Let’s be honest - new isn’t always better. Pre-loved clothes are often better made, have more character, and usually come with a good story or two. But like anything worth holding onto, they need a bit of care.

So we teamed up with Re-Skinned — the legends giving clothes a second life — to share our top laundry tips for keeping your pre-loved pieces looking (and smelling) their best. Because extending the life of your wardrobe is one of the easiest, feel-good ways to cut down on waste. And when you’re using proper products that are gentle on fabric and big on fragrance? Even better.

Why Pre-Loved Deserves Proper Care

Whether you’ve snapped up a vintage knit, a reworked denim jacket or a perfectly faded tee, second-hand clothes have already done a bit of living. Which means they’re more likely to show signs of wear - stretched seams, thinned fabric, pilling. But with a gentler laundry routine (and some cracking products), you can make them last for many more wears to come.

Wilton x Re-Skinned — A Sustainable Pairing

We’ve always believed clothes should be made to last. That’s something Re-Skinned lives and breathes — taking in your old pieces, fixing them up, and giving them a second (or third) spin around the block.

Their take-back scheme means fewer clothes end up in landfill, and more quality items find new homes. Our job? Helping those pieces stay looking and smelling fresh along the way. A good collab, if we do say so ourselves.

Check them out here 👉 Re-Skinned

Enter: Wilton

We make laundry liquids and fabric conditioners that are kinder to clothes and the planet. Everything’s plant-based, biodegradable, and designed to smell amazing (we work with real perfumers, not robots).

No harsh chemicals, no synthetic dyes, no overpowering supermarket scents. Just laundry that actually cares - and fragrances like Cedarwood, Santal, Patchouli, Jasmine and Lavender that make you want to sniff your socks.

👉 Explore Wilton laundry products

Wilton’s Top Tips for Pre-Loved Laundry Care

Whether your clothes are brand new or beautifully broken-in, these tips will keep them looking their best:

1. Wash Cool

Stick to 30°C or even lower. Most modern detergents (especially ours) work brilliantly at lower temps. It’s easier on the fabric and the planet.

2. Use a Gentle Detergent

Pre-loved clothes don’t need harsh formulas. Our laundry liquids are plant-based, pH-balanced and tough on dirt, but gentle on delicate fibres.

3. Don’t Overwash

You don’t need to wash after every wear. Airing your clothes out or spot cleaning can often do the trick. Saves water, saves time, and keeps fabrics going strong.

4. Air Dry Over Tumble

The tumble dryer can be brutal - especially on older pieces. Instead, let your clothes dry flat or hang them somewhere airy. Your clothes will thank you (and so will your energy bill).

5. Choose the Right Fabric Conditioner

Our fabric conditioners are made to soften fibres without leaving a clingy residue. They help reduce pilling and static while keeping things smelling fresh. Just don’t go overboard - a little goes a long way.

They also include a clever plant-derived ingredient that helps to repair natural fibres.

Bonus Tip: Store Wisely

Hang shirts and wovens. Fold jumpers and knits. Keep things out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Treat your clothes well and they’ll return the favour.

What to Do When Clothes Reach the End

If something's a little worse for wear or you're just over it, don’t bin them. Send them to Re-Skinned through their take-back scheme. They’ll reuse, repair or recycle responsibly - helping close the loop on fast fashion.

Looking after your clothes isn’t just about laundry - it’s about slowing down, shopping better, and choosing quality over quantity. Whether it’s vintage, charity shop gold or a fresh find from Re-Skinned, give your clothes the love they deserve.

And if you want them to smell incredible too?

We’ve got you covered.

👉 Shop Wilton Laundry Care