Why We Pre-Wash and Hand-Finish Every Nirie Piece
At Nirie, every garment begins its journey with care, starting with a meticulous pre-wash process. This is more than just preparation—it’s part of our commitment to making each piece timeless, practical, and beautiful. Let me share why this step is essential to what we do:
1. To Celebrate Durability and Easy Care
Our fabrics have already lived rich lives—vintage lace, reclaimed linens, and delicate embroideries sourced from Dakar's vibrant markets. These materials come to us with stories of their own, and we want you to continue those stories seamlessly. Thoroughly Pre-washing ensures that the pieces you receive are ready for your everyday life.
By pre-washing, we preserve the integrity of these fabrics while making them as durable as they are unique. Whether you’re hand-washing or delicately machine-washing, your garments maintain their beauty without fear of shrinkage or texture loss.
2. To Ensure the Perfect Fit
When working with reclaimed and vintage fabrics, precision is key. Natural fibers, which make up the bulk of our materials, can shrink unpredictably when first exposed to water. Pre-washing allows us to account for this shrinkage in the early stages of creation, ensuring your piece fits beautifully from the moment you try it on.
This process can be challenging, as every fabric—and even different parts of the same fabric—can behave uniquely. Still, we take the time to test and adjust each piece, honoring its individual quirks while maintaining the overall integrity of the design.
3. To Bring Out the True Nature of the Fabric
If you’ve ever run your hands over one of our garments, you know the feeling: soft, textured, lived-in. That’s no accident. Many of the fabrics we work with arrive stiff from their long journeys. Through pre-washing, we soften their edges and uncover their true nature—a matte finish, subtle drape, and texture that feels like home.
We love seeing how this transformation complements our designs. Pre-washing allows the materials’ character to shine, harmonizing with the quiet elegance and understated romance that define Nirie.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Process
Pre-washing isn’t just about quality—it’s about sustainability, too. We save every fabric scrap from this process, incorporating them into patchwork designs and ensuring that no material goes to waste. It’s part of our effort to honor the materials’ histories while embracing a more thoughtful future.
From Dakar to You
Our garments are designed to last, meant to live with you through moments big and small. Pre-washing is just one of the many steps we take to make sure each piece is ready to be worn, loved, and treasured for years to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us—from Dakar’s markets to your wardrobe, we’re thrilled to share a piece of Nirie with you.
Jërëjëf,
Marie & NiNA
Nirie Atelier
