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How To Keep Your Delicate Clothing in Good Shape

Delicate fabrics are beautiful. From silk and lace to cashmere and organza, these materials are perfect for making date-night outfits work or just looking your best every day. However, there’s a catch: these fabrics don’t take kindly to the washer and dryer, so they often end up looking worn and tattered sooner than you’d like. Here, we’re revealing how to keep your delicate clothing in good shape, wear after wear and wash after wash.

Read the Care Labels

Those little care labels aren’t suggestions; they’re instructions designed to give your clothing the longest life. Look for symbols that indicate whether the garment should be hand-washed, machine-washed on a gentle cycle, or dry-cleaned.

Pro Tip

If you’re unsure about a symbol, Google it before putting your clothing at risk. A few seconds of research can save you from heartbreak.

Hand Washing Is Your Best Friend

Hand washing might sound tedious, but it’s usually the safest way to clean delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or cashmere. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Fill your sink or tub with warm water (never hot).

2. Mix in some gentle detergent.

3. Swirl your garment around for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Pro Tip

Avoid wringing out your clothing. Instead, gently press out the water using your hands, or lay the clothing flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb excess moisture.

Use the Right Tools in the Washing Machine

If hand washing feels like too much effort, your washing machine can still come in handy—as long as you approach with caution. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect your delicate clothing from snagging. Also, make sure to set your machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.

Air-Dry Everything

Heat is the enemy of delicate fabrics. Regardless of how you wash your fragile garments, avoid the tumble dryer altogether and air-dry instead. Lay your pieces flat on a dry towel or hang them from a padded hanger to maintain their shape.

Pro Tip

Keep your clothes out of direct sunlight while drying to prevent fading.

Store With Care

Caring for your delicate clothing doesn’t end at washing. Proper storage is essential to keep it in good shape. Fold knits to avoid stretching, and use hangers with padded or velvet arms for garments that need to hang.

You can also place your items in breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and moths.

Love Your Wardrobe Long-Term

With these simple steps, you can keep your favorite pieces looking as good as new for years to come. Next time you slip into that silk blouse or lace maxi dress, you’ll feel confident knowing your wardrobe is in top-notch condition.