A silk cravat is rather more than just an accessory - it's a statement of individuality, oozing style and sophistication. At Cravat Club, our cravats are crafted from luxurious 36oz silk twill, known for its softness, breathability and durability. With the right care, your cravat can give you many years of service and give your wardrobe a lift across generations. Follow our expert tips on cleaning, storage and maintenance to keep your silk ascot in impeccable condition.
Cleaning Your Silk Cravat
Dry Cleaning: The Preferred Method
We always recommend having your Cravat Club silk accessories professionally dry cleaned if possible. Silk is a delicate fabric that can easily be damaged by harsh detergents or rough washing methods. A professional dry cleaner will use the appropriate solvents and techniques to preserve your ascot tie’s sheen and luxurious feel. As with many delicate garments, sometimes it’s best to hand it to the professionals.
Hand Washing: A Delicate Alternative
If you prefer to wash your silk cravat at home, washing them by hand is the way to go. While it may seem labour-intensive, it’s easy so long as you do it with care. Follow these steps carefully:
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Use lukewarm water – Cold water may not remove stains effectively, while hot water can weaken the silk fibres. Around body temperature is fine.
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Choose a gentle detergent – Use a mild, silk-friendly detergent to protect the fabric’s integrity. These can be found at almost any supermarket.
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Wash gently – Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric, or using excessive force. Instead, gently agitate the water with your hands and let the cravat soak for a few minutes before rinsing.
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Air dry – Lay the cravat flat on a clean towel and allow it to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading, and please, don’t put it on a heater or radiator.
A Quick Refresh Without Washing
If your cravat needs freshening up, but not a full wash, try these methods for a quick fix:
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Spritzing with a fabric freshener like Febreze and allowing it to air out.
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Using scented ironing water when pressing to add a light fragrance. Iron at a low temperature.
Dealing With Pilling
Although silk twill is durable, it can develop surface pilling due to friction. This can happen if the fabric rubs against coarse hair, textured clothing, or rough surfaces. With wear comes risk, but again it can be mitigated easily.
How to Prevent Pilling:
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Be mindful of friction, especially around stubble or coarse hair at the neck.
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Avoid prolonged rubbing against rough fabrics.
How to Remove Pilling:
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Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills, restoring the cravat’s smooth surface. This little tool is invaluable for all kinds of natural fibres.
Keeping Your Cravat Crease-Free
Silk cravats can develop creases from being worn. They can however be easily removed with careful ironing
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Set the iron to a low heat setting (or silk mode if available).
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Place a protective cloth between the cravat and the iron to avoid direct heat damage.
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Press lightly and avoid excessive steam.
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Using scented ironing water can also leave your cravat with a pleasant, subtle fragrance.
Alternatively, simply hanging your cravat up will allow minor creases to naturally drop out over time, especially in rooms with higher humidity. If you need a quicker solution, try hanging your ascot tie in the bathroom while taking a hot shower - the steam will help ease out any wrinkles without direct heat. Again though - be careful with this last method, it’s possible to overdo it.
Correct Storage for Your Silk Cravat
Storage is key to preserving the colour, shape, and texture of your cravat. Follow these tips to preserve its perfect finish:
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Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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Store in a drawer or wardrobe to protect from dust and environmental damage.
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Use a cravat or tie rack to prevent creasing.
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Consider keeping it in one of Cravat Club’s elegant gift boxes for additional protection - beautiful and functional!
Protecting Your Silk From Damage
Silk is a refined material and as such it is very delicate. It can easily be damaged by sharp objects or rough handling. Be mindful of:
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Zips and jewellery, which can snag the delicate threads.
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Rough fingernails, which can catch on the silk.
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Cigarette ash or open flames, as silk is highly flammable.
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Strong odours, such as food, smoke or perfumes.
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Loose threads, which can pull easily. Use small scissors or a small and sharp blade, such as a thread clipper. Avoid pulling on these threads and clip them as close to the base as possible to avoid damaging the silk.
A Timeless Investment
With the right care, a silk cravat can last a lifetime, making it a sustainable investment and one that gives you many years of pleasure. By following these maintenance tips, you’ll ensure that your ascot stays vibrant, soft and stylish well into the future.
At Cravat Club, we take pride in offering premium silk accessories that stand the test of time. Look after your cravat well, and it will always be there for you.
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