Let’s talk dirty. Actually let’s talk clean.

We get a lot of questions from our customers on how to take care of our fabrics - consider this our guide!  

First things first - you’ve made an amazing choice by choosing plant based fibers over synthetic materials.  Plant based fabrics are derived from nature and our signature TENCEL™ is sourced from LENZING, the worldwide leader in sustainable natural fibers.   

Our TENCEL™ feels like silk but is entirely vegan and free of animal products.  This material is lightweight and breathable, meaning it won’t absorb odors.  Unless you spill something, this fabric requires very minimal maintenance.  We encourage you to use a steamer to loosen up the wrinkles incurred from packing and shipping. 

The first time you wear your Neu Nomads piece, we suggest you can hang in the shower, use a handheld steamer or use a ‘fluff’ cycle in the dryer. 

When it comes to cleaning your garment we suggest using a steamer to freshen up - because our fabrics are breathable and won’t absorb odors you won’t need to “clean” them like other items in your wardrobe. This is true for every piece from Neu Nomads, whether you’ve chosen from our sustainable coats and jackets for women or you’re cleaning one of our easy basics. 

Small changes can make a big difference in how your laundry routine affects your health and the environment. 

• Look for natural plant based fabrics.  Whatever you do, don’t buy POLYESTER.  
• Wash items less often, wash cold, hang dry.  Take it from someone who’s married to a European - they wash their clothes much less often than we do in the US.  Unless you stain something, there’s no need to wash it every time you wear it. This goes for women’s sustainable bottoms as well as tops – you just don’t need to wash as often as we do in the USA! If you do choose to wash, use a cold cycle as it requires far less energy.  Treat your Neu Nomads pieces like delicates and they will last for years to come.  
• Steam, steam steam.  We are huge fans of steaming.  There are loads of affordable, portable and professional steamers on the market.  Here are a few of our favorites. 
• Best portable option
• Best overall value

• Use non-toxic detergent
• Liquid detergent
• Dryer balls
• Chlorine free bleach

SOME FACTS

• According to Fashion Revolution, up to 25% of each garment’s carbon footprint comes from the way we wash and care for it.
• Around 60% of Americans wash their clothes with warm water without considering that roughly 75% of the energy required to do a load of laundry goes into heating the water, plus, the heat typically makes chemical reactions go faster.
• Most popular detergents, bleaches and softeners contain 1,4-Dioxane, sodium borate, and sodium hypochlorite, both skin irritants, as well as artificial fragrances, usually derived from petrochemicals – all of which act as toxins once flushed into our waterways (Environmental Working Group).
• And the list goes on...

If you are in New York, CELSIOUS is our favorite eco-friendly laundromat. Aside from the water-conscious Electrolux washers that text patrons when their clothes are ready, the German-American sisters, Corinna and Theresa Williams, offer chemical-free complimentary detergent and a full selection of eco-friendly garment care products and accessories that you can add to your load. They have suspended the self-service laundry for as long as social distancing guidelines are in place, but they are open 6 days/week for you to drop off and pick up throughout the day.