Styling & Care Tips
Styling & Care Tips
8 Looks to Style Your Wayuu Bag for SS'24
As the temperatures rise and the flowers bloom, it's time to refresh your wardrobe and embrace a fresh look for the Spring/Summer season. And what better way to elevate your look than with a stylish Wayuu bag?
These vibrant and intricately woven bags are the perfect accessory to add a pop of color and personality to your look. Today, we'll explore how to style your Wayuu bag for the upcoming season, incorporating both current trends and timeless classics.
1. Master Monochrome with Your Wayuu Bag
Monochrome dressing is a look that never goes out of style. Embrace this sleek and sophisticated look by pairing your Wayuu bag with an outfit in a single color from head to toe. Whether it's all-white elegance or head-to-toe pastel perfection, your Wayuu bag will add a touch of texture and interest to your monochrome ensemble.
2. Mix Prints
Dare to be bold and experiment with print mixing for a playful and eclectic look. Pair your Wayuu bag with garments in contrasting prints, such as florals, stripes, or animal prints, for a fashion-forward statement. Keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple to let your Wayuu bag take center stage.
3. Sport Athleisure
The athleisure trend continues to reign supreme, and for good reason—it's comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Pair your Wayuu bag with sporty separates like leggings, sneakers, and a bomber jacket for an effortlessly cool vibe. The contrast between the casual athleisure pieces and the artisanal charm of your Wayuu bag creates a unique and modern look.
4. Embrace Utility-Inspired Fashion
Utilitarian fashion is making a comeback for Spring/Summer 2024, with practical yet stylish pieces taking center stage. Incorporate this trend into your outfit by pairing your Wayuu bag with cargo pants, utility jackets, and chunky boots. The rugged aesthetic of utility-inspired garments juxtaposed with the intricate beauty of your Wayuu bag creates a striking contrast.
5. Channel Boho Vibes with Your Wayuu Bag
Channel your inner bohemian spirit with a laid-back and free-spirited look. Pair your Wayuu bag with flowy maxi dresses, embroidered tunics, and woven sandals for a relaxed and carefree vibe. The boho aesthetic of your outfit complements the artisanal craftsmanship of your Wayuu bag, creating a cohesive and effortlessly chic ensemble.
6. Dream in Pastels
Soft pastel hues are a perennial favorite for the Spring/Summer season, and they're back in full force for 2024. Pair your Wayuu bag with garments in shades of baby blue, blush pink, and mint green for a dreamy and romantic look. The delicate colors of your outfit enhance the vibrant colors of your Wayuu bag, creating a harmonious and feminine ensemble.
7. Minimalism Made Chic with Your Wayuu Bag
Less is more when it comes to minimalist fashion, and this timeless trend never goes out of style. Pair your Wayuu bag with clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes for a sleek and sophisticated look. The understated elegance of your outfit allows the intricate details of your Wayuu bag to shine.
8. Keep it Casual with Your Wayuu Bag
For effortless everyday style, opt for a casual yet chic look that's perfect for running errands or meeting friends for brunch. Pair your Wayuu bag with denim jeans, a graphic tee, and sneakers for a laid-back and comfortable vibe. The relaxed aesthetic of your outfit is elevated by the artisanal charm of your Wayuu bag, creating a stylish and effortless ensemble that's perfect for the warmer months ahead.
8 Creative Ways To Customize Your Wayuu Bags
Styling your Wayuu bag for Spring/Summer 2024 is all about embracing current trends while staying true to your personal style. Whether you opt for monochrome dressing, print mixing, or utility-inspired looks, your Wayuu bag is the perfect accessory to add a pop of color and personality to any outfit. So, have fun experimenting with different styles and trends, and let your Wayuu bag be the star of your summer wardrobe!
The Ultimate Guide to Caring and Washing a Wayuu Bag
These vibrant and intricately woven bags are works of art that deserve the utmost care and attention to maintain their beauty and longevity. In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of cleaning and washing a Wayuu bag to ensure it stays in pristine condition for years to come, and we'll show you just how easy it is to upkeep these treasures.
