Party season is well and truly upon us, and we all know what that means - satins, sequins, and the occasional stain! 

Caring for delicate fabrics during the party season isn’t for the faint-hearted, but with the right knowledge, the proper supplies and a little determination, your festive wardrobe can sparkle brighter than ever before! 

Whether it’s a silver sequin dress for your work Christmas party, or a rouge chiffon scarf for New Year's Eve, delicate fabrics really do steal the show at this time of year. 

As stunning as they are, delicate fabrics require a little extra consideration when it comes to care and cleaning, which is why I’ve put together an expert guide to ensure your favourite pieces last for many more years to come. 

UNDERSTANDING CARE LABELS

Before you do anything, always check the garment care label carefully and follow its instructions to the letter. This will ensure that your favourite party season garments remain in pristine condition year after year. 

Skipping this oh-so-important step can lead to irreversible damage, such as shrinking, stretching, or fading. This is particularly devastating for special-occasion pieces made from fragile materials like silk, lace, chiffon, or embellished fabrics, where even a small mistake can ruin the delicate fibres or intricate detailing.

HOW TO CLEAN DELICATE FABRICS

Once you’ve checked and double-checked the instructions on the care label, you can wash accordingly. Whether hand washing with delicate detergent, using the gentle cycle on your machine, or entrusting the garment to a professional dry cleaner, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and treat these fabrics as more delicate than they may appear. 

Special tip: Need a gentle detergent for delicate fabrics? Try our Delicates Laundry Liquid Hand Wash Detergent - it’s perfect for keeping your special garments soft and beautiful. 

HOW TO WASH SEQUINS

To wash sequins, always start by turning the garment inside out and hand-washing it gently in lukewarm water, with a splash of delicate laundry detergent. Sequined garments bring a touch of sparkle and glamour to any outfit, but their delicate embellishments need to be treated with the utmost care to keep them looking beautiful.

Machine washing is best avoided, as the heat, water pressure, and friction can easily damage sequins, causing them to curl, loosen, or even melt. This is particularly true when sequins are glued rather than stitched - a common method for eveningwear and Christmas party pieces.

CHECK THE CARE LABEL FIRST

Some sequin garments are non-washable (even by hand), so it is imperative that you check the care label to ensure that it can be washed. A non-washable symbol shows a bowl of water with a cross through the middle. 

If your garment displays this symbol, do not attempt to wash it yourself. Instead, you can refresh the fabric between wears to keep it looking, smelling, and feeling fresh without risking damage. 

A fabric refresher spray is a simple solution, or you can try airing the garment out by hanging it in a cool, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight. This helps to remove trapped odours and moisture naturally.

Another gentle method is to hang the garment in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes. The light steam will help to loosen wrinkles and refresh the fabric without applying direct heat or water exposure, which could damage the sequins.

If the garment needs a deeper clean, it’s best to take it to a professional dry cleaner. Specialist cleaners will know how to treat delicate sequined fabrics safely, without the risk of shrinking the fabric or damaging the sequins.

HAND WASHING SEQUINS

If the care label confirms that hand washing is safe, here’s how to do it properly:

1. Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water (no hotter than 30℃) and add a small amount of delicate laundry liquid. Do not add fabric conditioner, as this can make the sequins wrinkle, cause them to fade, or make them more likely to fall off.
2. Turn the sequin garment inside out to protect the embellishments and gently submerge it in the water. Swirl it around, gently manipulating it in the water, without stretching, twisting or wringing it.
3. After about 10-15 minutes of gently moving the garment in the water, rinse with cool water until all soap suds have disappeared and remove to dry.
   

HOW TO DRY SEQUINS

To dry sequin garments, lay the item flat between two clean, dry, highly absorbent towels. Do ensure that it is kept away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as this heat can disrupt the drying process, causing the delicate fibres to shrink and the sequins to warp, melt, or lose their shape. 

Once most of the water has been absorbed by the towels, carefully transfer the garment onto a fresh dry towel, and leave it to air dry naturally. Avoid hanging the garment whilst it is wet, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and even pull sequins loose.

