Western dresses are a one-piece solution to the ‘what to wear’ dilemma, especially for casual outfits and daily wear. Since dresses minimize the need to put together different pieces, they are a one-and-done solution that everyone loves. Flowy and short dresses are great for the spring and summer as they allow for air circulation with the rising temperature. Full-length and bodycon dresses, on the other hand, are better during the winter months.
While dresses help you look stylish all year round, it’s important to return the favor by taking good care of them. This way, you can retain the brand-new look for a long time. Keep reading as this guide will help you pick the right way to wash your dresses.
Care Tips For Dress Fabrics:
- Cotton: Light and breezy, cotton dresses will help you stay comfortable in the summer. However, you should consider sizing up while buying pure cotton dresses as they could shrink after the first wash. To avoid this, wash it in cold water. You can iron cotton at medium to high temperatures, but ensure there are no rubber or foil prints that may get damaged.
- Georgette: The lightweight georgette fabric adds movement and flow. This type of dress is ideal for spring and summer as it’s lightweight. Wash it in lukewarm water for hard stains and use cold water otherwise. Machine washing must be done on a gentle cycle and ironing at the lowest temperature.
- Satin: The lustrous and delicate satin should be washed in cold water with a mild detergent. Washing it on a spin or tumble dry cycle in a washing machine is not recommended, and hand-washing is the best method. The plush fabric does not require softeners or other similar products. Make sure to cover it with a towel while ironing at a low setting.
- Silk: Pure silk should be hand-washed using cold water. Air dry the delicate fabric away from direct sunlight to avoid discolouration. Opt for a steamer instead of an iron to gently remove wrinkles.
- Lace: Delicate fabrics made of thin thread or with perforation have higher chances of getting damaged when rubbed against hooks and clasps from other clothing. Always wash your lace dresses in a mesh bag to avoid snagging and store them away from clothes with sharp embellishments.
- Sequin: Special occasion dresses with sequins should be washed inside out as the fabric has an inner lining that will protect the sequins. Air dry the dress, away from direct sunlight, and it will be as good as new. Do not iron or steam such dresses as the heat could damage the sequins.
- Denim: If maintained properly, denim can last you for years and you should take gentle care of your denim dresses. Using harsh chemicals and softeners while washing can break down the fabric and affect its durability.
- Organza: Most organza dresses will come with a dry-clean-only tag and you should follow the label. To clean at home, hand-washing organza dresses should be your best option. Make sure to remove all soap residue and hang to dry.
- Knitted: Strictly wash knitwear using cold water to avoid warping or shrinkage. Wash it by hand and lay it flat to dry on a towel. Dab with another towel to remove excess water and do not wring or scrub the dresses.
- Faux Leather: You can machine wash faux leather dresses on a delicate cycle and dry them on low spin. To hand wash, place it underway and wipe away any dirt or stains. Hang it to dry and keep it away from moisture.
Additional Things To Note:
- Washing: Use mild detergent to elongate the life of your fabrics and wash with cold or lukewarm water so the colors stay vibrant. Separate the whites and light colors from black and darker shades to avoid bleeding. Delicate clothes with embellishments should be washed with a mesh bag. Dry the dresses on a rack or hang them to air dry away from direct sunlight. Choose hand-washing delicate and special occasion dresses over a machine wash.
- Spot Treatment: Immediately remove food stains by lightly dabbing the area with a tissue to absorb oils and a soap to remove the rest. Once wet after spot cleaning, either wash the garment or let the spot air dry. Follow similar steps for make-up or sweat stains as they will only intensify if you don’t tend to them right away.
- Drying In Different Seasons: When the sun is at its peak, dry clothes in a shaded area away from the direct rays. Clothes dried under the harsh sun feel warm and fluffy, but the exposure could lead to discolouration and make colors fade. In cold temperatures, hang the clothes to dry indoors in a space with ventilation. While this may take long, refrain from using the iron to speed up the process and it could cause damage. If you must in emergencies, put a towel over damp dresses and iron at a low temperature.
- Storage: Ensure your wooden wardrobes are not prone to retain moisture which could cause mold growth in clothes. Fold the dresses as opposed to hanging them for long periods of time, as storing dresses using hangers could cause the fabric to stretch.
Conclusion:
As dresses are used for daily wear and casual outfits, it is important to maintain them with care to elongate their life. Cold water and mild detergents suit most fabrics, while bleach and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Drying clothes in direct sunlight can cause discolouration. Dresses bought for special occasions will have separate needs and considering the fabric will help you find the best way to wash them. While the above tips should help with cleaning many types of dresses for each season, you should also refer to the care instructions printed on the labels. Many dresses are made of blended fabrics or will have different prints and embellishments that the label instructions consider. Not following the wash and care instructions carefully could damage the fabric and cause the colors or prints to fade.