1. Handle with Care
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's crucial to handle your Wayuu bag with care. Even though these bags are handcrafted to last, avoid pulling on threads and cutting knots which could undo the crochet of the bag.
2. Spot Cleaning a Wayuu Bag
Surface clean when necessary, aka when you see a visible stain. Use a soft moist cloth and a little soap to gently remove any surface debris. Pay special attention to the intricate weave and patterns, making sure to clean between the yarns to maintain their vibrancy.
3. Hand Wash
The safest method for washing a Wayuu bag is by hand. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to create suds, then immerse your bag in the solution. Use your hands to gently massage the detergent into the fabric, paying attention to any areas with stains.
4. Gentle Rinsing a Wayuu Bag
After cleaning the bag, rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag, as this can distort its shape or cause the yarn to stretch. Instead, gently squeeze the excess water out of the bag and pat it dry with a clean towel.
5. Air Dry
Once rinsed, lay your Wayuu bag flat or hang to air dry. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade or the yarn to weaken. Allow the bag to dry completely before storing it away to avoid musty smells
6. Wayuu Bag Shape Maintenance
To preserve the shape of your Wayuu bag, do not leave it hanging with heavy things inside. This will help maintain its structure and prevent stretching.
7. Pre-Washing Steps
When it comes to machine washing a Wayuu bag, do proceed with caution! These bags are handcrafted using dyed yarns that can bleed or fade if not properly cared for. Before washing your bag, Flip the bag, inside out and place the tassels and strap inside. If you have a bag for delicates, feel free to use it!
8. Delicate Machine Washing a Wayuu Bag
Once you've prepped you Wayuu bag, place it on a short 15-minute delicate cycle with mild detergent and cold water.
**4 Easy Steps to Machine Wash Your Wayuu Bag**
Cleaning and washing a Wayuu bag should not be complicated! By following these essential tips and precautions, you can ensure that your Wayuu bag remains a cherished accessory for years to come, maintaining its beauty and preserving its cultural significance. So, treat your Wayuu bag with the care and respect it deserves, and enjoy its vibrant beauty!
How To Keep Your Wayuu Bag Looking Like New
Today I wanted to show you a few tips and tricks of how to keep your Wayuu bag looking like new. Depending on the type of strap you have, it might stretch out over time. I will also show you how to keep your tassels looking fresh and what to do in case your bag pills and how to go about washing it.
So here are my tips and tricks to apply right at home!
Shorten Your Wayuu Strap
The first thing I wanted to show you is how to shorten a Wayuu bag strap. If you have a bag with a paleteado strap, it will not stretch. So the one we will be focusing on today is the stretchy strap.
Once you have the right size yarn, all you need to do is undo the stitching being careful not to cut the bag nor the strap. I do recommend that you watch the full tutorial below.
Remove Pilling From Your Wayuu Bag
Now I want to show you how to keep your bag looking fresh. If you love wearing your Wayuu bag or it rubs a lot against you, it can pill over time.
This can easily be fixed with a defuzzer machine. This is one of the best things I own honestly. I use it on Wayuu bags, on my coats, on my pillows, even on my sofa.
I get quite addicted to this as it just makes everything look brand new again. As the bag is quite soft, I put my hand underneath and rub the machine in small circular motions. This will clean all the fuzz right up and remove any pilling you might have and make it like new right away.
Keep Tassels in Tip Top Shape
Something else you can do to keep your Wayuu bag looking new is by taking care of the tassels. With time, a few strings might come out of the tassels, or perhaps the tassel is too long and you would like to shorten it.
The first thing I would do is get a small comb and brush the tassels like you would a doll's hair. What this does is essentially straighten out the tassel and pull out loose yarns so you can see exactly where you need to cut. Next, I make a circle using my index and thumb and place the tassel tightly in between. I like to leave about a centimeter to a centimeter and a half between the base of the head of the tassel and my pinky.
