Quick Answer
Hand wash your lace gown in cool water with a gentle lingerie detergent, then lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing, bleach, and machine drying to preserve the lace and shape.
Why Lace Gowns Need Special Care
Lace is a delicate fabric that can snag, stretch, or lose its shape if handled roughly. Gowns like the Duchess Gown feature intricate floral lace and scalloped edges that require gentle treatment to maintain their beauty. The Lisbon Gown's 3D embroidery also benefits from careful washing to keep the details crisp.
Machine washing and drying can cause lace to fray, pill, or shrink. By following a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your gown and keep it looking as stunning as the day you bought it.
What You'll Need
To care for your lace gown properly, gather these supplies: a mild lingerie detergent (free of bleach and enzymes), a clean basin or sink, cool water, a soft towel, and a flat drying rack or clean surface. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can coat the lace fibers and reduce breathability.
Step-by-Step Lace Gown Care
- 1. Pre-Treat Stains Gently: Dab any stains with a drop of lingerie detergent and cool water using your fingertip. Do not rub or scrub, as this can damage the lace fibers. Let the detergent sit for 5 minutes before washing. Avoid using stain removers with bleach or enzymes; they can discolor or weaken lace.
- 2. Hand Wash in Cool Water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of lingerie detergent. Submerge the gown and gently swirl it for 2-3 minutes. Do not twist, wring, or bunch the fabric. Focus on areas that collect body oils, like the neckline and underarms. Hot water can shrink or distort lace and chiffon. Always use cool water.
- 3. Rinse Thoroughly Without Agitation: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh cool water. Gently press the gown underwater to remove detergent. Repeat until no suds remain. Avoid lifting the gown by the lace; support it from the seams or straps. Residual detergent can attract dirt and cause yellowing over time.
- 4. Remove Excess Water with a Towel: Lay the gown flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the gown inside and press gently to absorb moisture. Do not twist or squeeze the gown directly. Unroll and remove the gown. Never wring out a lace gown; the twisting motion can break delicate threads.
- 5. Lay Flat to Dry Away from Heat: Place the gown on a drying rack or a fresh towel, reshaping the lace and skirt to their original form. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or heaters. Allow it to air dry completely, which may take several hours. Hanging a wet lace gown can stretch it out of shape, especially the straps and neckline.
- 6. Store Flat or on a Padded Hanger: Once dry, fold the gown gently and store it in a drawer or on a padded hanger in a cool, dry closet. Avoid wire hangers, which can snag lace. For long-term storage, use a breathable garment bag. Plastic dry-cleaning bags trap moisture and can cause mildew; use fabric or mesh bags instead.
Gowns That Love a Little Extra Care
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Duchess Gown: Radiating romance, this classic Duchess Gown softly wraps its chiffon skirt around. Its delicate V-neck features a stunning floral lace that beautifully scallops to the back. The chiffon skirt and lace trim are prone to snagging, so hand washing is essential to protect the delicate scalloped edges.
Duchess Gown
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Lisbon Gown: The Lisbon Gown is a timeless piece that brings out beauty, sensuality, and romance. With its strategically designed 3D embroidery, this gown dares a close inspection. The 3D embroidery can loosen or distort in a machine, so gentle hand washing keeps the design intact and the gown looking luxurious.
Lisbon Gown
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Amour Gown: Become obsessed with our Amour Floor-Length Gown. Made with a beautiful stretch lace, this addictively soft silhouette brings out curves you didn't even know you had with its body-hugging fit. Stretch lace is more prone to losing elasticity if exposed to heat or agitation, so cool water and flat drying help maintain its shape and fit.
