Wash Care Instructions

Shweshwe Pre-Treatment and Care Guide

Authentic Three Cats Shweshwe features a heavy starch glaze and traditional discharge dyes. Proper pre-treatment before CUTTING is essential to strip excess starch, manage colour release, and shrink the yardage to its final dimensions.

Before I start cutting:

  • Cold Water Rinse: I wash the Shweshwe in cold water first to completely dissolve and rinse away the factory starch glaze.
  • High-Temperature Wash and Soft Detergent: I wash the fabric at a high temperature with soft detergent to complete the shrinkage before cutting. This wash also allows the fabric to soften and relax naturally.
  • No Fabric Softener: I do not use fabric softener, as it leaves a residue on natural cotton fibers and affects fabric handling. And it is not good for the environment.

Caring for your Shweshwe Garments

  1. Washing Instructions
  • Shweshwe can be washed in cold to warm temperatures with soft detergent for thorough cleaning.
  • Wash preferably with similar colours
  • Do not wash with white or light-coloured clothing
  • Do not use fabric softener
  • Do not Dry clean
  • Do not bleach
  • Do not tumble dry

      2. Line Dry: Hang your garments inside out to line dry in the shade. Direct sun can                  fade deep indigo and rich prints over time.

     3. Ironing: Iron on the reverse side using a medium-to-high cotton setting to restore               crisp lines and vibrant pattern definition. The fabric may darken from the heat but                 will quickly return to its original color once it cools down.