Allow the garment to become bone dry before storing it away, as even small amounts of moisture that remain in the garment can increase the risk of the fabric developing mildew or mould. 

Sequin garments should never be ironed directly, as the heat can cause the plastic sequins to melt and damage the delicate stitches underneath. Instead, a Handheld Clothes Steamer is the perfect solution, as it releases wrinkles gently without risking damage to the sequins or stitches.

STEAMING SEQUIN GARMENTS

To steam sequin garments safely:

1. Hang the garment on a Rubber Non-Slip Hanger, away from direct sunlight.
2. Hold the steamer about 3 inches away from the garment, and watch the creases drop out, as you use long, sweeping strokes from high to low. 
   
3. For very stubborn wrinkles on areas without sequins, you may very carefully press the reverse side of the fabric using the lowest heat setting on your iron. Place a thin cotton cloth or pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric for added protection. Never allow the iron to come into contact with sequins or embellishments.
   

HOW TO WASH CHIFFON

To wash chiffon, you should ideally hand-wash with cool or lukewarm water, using a small amount of delicate laundry liquid. Washing chiffon in hot water is likely to cause it to shrink, as the heat activates the delicate fibres, tightening the weave and contracting the fabric. Fabric conditioner should not be used on chiffon, as it can leave a waxy residue on the fibres and could affect the natural drape of the fabric. 

Before washing, you should always check the label and follow the directions meticulously, as this takes into account any other materials that are included in the garment. 

To hand-wash chiffon garments and keep them in ideal condition, you should:

1. Fill up a clean bowl with cool water, no hotter than 20℃ and add about 15ml of laundry liquid under the running tap, using your hand to froth up the water.
2. Gently submerge the garment, swirling it softly in the water, taking care not to scrub or ring it, as this is likely to damage the fibres.
3. After about 15 minutes of gently manipulating the chiffon in the water, rinse with clean, cool water until the soap is completely gone.
   

HOW TO DRY CHIFFON

Gently squeeze out excess water (without twisting or wringing it), and lay it flat between two clean, dry towels to dry. 

Once the garment is mostly dry, place it over a non-slip hanger and hang away from heat and direct sunlight to finish drying. This ensures the chiffon dries evenly, reducing the risk of stretching, misshaping, or puckering, and helps the fabric retain its natural drape and soft, flowing appearance. 

For finishing touches, you can lightly steam the garment on a low setting to remove any remaining creases, taking care not to overheat the delicate fibres.

HOW TO WASH VELVET

To wash velvet, you should first check the care label to see whether the garment should be hand-washed, machine-washed, or dry cleaned, as this luxurious fabric is incredibly delicate and easily damaged if washed incorrectly.

Many velvet items, especially pure silk velvet, are dry-clean only, while polyester or crushed velvet can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle.

If the label confirms that machine washing is suitable, follow these simple steps for incredible results:

1. Turn the garment inside out to protect its short, upright fibres, known as the “pile”. It’s these fibres that give velvet its soft, luxurious texture, so protecting these is crucial for the overall quality and finish of the garment.
2. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to minimise friction and prevent snagging during the wash cycle.
3. Select a gentle cycle with cold water and use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Cold water helps prevent shrinking, colour fading, and pile distortion.
4. Wash separately or with similar fabrics to avoid lint transfer, which can cling to velvet’s surface and be difficult to remove.
5. Avoid fabric softeners, as these can weaken the fibres and cause the texture to flatten or lose its lustre.
   

HOW TO DRY VELVET

To dry velvet, do not wring or twist the garment, as this can damage the pile and cause micro-creasing, flattening or permanent marks in the fabric. Instead, gently press out any excess water, and lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. This helps the fibres retain their soft, luxurious texture and prevents distortion of the fabric’s signature pile.

Ensure the velvet garment is kept away from direct sunlight or extreme heat exposure, as this can cause the velvet to shrink or fade. 

You should avoid ironing velvet, as this can burn and flatten the upright fibres that give velvet its smooth, light-reflecting quality. For stubborn creases, hang the garment on a non-slip hanger and use a handheld steamer, holding it a few inches away and moving in slow, gentle strokes. 

