth to prevent heat from directly touching the fabric. Silk should be ironed when slightly damp to prevent heat marks.

3. Caring for Crochet & Machine Knitted Cashmere

Antonina Poppy’s crochet knitted and machine knitted pieces made from cashmere thread exude comfort and luxury but require extra attention due to their delicate nature. Here’s how to care for these precious items:

• Washing: Always hand wash cashmere items or use the delicate cycle on your machine with cool water and a mild detergent designed for wool or cashmere. Never use hot water, as it can cause the fibers to shrink or felt.

• Drying: Avoid wringing out cashmere pieces. Lay them flat on a clean towel to absorb excess water and retain their shape. Keep the pieces away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or sunlight, to prevent fading and fiber damage.

• Storing: Store your cashmere garments in a cool, dry place. Use a garment bag or store them flat to maintain their shape. If possible, place cedar balls or lavender sachets in your drawers to keep moths away.

4. Caring for Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear. However, like all natural fibers, it requires proper care to maintain its softness and durability:

• Washing: Always wash organic cotton shirts or dresses in cold water with a mild, eco-friendly detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce the fabric's natural breathability.

• Drying: To preserve the fabric’s softness and reduce shrinkage, air dry organic cotton pieces flat or hang them to dry.

• Ironing: If needed, iron on a medium heat setting while the garment is still slightly damp to help smooth out wrinkles.
  
  
  

The Art of Preservation

A Laundry Worker from the Enkyo Era – Shodo, Yukawa 1868

Antonina Poppy garments are more than just clothing; they represent a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and the finest materials, including natural pearl buttons and organic fabrics. By caring for your silk shirt, organic linen dress, and other Antonina Poppy pieces with attention and care, you ensure that these timeless garments remain vibrant, sophisticated, and ready to wear season after season.

For the cover of “A Guide to Caring for Your Antonina Poppy Linen and Silk Pieces” we used the artwork of Maurice Denis: The Alchemist: Bathers at Dusk.