Every Threaded Tribes garment is made from natural, heritage textiles handwoven and crafted by skilled artisans across West Africa. Many of these fabrics are organically dyed using centuries-old techniques, which means they deserve a little more care than your average wash cycle. The way you care for your piece is the final step in the making of it.
Here is everything you need to know:
Why Organic Dyes Require Special Care
Unlike synthetic dyes, organic and natural dyes bond differently with fabric fibres. They are rich, complex, and alive in a way synthetic dyes simply are not — but they can be sensitive to heat, harsh detergents, and agitation. Some colour transfer on first wear or first wash is completely normal and is not a defect. It is a characteristic of naturally dyed textiles, and a mark of authenticity.
Your first wash is on us!
We want you to feel completely confident from the moment you wear your Threaded Tribes piece. That is why we offer every customer a complimentary first professional wash.
Here is how it works:
• Drop your piece at our store — Threaded Tribes, Ixora Drive, Accra
• We will have it professionally cleaned by our trusted laundromat partners
• Once ready, we will notify you for collection
• You are responsible for drop-off and collection
This offer applies to any new Threaded Tribes pieces that have not yet been washed. Simply bring them in together with a receipt of purchase from any of our outlets and we will take care of the first clean. Available in-store only.
Our Recommended Laundromat
For ongoing professional care, we recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu. They are familiar with heritage and delicate textiles and will treat your piece with the attention it deserves.
A Note From Us:
These garments were made by hand, with intention, by skilled artisans across West Africa. The way you care for them is the final step in that process — and it matters. Thank you for being part of the story.
Questions? Reach out at hello@threadedtribes.com / +233599500011 or visit us in store.
Care By Fabric
Baulé is a handwoven 100% cotton textile from Côte d’Ivoire, dyed using natural plant and mineral-based dyes — often indigo, derived from leaves and roots — and dried under the sun. The dyeing process gives it its distinctive depth of colour, but also means the dye can run slightly during the first few wears or washes.
• Dry clean strongly recommended — we recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu
• Avoid wearing with light-coloured undergarments when the piece is fresh, as some dye transfer may occur
• If spot treating: use a chemical-free, mild soap and cold water on the affected area only — do not submerge the full garment
• Do not use regular detergent
• Do not wring or tumble dry — lay flat to dry in the shade
• Iron inside out on low heat only
• Store away from direct sunlight to preserve colour
Mudcloth — known as bògòlanfini or bogolan — is a handwoven cotton textile from Mali, dyed by hand using fermented mud and natural plant pigments including leaves, bark, and roots. The patterns carry deep cultural meaning and are applied entirely by hand, making each piece unique. The organic dye process makes mudcloth particularly sensitive to water and harsh chemicals.
• Dry clean only — this is the safest and most recommended method for preserving both colour and pattern. We recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu.
• If spot treating is absolutely necessary: use a mild, chemical-free soap such as castile soap and cold water on the specific area only — do not soak
• Do not use regular detergent
• Do not wring, twist, or tumble dry — lay flat to dry in the shade away from direct sunlight
• Iron inside out on low heat while slightly damp, using a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric
• Some colour variation over time is natural and adds to the character of the piece
Fugu is a handwoven cotton fabric from Northern Ghana, traditionally produced by master weavers in communities across Tamale, Bolgatanga, and Daboya. It is one of Ghana’s most significant cultural textiles, known for its durability, breathability, and the distinctive way its narrow woven strips are joined by hand. Fugu does not use organic dyes in the same way as Baulé or mudcloth, making it slightly more forgiving to wash.
• Dry clean recommended — we recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu
• If hand washing: cold water only, mild detergent, handle gently — do not scrub or wring
• Hang or Lay flat to dry — do not tumble dry
• Iron inside out on low heat
• With proper care, a well-made Fugu piece can last for decades
Kente is one of Ghana’s most celebrated heritage textiles, handwoven on narrow strip looms by Akan and Ewe weavers. Each strip is woven individually and then joined together, with the colours and patterns carrying specific cultural and symbolic meaning. The silk or cotton threads used can be delicate and the woven structure can loosen with aggressive handling.
• Dry clean recommended — we recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu
• If hand washing: cold water only, very mild detergent, minimal agitation — handle with care
• Do not soak for extended periods
• Do not wring or tumble dry — lay flat to dry in the shade
• Iron inside out on low heat using a pressing cloth to protect the fabric
• Store folded or on a wide hanger — avoid overcrowding