How to Use a Clothes Brush

Note on Keeping your Cashmere

 

-              How to Use a Clothes Brush: A Step-by-Step Guide by Stanley Ager

 

Keeping your garments looking sharp and fresh is essential, and a clothes brush is a classic tool for achieving just that. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly use a clothes brush to maintain your clothing’s appearance.

 

Preparing Your Garment

 

                  1.             Empty the Pockets: Before brushing, ensure you remove all items from your pockets—glasses, scripts, hip flasks, etc. If the pockets have flaps, make sure they are not tucked inside.

                  2.             Lay the Jacket Flat: Turn up the collar and lapels, then lay the jacket face down. Fold back the shoulders so they lie flat, allowing the sleeves to fall naturally on either side of the back seam.

 

Brushing Process

 

                  3.             Start Brushing: If you’re right-handed, begin from the right side of the jacket (where the buttons are). Regardless of where you start, always brush up the nap first, followed by brushing down the nap immediately afterward.

                  4.             Brush the Right Front: Use a long, sweeping stroke to brush up the right front of the jacket, covering from the outside edge of the armhole to the edge of the jacket, beyond the buttons.

                  5.             Brush the Lapels: Take the brush from the hem to the tip of the lapels and back down again. Use the same long stroke technique to avoid brush marks.

                  6.             Sleeves: Brush the outside of the right sleeve using long strokes up and down the nap. Then, fold the sleeve forward and brush the inside in the same manner. Return the sleeve to its original position.

                  7.             Shoulders: Move on to the shoulders, brushing from the outside edge to the inside edge of the collar and back again. Use short, quick strokes here, as dust often accumulates in this area.

                  8.             Brush the Left Side: Repeat the brushing process on the left side of the jacket, ensuring you follow the same strokes as on the right. Consistency is key to avoiding a patchy appearance.

                  9.             Finish with the Sleeves and Shoulders: Brush the outside of the left sleeve, fold it forward to brush the inside, and don’t forget to brush behind it. Return the sleeve and brush the shoulder as you did on the right.

                  10.          Final Touch on the Collar: Brush the collar by moving across the interfacing from left to right and back again. Then, fold the collar down and brush it forwards and backwards.

 

Tips for Effective Brushing

 

                  •               Gentle Brushing Action: Avoid a scrubbing motion; use a strong sweeping action with a firm flick of the wrist on areas where dust tends to accumulate.

                  •               Consistent Brush Strokes: Ensure all strokes go in the same direction to prevent a messy appearance when the light hits the fabric.

                  •               Brushing the Nap: Start by brushing against the lie (nap) of the material to lift and remove trapped dust, then brush down for a smooth finish.

                  •               Removing Marks: For minor marks, use short, quick strokes rather than jabbing at the fabric, as this can break the fibers.

 

How to Use a Damp Clothes Brush

 

To freshen up your clothes, you can use a slightly damp clothes brush:

 

                  1.             Moisten the Brush: Dip the bristles of your clothes brush in a bowl of water and flick off excess moisture so the brush is left slightly damp, not soaked.

                  2.             Follow Brushing Steps: Proceed with the brushing steps outlined above for best results.

 

By incorporating these techniques into your garment care routine, you’ll ensure your clothes always look their best. Happy brushing!