Cotton Care Guide

Every piece from Once In A Blue Moon is hand block printed by artisans in Jaipur — printed one colour, one press at a time. That process is part of what makes each piece feel special, and a little care goes a long way in keeping it soft, vivid, and yours for years to come.

Hand block printed cotton is dyed and printed by hand, so the first wash matters more than usual.

• Wash each piece alone for the first wash — this lets any excess dye settle without affecting other clothing

• Use cold water only for this first wash

• A small amount of colour in the water is completely normal and not a sign of a fault

• Hand wash is best, in cold or lukewarm water (30°C or below)

• If machine washing, use a gentle/delicate cycle, cold water, and a mesh laundry bag

• Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the printed surface

• Use a mild detergent — avoid bleach or harsh whitening agents, which fade block print dyes quickly

• Wash similar colours together, and separately from anything lighter for the first few washes

• Avoid soaking for long periods

• Air dry only — skip the tumble dryer, which is the fastest way to fade prints and shrink cotton

• Dry in the shade, not direct sunlight — sunlight bleaches natural dyes over time

• Reshape the garment gently while damp and lay flat or hang to dry

• Iron inside out, on a medium heat setting

• A slightly damp garment presses more easily and helps the print stay crisp

• Avoid ironing directly over prints on the right side, especially if the piece has any raised or textured print work

• Treat stains as soon as possible — blot, don’t rub

• Use cold water and a mild soap first before reaching for a stain remover

• Avoid strong chemical stain treatments on printed areas, as they can lift colour along with the stain

• Fold rather than hang heavier pieces, like quilted jackets, to help them keep their shape

• Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight

• Use breathable cotton garment bags rather than sealed plastic for anything stored long-term

• A lavender or cedar sachet helps keep pieces fresh and moth-free in storage

Because every piece is hand printed, you may notice small variations — a motif slightly offset, a shade that differs a little from piece to piece, a border that isn’t perfectly even. These aren’t flaws. They’re the fingerprint of a human hand, not a machine, and no two pieces will ever be printed exactly alike.