Maintenance and care of your loincloths
Preserve the beauty of your weaves with these simple steps. Every fiber deserves gentleness: follow our tips for vibrant colors and a flawless drape, season after season.
3 Golden Rules
- Wash gently : by hand, in cold water, with a mild soap (such as Marseille soap).
- Dry in the shade : Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the colors and feel of the fabric.
- Separate the colors : especially during the first wash and for hand-dyed loincloths (bogolan, koko dunda, baoulé, sénoufo).
Maintenance by type of loincloth
Faso Dan Fani (cotton) — soft wash, pre-fixed colors
- Washing : Hand wash, cold water, mild soap. Faso Dan Fani does not fade (threads are dyed and fixed before weaving).
- Drying : in the shade, on a hanger or flat.
- Ironing : warm (cotton), on the reverse side or with a damp cloth to protect the texture.
Tip : For sewn outfits, dry cleaning is recommended to maintain their drape.
Bogolan (natural dye) — wash separately
- Washing : hand wash only , cold water, very mild soap. May discolor : do not mix.
- Avoid : strong stain removers, hot water, long immersions.
- Drying : in the shade only.
- Ironing : warm to medium, inside out.
Tip : An initial rinse with cold water and vinegar (one tablespoon/L) can help stabilize.
Baoulé — assembled strips, delicate care
- Wash : Gentle, cold water, separate for the first 1–2 washes.
- Drying : in the shade, fabric flat if possible to keep the strips aligned.
- Ironing : medium to hot, inside out, light steam.
Koko Dunda — first vinegar bath recommended
- Washing : hand wash, cold water, separate (risk of discoloration).
- Drying : in the shade.
- Ironing : medium, on reverse.
- Tip : first vinegar bath (1 tbsp/L, then rinse thoroughly).
Senufo — 8 strips, drying in the shade
- Washing : hand wash, cold water, separate .
- Drying : in the shade, avoid stretching the assembly seams.
- Ironing : medium, gently insist on the seams (damp cloth).
Stain removal & drying
Common stains (oil, makeup, sweat)
- Dab gently (do not rub) with a clean cloth.
- Apply a little mild soap to the wet area, rinse with cold water.
- Repeat if necessary. Avoid hot water, which sets some stains.
Prohibited
- Bleach, harsh stain removers, vigorous spinning, tumble drying, prolonged exposure to the sun.
Drying
- Always in the shade . Suspended (clips: protect with fabric) or flat to avoid deformation.
- Avoid direct heat sources.
Ironing & storage
- Ironing : preferably on the reverse side , suitable temperature (cotton: warm; hand-dyed: medium).
- Steam : light, from a distance if delicate patterns or metallic threads.
- Storage : Folded flat, dry, breathable cover for sewn outfits.
- Express anti-crease : hang in a slightly damp bathroom, then smooth by hand.
FAQs
Can I machine wash?
We recommend hand washing. If machine washing, delicate/cold cycle, laundry net, minimal spin, separate colors.
Does bogolan rub off?
It may bleed. Always wash it separately, in cold water, without strong stain removers, and dry in the shade.
My loincloth has shrunk
Slight shrinkage may occur after the first wash. Pre-wash before sewing if you are aiming for exact measurements.
Can I use black/African soap?
Yes, if it is gentle and rinsed well. Avoid anything too alkaline or abrasive.
Need help?
Are you unsure about a stain or type of dye? Write to us on WhatsApp (+226 53 85 37 37 | +225 89 43 43 26) or via the contact form .
Our workshop advises you and offers cleaning/touch-ups on quote.
