Clothing for Care Homes – Labelling, Easy Washing and Comfort

Short answer: Clothing for care homes has to stand up to frequent industrial washing, be easy to take on and off and feel comfortable all day. Choose soft bamboo clothing in simple styles with good elastic, and remember to name label everything before it is handed over.

Comfort all day

Many residents sit down most of the day, and that makes tight waistbands and scratchy fabric especially noticeable. Soft bamboo sweatpants for men with an elastic waist and a soft top from bamboo clothing for women or bamboo clothing for men give comfort without any fuss.

Clothes that stand up to many washes

In care homes clothes are washed often and at higher temperatures than at home. Wash bamboo at 40 degrees where possible and skip the tumble dryer when you can; see the advice in our washing guide for bamboo clothing. It is a good idea to agree with the staff on how the clothes are best treated.

Remember the labelling and the nightwear

All clothing has to be name labelled before it is handed over, so it does not disappear in the shared laundry. Do not forget good nightwear either: soft bamboo nightwear for women or bamboo nightwear for men makes the nights more comfortable, especially for residents who sweat at night.

Frequently asked questions

Which clothes are best for care home residents?

Soft, loose clothes with good elastic that are easy to take on and off, for example bamboo sweatpants and soft tops.

Does bamboo clothing stand up to washing in a care home?

Yes, bamboo stands up to frequent washing at 40 degrees, but lasts the longest without a tumble dryer, so do ask for gentle treatment.

How do we avoid clothes going missing?

Name label everything before handing it over, for example with iron on labels or a textile marker, and make a list of what has been handed in.