Here, I can easily see all of the threads that are sticking out. This is like cutting hair, you don't want to cut too much because then you're going to end up a short tassel that will not grow back! So you have to be careful with how much you cut. It's better to start small and keep going if you want a shorter pair of tassel. Once I cut, I shake the tassel to see if any loose threads still remain, and give it one last trim.
Wash Your Wayuu Bag
I know I previously said I only hand wash Wayuu bags, but I've actually quite gotten the hang of machine wash under a certain setting! What I like to do first is to stain treat by putting a bit of liquid detergent on the stain and rubbing it in. Then I let it sit.
If the Wayuu bags are really dirty I will let them pre-soak. I usually only machine wash Wayuu bags with woven or braided drawstrings. If you have a drawstring that is twisted, I will recommend tying them safely with a hair tie or whatever you have available. Next, I like to put the strap, the drawstring and the tassels all inside the bag and fold it in half so all the delicate parts of the Wayuu bag are protected. I choose the softest setting which is a quick wash that lasts only 15 minutes on a cold setting.
When's the cycle is over, I let them air-dry for a couple of days.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks on how to to keep your Wayuu bag looking brand new. If you like the video, be sure to give it a thumbs up and I will see you next time!
(VIDEO) How To Clean and Care For A Wayuu Bag
In order to clean your Wayuu bag appropriately, the first thing you should know is the type of fabric it is made with.
I must say that I have seen some sellers claim their Wayuu bags were made of natural fibers and cotton. This is a common misconception and unlike popular belief, no Wayuu bag is made of natural fibers or cotton. After a little bit of investigation, I found out that all original Wayuu bags produced in the region of La Guajira are made from threads of 2 or 3 big thread companies.
The threads sold to make Wayuu bags are acrylic, a synthetic fiber synthetic. Although, it doesn't sound sexy or exotic, it's a much better option than natural fiber.
Learn how to tell the difference between 2T and 1T Wayuu bags
Synthetic fiber is more water repellent and holds color better than natural fibers. Not to mention, it has great durability. If Wayuu bags were made of cotton, they would lose their shape quicker and the color would fade after very quickly.
How to care for your Wayuu bag
So the first thing that I always suggest is to spot clean. Or if it needs a general wash to hand wash it.
I've previously tried to machine wash a Wayuu bags and sometimes the tassels or the drawstrings would get damaged. Learning from my mistakes, I just rather not risk it as it's such a carefully crafted handmade item and just wash it by hand.
If you have a little bit of dirt on the bag it's very easy to wash off as the bag is acrylic and it doesn't soak up the stain as much as a natural fiber like cotton or wool would. Take the spot where you have a little bit of dirt and dampen it with water. You don't have to put a lot of soap. A little bit goes a long way.
I personally like to wear gloves to get a better scrub and work in a nice lather. You don't have to scrub too much so as to not damage the fabric and again, as this is acrylic the stain should wash off quite quickly easily.
Rinse off the soap and hang your bag to dry. In Bogota this usually takes one to two days.
Grooming a Wayuu bag
Once the bag is dry you might want to groom it a little bit, so here I have a pair of scissors and my dog's brush but you can grab any regular comb which would work just as well.
What I do in terms of grooming happens more in the tassel area. I'll brush them to straighten out the threads and I'll check that all the strings are in place.
If there is a string that is poking out or that needs trimming DO NOT trim in a straight line. Instead, place the entire tassel in your fist and let the ends come out between your thumb and index. Squeeze tight and trim away the excess threads.
If you would like to make your tassel shorter what you would do is estimate more or less how short you would like it and place your thumb and index an inch lower than how short you would really want it. Trimming the tassels of a Wayuu bag is like a haircut: the threads lift and fluff up making the tassel look shorter. I like to remove one centimeter at a time so as to not overdo it because unfortunately, unlike hair, tassels don't grow back!
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