Brushing

Once considered the quintessential tool for clothing care, garment brushes could be made of various materials, from elaborate monogrammed sterling silver to simple wood, similar to the brushes still being made today by the long-standing British company Kent, and were comprised of natural hair such as boar or horse. Wealthy people had someone else doing the brushing for them. There was an entire profession dedicated to the task, that of the valet, who could spend the entire day brushing the various outfit changes of his lord after use. He had his very own dedicated tools and workstation.

Not just for the upper class, laypeople also took concern over their clothing to ensure that it functioned properly. Dust, debris and oils can settle into the fibers and disturb the garment’s ability to insulate and ventilate, while the acid from the oils can weaken the fibers over time and render the garment threadbare. So, out of necessity, people brushed their clothing to remove the offending matter, and at the same time they would restore the nap and freshen the appearance of the woolen outer garments.

Fast forward to today, where the most attention our winter coats, jackets or blazers may get is a quick swipe with a sticky roller to remove pet hair. Unfortunately, the glue on the roller can leave a residue onto our clothing and make them even more of a magnet, and the roller does nothing to help remove the dirt and oils out of the fiber or restore the nap. Occasionally trading the quick swipe for a brushing would allow the garment to look and perform at its best.