Caring for your fabric

 

Fabric is precious, so we've prepared some guidelines to help you maintain your new purchase. We advise pre-washing any washable natural fibers as some shrinkage might occur. Wash these fabrics in the same way you plan to maintain them, including drying.

Separate light and bright colors, as some may bleed in their initial washes. Keep in mind that these tips are general guidelines and variations may apply to different fabrics. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Bandage

High-quality bandage dress material is made from a blend of spandex, nylon, and rayon. This fabric hugs your body like a second skin and stretches to enhance and shape your curves.

 

Washing

Dry Cleaning: If you prefer not to take the risk of washing your dress at home, dry cleaning is a good option. It allows professionals to handle the cleaning, though it can be a bit expensive.

Washing Machine: Washing your dress in a machine can be risky, but if you're willing to try, opt for the coolest and gentlest cycle available. Most machines have a hand-wash setting, which would be ideal.

Hand Washing: The best way to hand wash your dress is in a bathtub. This allows you to lay the dress flat, helping it maintain its shape and elasticity. Use soapy water, submerge the dress a few times, then drain the water and rinse. Avoid wringing or squeezing the dress—simply press out the excess water gently.

Spot Cleaning: For small stains, dampen the area with cold water and lightly apply some soap. Rinse it off and pat the area dry.

Drying
Now that washing is done, let’s talk about drying. Drying your dress is straightforward. Simply lay it flat on a clothes rack or a towel and let it air dry. Be sure to turn it occasionally. Never hang the dress on a hanger while it’s drying, as this can distort its shape and affect its elasticity.

Ironing
It’s best to iron your dress while it’s still slightly damp. Use a low heat setting and turn the dress inside out to avoid leaving any iron marks. If you need to iron the dress when it’s completely dry, place a damp cloth between the dress and the iron.

Storage
Once your dress is clean and ironed, proper storage is key. For dresses with sleeves or straps, hang them on a hanger, but avoid using wire hangers. If the dress is sleeveless or if you have limited closet space, you can lay it flat in a drawer. If you must fold the dress, do so minimally to prevent creases, preserving your ironing efforts. Ideally, keep the dress hung or stored flat with plenty of space around it.


 

Sequin


A sequin is a decorative element made from plastic or metal that is attached to fabrics such as cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic materials. Sequins are commonly found on garments like dresses, skirts, and blouses.

Washing

  • Dry Cleaning
    Clothing adorned with sequins or beads often requires professional dry cleaning, which can be costly.

    • Choose a reputable dry cleaner that specializes in evening gowns or wedding dresses.
    • If possible, provide the dry cleaner with fabric samples to test before cleaning the entire garment.
    • Ensure the dry cleaner uses the ‘F’ (hydrocarbon solvent) method or the Green Earth dry cleaning process.
    • For garments with metal embellishments, consider asking the cleaner to ‘foil’ the decorations to prevent damage or request hand-cleaning. Some cleaners may remove and reattach the decorations before and after cleaning.

  • Hand Washing
    If the garment is suitable for hand washing:

    • Fasten all zippers, buttons, and other closures, and turn the garment inside out.
    • Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water (no hotter than 30°C) and add a gentle detergent made for delicate fabrics.
    • Submerge the garment and wash it with a gentle plunging or swishing motion. Avoid rubbing, as too much agitation can damage the sequins or beads.
    • Rinse the garment thoroughly with cool water until it runs clear.
    • Gently press out excess water without wringing.

  • Machine Washing Beaded/Sequined Garments
    If the garment can be machine washed:

    • Fasten all closures and turn the garment inside out.
    • Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase before washing.
    • Wash separately on a very gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C using a detergent for delicate fabrics.
    • Use the lowest spin cycle setting to prevent damage.
    • After washing, check if any embellishments have come loose.

Drying

  • Lay the inside-out garment on a clean, dry, lint-free towel. Roll it up to absorb excess water, then unroll and repeat with another dry towel if necessary.
  • Turn the garment right side out and lay it flat to air dry.
  • Never use a tumble dryer for beaded or sequined garments, as the heat can melt the sequins and the drum’s motion can cause damage.

Ironing

  • Beaded and sequined garments should not be ironed directly. To remove creases:
    • Turn the garment inside out and use a clothes steamer, keeping the steam wand at least 30cm away from the fabric.
    • Alternatively, hang the garment in a steamy bathroom to relax the wrinkles.
    • Ensure the garment is completely dry before wearing to prevent new creases.

Repair

  • If you notice a loose bead, sequin, or thread, secure it with a few stitches as soon as possible. If many embellishments have come loose, it’s best to have the garment repaired by a professional.

Storage

  • Ensure the garment is clean and aired out before storing.
  • Hang embellished garments on strong, padded, non-slip hangers, using the garment loops to support the weight. Avoid overcrowding in the closet and use a garment cover to keep it clean.
  • For heavy garments, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper, fold carefully, and store them flat.

Satin
Satin is a fabric known for its luxurious, smooth, and lustrous qualities, typically made from silk, rayon, acetate, nylon, polyester, or a blend.

Washing

  • Hand washing is the safest method for satin.
  • Add a small amount of delicate wash detergent to cool water in a basin or sink.
  • Submerge the item and gently move it around to distribute the soap evenly. Let it soak for up to 30 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed.
  • Do not wring the fabric; instead, gently press the water out.

Drying

  • Air drying is the best option for satin fabrics. Never wring out satin to remove water.
  • Remove excess water by placing the item on a dry towel, rolling it up, and applying gentle pressure. Unroll and lay the item flat on a new dry towel to air dry.

Ironing

  • Ironing satin requires special care. Use a warm iron without steam.
  • Always press on the wrong side of the fabric, and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the satin. A thin cotton cloth like a handkerchief works well.
  • Direct contact with a hot iron can leave marks or damage the fabric.

Storage

  • Satin garments like skirts or dresses can be hung, but avoid using clips that might leave marks.
  • Store items clean and use breathable cotton garment bags to protect against bugs.
  • Avoid plastic storage, as it can trap moisture and cause yellowing or mildew.

Polyester


Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is easy to wash, making it a low-maintenance fabric. Follow these simple steps for washing and caring for polyester.

Washing

  • Polyester can be machine washed. Use a normal cycle with warm or cool water and a suitable detergent.
  • Wash polyester items like jackets with similar colors and fabrics.
  • For extra brightness, add a capful of all-purpose bleach alternative during the wash cycle.

Drying

  • Air dry or tumble dry on medium heat. Polyester can be tumble dried, but avoid high heat.
  • Polyester generally resists wrinkles, but if needed, iron at a low temperature or steam the garment.

Ironing

  • Though polyester resists wrinkling, heavy creases can be stubborn.
  • Iron with steam on a medium heat setting or use a clothing steamer to smooth out wrinkles.

Storage

  • Polyester garments can be hung or folded. Avoid folding tightly to prevent wrinkles.
  • Store in a plastic tub or garment bag for long-term protection, ensuring items are dry before storing.
  • Loosely knit polyester items should be folded and placed in drawers, while woven or tightly knit garments can be hung.