Every Tari piece is made by hand in our Cape Town studio — looked after well, your piece will outlive trends and travel with you for years. Below is how we recommend caring for each fabric we work with.
Shweshwe (printed cotton)
The first wash is non-negotiable. Authentic Shweshwe always releases dye in its first one or two washes — that's how the indigo cotton is made, not a fault. Wash separately in cold water before wearing.
- Wash: cold or 30°C, gentle cycle, inside out, separately for the first two washes
- Detergent: mild, no bleach, no whiteners
- Dry: line dry in shade — direct sun fades the dye
- Iron: medium heat, inside out, while slightly damp
Cotton & cotton blends (sweaters, dresses, kids' pieces)
- Wash: cold to 30°C, gentle cycle
- Dry: line dry — tumble drying shrinks knits
- Iron: medium heat, inside out
Denim (unisex shirt-jacket)
- First wash: separately, cold water, inside out (the indigo runs)
- Wash: cold, sparingly — denim wears in better than it washes in. Spot clean where you can
- Dry: line dry, never tumble
Cushion covers (linen-look cotton)
- Wash: cold or 30°C, gentle cycle, separately the first time
- Iron: low to medium heat while slightly damp for the cleanest finish
- Storage: fold loosely, store flat or rolled
Repairs and alterations
If a seam goes or a button needs replacing, get in touch. Our studio offers small repairs at no charge for any piece you've bought from us, and most fixes are completed in a day. Full alterations (resizing, hem adjustments) can be arranged for a small fee.
Treated gently, your Tari piece should last years and soften beautifully into its best self.