Dress Care
Different dress fabrics need different care, and reading the label is the first rule. This hub explains how to wash, dry, press and store dresses so they last and keep their shape. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Washing
Reading the Care Label
The symbols that set how a dress should be cleaned.
What to do
Always follow the sewn-in care symbols for wash temperature, bleaching, drying, ironing and dry cleaning before anything else.
Why it matters
The label reflects the fabric and trims, so it overrides any general rule.
Machine Washing
Cleaning sturdy dresses safely in the machine.
What to do
Wash jersey, cotton and viscose dresses on a cool, gentle cycle, ideally inside out and in a bag for delicate detail.
Why it matters
Cool, gentle washing protects colour and shape. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Hand Washing
Gently cleaning delicate dresses by hand.
What to do
Hand wash silk, lace and embellished dresses in cool water with a mild detergent, pressing rather than wringing.
Why it matters
It protects fine fabrics and trims that a machine would damage.
Dry Clean Only
When a dress should go to a professional cleaner.
What to do
Take structured, lined or beaded occasion dresses labelled dry clean only to a professional rather than washing at home.
Why it matters
Water can shrink linings, warp structure or loosen trims on these dresses.
Drying and pressing
Air Drying
Drying dresses flat or hung to keep their shape.
What to do
Dry most dresses away from direct heat, laying knits flat and hanging wovens to avoid stretching.
Why it matters
Tumble heat can shrink and misshape, so air drying is safest.
Ironing
Pressing out creases at the right heat.
What to do
Iron on the setting matched to the fabric, using a cloth over delicate or shiny fabrics and pressing inside out.
Why it matters
Too much heat can scorch or glaze fabric, so match the setting to the fibre.
Steaming
Refreshing and de-creasing without direct contact.
What to do
Use a steamer to lift creases from hanging dresses, especially delicate or pleated fabrics.
Why it matters
Steam relaxes creases gently and is safer than a hot iron on fine fabric.
Storage
Hanging Storage
Storing dresses on the right hanger.
What to do
Hang wovens and structured dresses on padded or shaped hangers, and use straps loops where fitted.
Why it matters
The right hanger stops shoulder bumps and keeps the shape.
Folding Storage
Storing knits folded to avoid stretching.
What to do
Fold heavy knit and jersey dresses rather than hanging them, so they do not drop and stretch.
Why it matters
Hanging weight pulls knits out of shape over time.
Seasonal Storage
Putting occasion dresses away between wears.
What to do
Store cleaned occasion dresses in breathable garment bags, away from damp and direct light.
Why it matters
Clean, breathable storage prevents stains setting and colours fading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine wash a dress?
Sturdy jersey, cotton and viscose dresses can usually be machine washed on a cool, gentle cycle inside out. Silk, lace, beaded and structured occasion dresses should be hand washed or dry cleaned. Always check the label first.
How do I stop a knit dress losing its shape?
Wash knit dresses cool and gentle, dry them flat rather than hung, and store them folded. Hanging a heavy knit lets its own weight stretch it out of shape over time.
How should I store an occasion dress?
Clean it first, then store it in a breathable garment bag on a padded hanger, away from damp and direct light. This stops stains setting, shoulders bumping and colours fading between wears.