5 Things That Make Caring For Your Vikki VI Classics a Snap

Some customers tell us they've been wearing the same Vikki Vi Classics for decades. Not the same styles - the same exact pair of pants. Others say, "they're great but get too long after a while." What's the difference?

The annoying reality is that most of us don't know how to properly take care of our clothes. Because not all clothes need the same care. Different fabrics need different treatment and it goes beyond washing instructions.

Speaking of which, here's my post on caring for your Vikki Vi Classics. The short version is machine wash, lay flat to dry, and keep them away from hangers.

 

No hangers? Then how are you supposed to store them?

 

1. Hanging Shelf or Shoe Holder

The reason you shouldn't hang up your Vikki Vi Classics is that the material is knit. And knits get pulled down and stretched out by their own weight. You don't hang sweaters or t-shirts, so don't hang up your fancier knits.

Roll up your Vikki Vi Classics like you're going to pack them in a suitcase. If you  have dresser space, put your classics in a drawer. Marie Kondo's Konmari folding method also works well. 

The best way to store your Classics is in a hanging shelf unit or shoe organizer (the type that's just narrow shelves). Then come up with a system - pants on a lower shelf, tops on the top shelf, jackets and cardigans below that and dresses below that.

Since the pieces are rolled, it's a lot easier to pull out something from the middle of the pile than if they were folded.

2. Mesh Laundry Bags

This is my secret weapon for keeping clothes out of the dryer. (I also put those clothes in a different hamper from the rest to make sure they make it into the bags in the first place.)

When moving clothes from the washer to the dryer, all the mesh bags get set aside and the contents get hung or laid flat to dry.

3. Stackable Sweater Dryers

The ones I have are made of square plastic frames and a mesh center. Why use these instead of just laying everything on towels on the floor? They allow air to get at both sides of the garment at once, so it dries more quickly. Since they stack, they have a much smaller footprint. Just place one towel on the floor under the stack to catch any drips.

 

4. An Apron or Big Scarf

 

Yeah, I get it. You don't want to spoil your outfit by putting on an apron, but you know what else could ruin your Vikki Vi Classics? Food stains. (I conducted an experiment a while back on removing oily stains from Vikki Vi Classics - the results were encouraging, but sweat, perfume, etc. can complicate things considerably.)

 

If you eat at your desk, keep an apron at the office. Your colleagues may comment - until one of them spends the entire afternoon covered in marinara stains. Then they'll recognize your genius.

When eating out, wear a big scarf and rearrange it to cover your front. (Someday it will be common for women to tuck napkins into our collars but we're not there yet.) Let the scarf catch any drips. Ideally you'll do this with a hand washable scarf, but if you have to take it to the dry cleaner, it's still cheaper than destroying your Classics.

You can also use a stylish adult bib that looks like a scarf. I got mine here, but there are plenty of other sources.

5. A Travel Sewing Kit

 

Mishaps happen, usually when you're away from home. Most travel sewing kits come with thread in a very limited amount of colors. That's why we now carry the Stitched Up Travel Sewing Kit - it has thread in 12 colors. 

Just the Classics

All this applies to Vikki Vi Classics made from Slinky - a finely ribbed stretch knit fabric that's mostly made of acetate. Jersey Classics are also knit but you can hang them in the closet as they are made from much lighter weight polyester spandex fabric. But if space isn't an issue or you don't wear a particular piece on a weekly basis, then rolling them is going to be your best bet. Do keep your Jersey Classics out of the dryer because the spandex breaks down under heat and you start to see broken threads and a loss of elasticity.  Jersey is light enough that it can be hung to dry without stretching out.

Anything woven, like Sheer Toppers can be hung on hangers.

Now that you know how to care for them, go shop for more Classics.

Check out our other posts about caring for your Vikki Vi.