How To Care For Your Ascots/Cravats

Ascots, also known as cravats depending on where you live, are bold statement pieces with a rich history that dates back centuries. If you are someone who already wears an ascot or cravat or are considering adding them to your wardrobe, there are some tips you should know when it comes to caring for and maintaining them so they last for years to come.

From proper storage, to cleaning, to getting wrinkles out, this article contains valuable information and step-by-step guides to keep your neckwear bright, bold, and looking brand new. You don't need to invest in any expensive cleaning products or special serums. You likely have all the products at home or can easily obtain them at any grocery store or online.

If you are thinking of adding a cravat to your wardrobe, be sure to check out our friends at Fort & Stone. With over 40 years of experience in men's style, their woven silks are made in one of the oldest mills in England (and possibly the world). Each cravat is a little piece of history you can wear around your neck.

Proper Ascot/Cravat Storage

Like any fine piece of clothing, you shouldn't just toss a cravat on the floor or cram it into a drawer between wears. If you want your attire to always look pristine, you should exercise extra care and store it properly. Here are two tried and true ways to store your ascots and cravats:

Keep Your Ascots/Cravats In A Cool, Dry Place Away From Direct Sunlight

Avoid storing your ascots and cravats by windows, in direct sunlight, or in areas with high heat (like above a space heater or radiator). Extended exposure to UV rays and heat will cause your neckwear to fade and will damage the fabric.

Roll Or Hang Your Ascots/Cravats

When storing your cravats, we recommend either rolling them like you would a tie and storing them in a wooden box or hanging them on a tie rack, scarf hangar, or even a simple clothes hanger with a spine.

If you decide to use a clothes hanger, we recommend a wooden hangar because they're more durable, sturdier, and absorb moisture from the air.

If you hang your cravats, keep a buffer between them and any other articles of clothing that may be sharing the same rack. This will prevent your delicates from getting caught and tearing on zippers, epaulets, or larger buttons.

Rolling your cravats is very easy to do. So easy, in fact, that our step-by-step guide can be memorized in mere seconds!

How To Deal With Spills And Stains On Your Ascot/Cravat

There are a few different ways you can clean a spill or stain on your ascot or cravat. Not all hope is lost. Be cautious and avoid harsh chemicals, scrubbing, or long exposure to heat sources and liquids.

Tip: We highly recommend not putting your neckwear in the washing machine or dryer. The combination of spinning, shaking, and detergents will ruin it.

Use A Damp Cloth On Your Ascot/Cravat For Spot Cleaning

The first way to clean up a spill or stain on your ascot or cravat is with a damp cloth. Using lukewarm water, gently daub the affected area. Resist the urge to push or pull the cloth across the fabric as it may damage the delicate fibers.

Once you are finished spot cleaning, either lay your ascot or cravat on a flat surface or hang it to dry. Avoid touching it while it's drying to ensure that the threads return to their natural shape.

Gently Wash Your Ascots/Cravats By Hand

If you are dealing with a stubborn spill or stain, you can apply a small amount of chlorine-free detergent into a bucket of lukewarm water and gently work the detergent into your ascot or cravat. Just like with the spot cleaning tip, don't scrub too hard or you may risk ruining the fibers.

Once you are finished, you can daub the area with a clean cloth until all the detergent is gone. Then, lay it flat or hang it up until it is completely dry.

Get Your Ascots/Cravats Dry-cleaned

If all else fails, you can take your ascots or cravats to a drycleaner. Drycleaners will have proper chemicals and cleaning tools that will remove most stains and still be gentle enough to not ruin the fabric. Some drycleaners offer bulk cleaning discounts, so it may be advantageous to take all your delicate accessories (including ties and pocket squares) in at once to get cleaned if they've been collecting dust for a while.

How To Remove Wrinkles From Your Ascot/Cravat 

Wrinkles and creases are inevitable. No matter what fabric makes up your accessories, you will experience wrinkles sooner or later. Thankfully there are two effective methods that you can use to remove those pesky lines.

Note: These methods can be used on any type of neckwear (ties, scarves, etc.). Remember to always use a lower heat setting and be patient. High heat and excessive pressure can ruin your delicate accessories!

Steam Is Your Friend

If you own a steamer, simply hang your ascot or cravat on a hanger and steam the fabric on a low setting until the creases and wrinkles are gone. While steaming, you want the weight of the fabric to pull out the creases, so avoid trying to stretch the fabric yourself. You may over-stretch the fabric, leaving you with unsightly stress points.

Alternatively, if you don't own a steamer, you can use the steam from a hot shower. Simply hang your neckwear on a hanger outside of the shower in an area where it won't get wet. It doesn't work as effectively as a steamer, but it will work in a pinch.

Stubborn Creases May Require Ironing

If you are dealing with stubborn creases and wrinkles that just won't go away, you can use an iron. On the lowest heat setting, gently run your iron over your ascot or cravat. You don't want to push down too hard or you may risk damaging the threads and weaves.

To minimize the risk of damaging your ascot or cravat, you should place a teacloth on top to act as a buffer between the cravat and the hot iron. Using a teacloth in this way also reduces the chances of your cravat developing limescale and hard water deposit stains and also of burning your neckwear.

As a last resort you can use a small amount of steam from your iron. We caution you not to apply the steam with the iron directly on your ascot or cravat as hot steam typically comes out of the iron faster than a steamer.

It may damage the fibers. Instead, hold the iron a couple of inches above and apply a small amount of steam. Wait a few seconds for the steam to penetrate the fabric, then lower the iron back down and slowly glide it over the affected, creased areas.

Summary

If you treat your ascots and cravats with respect and care, they will last many years. Using the guidelines in this article, you will be prepared to deal with any unsightly stain or wicked wrinkle, and always be the best dressed debonair in the room.

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