How to Care for Chiffon and Satin Dresses

A little care goes a long way. Light fabrics like chiffon and satin keep their colour, shape and drape for much longer when they are washed and stored properly. Here are our simple tips.

Always check the care label first. It is the most reliable guide for each garment. The tips below are general advice for the light, flowing fabrics used in many dresses.

Washing

• Use cold water. Heat can fade colours and weaken delicate fibres. Hand washing or a delicate machine cycle at 30 °C or below is usually best.
• Turn the dress inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction.
• Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener on satin, which can leave marks.
• Wash dark and printed dresses separately the first few times.

Drying

• Air dry only. Avoid the tumble dryer, which can shrink or damage delicate fabrics.
• Gently press out excess water with a towel – never wring the dress.
• Hang it on a padded hanger or lay it flat, away from direct sunlight to protect the colours.

Ironing and steaming

• Iron at a low temperature, with the dress inside out.
• For chiffon and satin, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
• A clothes steamer is ideal for removing creases from flowing skirts and pleats – or simply hang the dress in the bathroom while you shower.

Storing

• Hang long dresses so the skirt doesn't crease; fold very long maxi dresses over the hanger bar to avoid stretching the straps.
• Use a breathable garment cover rather than plastic.
• Keep pleated dresses hanging so the pleats stay sharp.

Removing small stains

Act quickly: blot (don't rub) with a clean, damp cloth and a little mild soap, then rinse with cold water. For delicate fabrics or large stains, a professional cleaner is the safest option.

Each of our product pages includes the care instructions for that dress. Discover our maxi dresses and midi dresses.