You invested in a beautiful dress. Here is how to make it last — fabric by fabric, with specific care instructions for each.
Satin Dress Care
Washing
- Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, OR dry clean.
- Never machine wash — agitation damages the weave.
- Do not wring. Gently press water out.
Drying
- Lay flat on a towel to air dry.
- Never tumble dry — heat damages satin permanently.
Ironing
- Iron on the lowest setting, inside out.
- Better: use a steamer. Steam removes wrinkles without direct contact.
Storage
- Hang on a padded hanger (wire hangers leave marks).
- Cover with a garment bag to prevent dust and light exposure.
Velvet Dress Care
Washing
- Dry clean is the safest option.
- If hand washing: cold water, very gentle, inside out. Do not rub.
Wrinkle Removal
- NEVER iron velvet directly. The heat crushes the pile permanently.
- Use a garment steamer held 6 inches away.
- For stubborn marks, hang in the bathroom while showering — the steam helps.
Storage
- Hang, never fold. Folding creates permanent creases in velvet.
- Use padded or velvet hangers (slippery satin hangers cause velvet to slide).
Sequin Dress Care
Washing
- Hand wash inside out in cold water with mild soap.
- Or dry clean (specify "sequin garment" to the cleaner).
- Never machine wash — sequins snag on everything.
Storage
- Store in a cotton garment bag — plastic traps moisture.
- Avoid hanging long-term — heavy sequins stretch the fabric. Fold gently with tissue paper between layers.
Repair
- Loose sequin? A dot of fabric glue fixes it in seconds.
- Keep 2-3 spare sequins from the hem — they often come with the dress.
Universal Dress Care Rules
- Treat stains immediately. Blot (never rub) with cold water.
- Rotate your dresses. Wearing the same dress repeatedly concentrates wear.
- Remove jewelry before dressing. Necklace clasps and rings catch on delicate fabrics.
- Let perfume dry before dressing. Alcohol in fragrance stains satin and discolors sequins.
