I’ve always believed that the best pieces in your wardrobe are the ones that feel like old friends—comfortable, well-worn, and timeless. The ones you instinctively reach for, not because they’re trendy, but because they just work. That’s the foundation of Jonathon Hawes: quality over fast fashion, always.
Clothing today has gone too far in chasing trends—poorly made pieces that cost a fortune and last a season at best. At Jonathon Hawes, the goal is to create everyday pieces that wear well, wash well, and age beautifully. Clothing should be lived in, not just worn. I want you to have pieces that last decades, pieces that become part of your story.
Most people wash their clothes way too often. Unless you’ve spilled red wine on your cashmere or just ran a marathon in your favorite button-down, your clothes don’t need to hit the wash after every wear. A lot of the time, a simple air-out will do the trick. Trust me. Your sweaters will thank you.
Sweaters are like a good martini—handle them wrong, and it all goes south fast.
- Cashmere & Wool: Always, always hand wash or use the delicate cycle in cold water with a gentle detergent (or even baby shampoo). Lay flat to dry on a clean towel—never hang, unless you enjoy stretching your favorite knit into a tunic.
- Cotton Sweaters: These are a bit more forgiving, but still—gentle cycle, cold water, and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer unless you like playing Russian roulette with your wardrobe.
Pro Tip: Invest in a fabric shaver. Pilling happens to the best of sweaters, and there’s nothing sadder than a beautiful cashmere crewneck covered in fuzz.
Denim lovers will tell you never to wash your jeans. Ever. I think that’s a little extreme—let’s not get crazy—but washing them correctly is key.
- Spot clean first. Most of the time, a little soap and water on a stain is all you need.
- Turn them inside out before washing—cold water, gentle cycle, minimal detergent.
- NEVER use the dryer. Hang or lay flat to dry. The heat will break down the fibers faster than you’d think.
If you want to go full Martha Stewart, freeze your jeans to kill bacteria instead of washing them. (I personally prefer to keep my freezer for food, but you do you.)
I know, I know—everyone’s obsessed with “wrinkle-free” fabrics and handheld steamers. But if you really want to look sharp, you need to learn how to iron properly.
- Button-down shirts: Lightly spritz with water before ironing—it helps with stubborn wrinkles. Always iron collars and cuffs first, then work your way down.
- Pants: If you want that crisp crease down the front (and you should), press with a steam setting and use a press cloth to avoid shine.
Steaming vs. ironing: Steaming is great for quick touch-ups, but it won’t give you that razor-sharp look. If you care about looking put-together, an iron is your best friend.
For everyday button-downs and cotton trousers:
- Cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry whenever possible.
- Hang shirts immediately after washing to avoid wrinkles.
- If you must use a dryer, low heat only.
For wool trousers and finer materials? Dry cleaner. Always. No exceptions.
Look, I’m all about taking care of things myself, but some clothes are just too precious to risk. Anything silk, structured, or made from delicate wool? Off to the dry cleaner it goes.
Blazers, overcoats, and tailored trousers should never see the inside of your washing machine. Find a good dry cleaner and be loyal to them. They’ll keep your investment pieces looking pristine.
How you store your clothes is just as important as how you wash them.
- Invest in wooden or padded hangers. Wire hangers are fine for dry cleaning, but long-term? They’ll destroy your clothes.
- Knitwear should be folded, never hung. Otherwise, you’ll end up with misshapen shoulders that scream “college dorm room.”
Use garment bags for seasonal storage. Especially for wool—moths love the good stuff. Throw in some cedar blocks while you’re at it.
At the end of the day, great clothing is meant to be worn, not babied. A well-loved sweater, a perfectly broken-in pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt fresh from the iron—these are the things that make a wardrobe feel like yours.
Take care of your clothes, and they’ll take care of you. And if all else fails? Call your dry cleaner.
