A dress is an investment — in quality, in craftsmanship, in the way it makes you feel. Caring for it properly is not a chore; it is a form of respect for something beautiful. Here is everything you need to know to keep your dresses looking as extraordinary as the day you first wore them.
The Golden Rules of Dress Care
Before we go fabric by fabric, three principles apply universally:
- Always read the care label. It is the definitive guide to what your specific garment needs. When in doubt, follow it precisely.
- Act on stains immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Blot (never rub) with a clean cloth and cold water as soon as possible.
- When in doubt, hand wash or dry clean. It is always better to be cautious with a piece you love.
Fabric by Fabric: Your Care Guide
Chiffon
Chiffon is delicate and requires gentle handling. Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use a machine's delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Never wring — press gently between clean towels to remove excess water. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight. Steam rather than iron; if ironing is necessary, use the lowest heat setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
Satin and Silk
Satin and silk are the most luxurious and the most demanding. Dry cleaning is the safest option for structured pieces. For simpler styles, hand wash in cool water with a specialist silk detergent. Never use hot water — it will damage the fibres. Dry flat or hang immediately; never tumble dry. Iron on the lowest setting, inside out, while slightly damp.
Lace
Lace is intricate and fragile. Hand washing is strongly recommended — use cool water and a gentle detergent, and handle with extreme care to avoid snagging. If machine washing, use a mesh bag on the most delicate cycle available. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape. Never wring or twist lace fabric.
Velvet
Velvet requires special attention to preserve its distinctive pile. Dry cleaning is recommended for most velvet garments. If hand washing is necessary, use cool water and minimal agitation. Never iron velvet directly — steam it by holding a steamer a few centimetres from the surface, or hang in a steamy bathroom. Store hanging to prevent crushing the pile.
Crepe
Crepe is more forgiving than many formal fabrics. Many crepe dresses can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle. Check the care label — some crepe blends are fully machine washable. Hang to dry and steam or iron on a medium heat setting. Crepe responds well to steaming, which also removes any travel creases beautifully.
Cotton and Linen
The most practical of summer fabrics. Most cotton and linen dresses can be machine washed on a cool or warm cycle. Be aware that linen can shrink slightly in hot water — always wash cool for the first few washes. Iron while slightly damp for the crispest finish, or embrace the natural texture of linen as it dries.
Storage: Protecting Your Investment
How you store your dresses matters as much as how you wash them.
- Hang, don't fold delicate and structured dresses to preserve their shape and drape.
- Use padded or velvet hangers for silk, satin, and chiffon to prevent shoulder marks and slipping.
- Store in breathable garment bags — never plastic — to protect from dust while allowing air circulation.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading, particularly for rich jewel tones and deep blacks.
- Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are a natural and elegant way to deter moths without harsh chemicals.
A Note on Our Pieces
Every dress in our collections is chosen for its quality and longevity. Whether you are caring for a piece from our Elegant Chic edit, a celebration dress from our Party collection, or a summer favourite from our Summer Collection, the care you give it will ensure it remains as beautiful as the first time you wore it.
Dress well. Care well. Wear often.