The details that make a dress special, such as a boned bodice, a hand-shaped bow, quilting or padded cups, are also the details that can be damaged by a careless wash. The good news is that a few habits protect almost all of them.
Always follow the care label on your own dress first. The tips below reflect the care notes on the Meant For You product pages and general garment-care practice.
Five habits that protect any structured dress
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle, or hand wash.
- Put the dress in a mesh laundry bag if you machine wash.
- Never wring or twist. Press the water out gently.
- Air dry flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight.
- Iron on low heat and keep the iron off padded, boned or decorated areas. Avoid bleach.
Care by construction
Boning and padding (Amara, Heartstring)
Amara has a boned bustier and built-in padding, so hand washing is recommended. If you machine wash, use a gentle cold cycle in a mesh bag. Avoid pulling on the boning. Heartstring has built-in bust padding as well; hand wash or use a gentle cold cycle, and air dry flat or on a padded hanger so the padding keeps its shape.
Bows and lace (Knotty Affair)
Knotty Affair’s hand-shaped bow and scalloped lace need protecting. Hand wash, or use a gentle cold cycle in a mesh bag. Air dry on a hanger, then reshape the bow gently by hand. Iron on low to medium heat and keep the iron away from the bow and lace.
Quilting and embroidery (Daisy Days)
Daisy Days is machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle. Turn it inside out and use a mesh bag to protect the embroidery. Do not tumble dry. Air dry flat or on a hanger, iron on low heat inside out or with a cloth, and store it on a padded hanger.
Satin and corsage (Dotty Darling)
Dotty Darling’s satin and hand-tacked rosette are sensitive to friction. Hand wash, or use a gentle cold cycle in a mesh bag. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents, which can dull the sheen. Air dry on a padded hanger and keep the iron off the corsage.
Corset lacing and collars (Kaya)
Unlace the back corset ties before washing, turn the dress inside out and use a gentle cold cycle. Air dry on a hanger. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp for the crispest collar and cuffs.
Rayon and ruffles (Heartstring)
Rayon can weaken when wet, so don’t wring it. Use a mesh bag to protect the ruffle tiers from snagging, and iron on low heat, avoiding the pleats, ruffles and padded area.
Bubble skirt and stripes (Riviera)
Hand wash is recommended, or a gentle cold cycle in a mesh bag so the double layers don’t tangle. Do not tumble dry. Iron on low heat from the reverse side to protect the stripe weave.
Storing structured dresses
- Use padded hangers for quilted, padded or boned dresses.
- Keep dresses out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t crush bows, ruffles or corsages under other garments.
Ashwit’s Styling Note
A structured dress is built in layers: shell fabric, lining, padding, boning and trims. Each layer reacts to water and heat differently. The gentlest method is usually the safest one for the whole garment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine wash a dress with boning?
Check the care label. Where hand washing is recommended, follow it. If you do machine wash, use a mesh bag and a gentle cold cycle.
How do I dry a padded dress?
Press out excess water, then air dry flat or on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight, so the padding keeps its shape.
Can I tumble dry a structured dress?
Most of the dresses above are best air dried. Always check the care label before using a dryer.
How often should I wash a dress?
Only when it needs it. Airing a dress between wears and spot treating small marks can extend the time between full washes.
Keep reading
Every Meant For You product page lists fabric and care details. Browse the collection and read the wash notes before you choose.
Shop the full collectionSimply Yours!