Pear Tree Clothing Alterations
Care Journal · September 2026 · 5 min read
Old garments were often made better than new ones — real linings, hand finishing, generous seams. But age makes fabric and thread fragile in ways you cannot always see, and the wrong storage can undo decades of careful keeping in a single summer.
Handle it gently
- Wash your hands before handling, and avoid lotions — oils mark silk and lace.
- Support the weight of the garment when you lift it; do not pick it up by one shoulder or the waistband.
- Do not pin notes, tags or brooches into the fabric. Pins rust and leave holes.
Store it flat or padded, in the dark
Light fades and weakens fibers. Store heirlooms in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue in every fold, or on a padded hanger inside a cotton bag if the piece is light and sturdy. Avoid plastic, cardboard and wooden drawers, and keep the box inside the air-conditioned part of the house.
Do not wash it without knowing the fabric
Old silk can shatter, early synthetics can melt under an iron, and dyes that were stable for decades can bleed in a single wash. If you do not know what the piece is made of, do not experiment. Have it assessed first.
Check it once a year
Look for small holes that suggest moths, spots of discoloration, and seams that have started to separate. Refold along different lines so creases do not become breaks in the fabric.
When to bring it to us
- You want to wear the piece again — old seams and fastenings should be checked before they carry weight.
- Lace, beading or trim has come loose, or a seam has split.
- You would like to adapt the garment for a new occasion while keeping what makes it special.
- You are not sure whether it can be restored at all. Rejane will tell you honestly.
Every garment is assessed in person at our Lakewood Ranch atelier, and the assessment is complimentary.