This method relaxes the fibres and restores the pile without crushing or damaging the fabric.

HOW TO STORE DELICATE FABRICS LONG TERM

When it comes to storing delicate fabrics long-term, a little thought and care go a long way. Party-season favourites like sequins, chiffon and velvet are beautiful but sensitive, and improper storage can cause creasing, colour fading, stretching, or damage to fibres and embellishments. 

With the right approach, however, your most treasured festive garments can stay in pristine condition for many years to come.

HOW TO STORE CHIFFON

To store chiffon, hang your garments on non-slip hangers and cover them with breathable Cotton Garment Storage Bags to protect against moths and dust buildup. Ensure you leave plenty of space around your hung storage bags to give the garment good access to ventilation - helping it stay fresher for longer. 

For extra freshness, you could consider placing a Cedarwood Hanging Sachet on the rail next to your chiffon garment, as this will act as an extra deterrent against those pesky moths, and leave your clothes smelling wonderful.

When storing accessories and smaller chiffon items that are harder to hang, you can carefully fold these, crease to crease, placing Acid-Free Tissue Paper in between each fold to absorb moisture, prevent colour transfer and stop the fabric from sticking together. 

Once folded, place these smaller chiffon garments into Travel Packing Cubes, to keep them safe from dust, moisture and moths. 

HOW TO STORE SEQUINS

The best way to store sequined garments is to fold them carefully, as their weight makes them prone to stretching and loosening of sequins and other embellishments.

To protect the fabric and preserve the sparkle, place acid-free tissue paper between folds. This prevents pressure marks and keeps the sequins looking flawless over time. 

Once folded, store your sequined garments in a breathable, Knitwear & T-Shirt Storage Bag to protect them from dust, light, and the dreaded Clothes Moth. To be extra safe, store this away in a cool, dark place, away from humidity and direct sunlight, to preserve the sequins’ sparkle and prevent discolouration.

Finally, if you’re storing sequined garments for longer periods of time, you could go the extra mile and add a Cedarwood Blend Drawer Sachet, which will leave your garments smelling fresh for months and provide extra protection against moths.

By following these simple storage steps, your sequined pieces will stay sparkling and intact, ready to dazzle for years to come.

HOW TO STORE VELVET

Before storing velvet, it’s worth giving the fabric a gentle once-over with a velvet brush to lift dust and keep the pile looking smooth and fresh. This is especially important after the busy party season, when garments have been worn multiple times!

To store velvet, carefully hang each piece on a non-slip hanger and cover it with a breathable, Non-Woven Garment Bag. Folding velvet is never recommended because the weight of the fabric can squash the pile, leaving permanent creases and ruining its super soft texture.

Avoid overcrowding in your wardrobe, as velvet needs space to hang freely so that air can circulate around each garment, which helps to preserve the pile and prevents crushing of the fibres. 

For extra freshness, consider adding a Ceramic Hanging Infuser to the hanger. These porous infusers release subtle, yet refreshing scents and help deter moths, keeping your velvet garments smelling lovely and free from moth holes.

For an extra touch of expert care, gently rotate your velvet items every few months. This ensures that the pile wears evenly and prevents one area from becoming compressed over time. Small habits like these can make a real difference, keeping your luxurious velvet dresses, jackets, and tops looking as rich and sumptuous as the day you bought them.

DEALING WITH STAINS IN DELICATE FABRICS

REMOVING STAINS FROM CHIFFON

To remove stains from chiffon, act quickly and treat the fabric with extreme care to avoid damaging its delicate weave. Chiffon is a gorgeous fabric to wear during the party season, but its fine fibres can easily fray or warp if not cared for properly, so a gentle approach is essential.

1. As soon as you notice a stain, use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to blot the area gently. Avoid rubbing, as this is likely to push the stain deeper and risk damaging the fibres.
2. Mix a tiny amount of delicate detergent (no more than half a teaspoon) with cool water and patch test it on a hidden seam, using a cotton bud, to ensure there is no transfer of colour.
3. Dip a lint-free cloth into the solution and dab the stain gently. For oily marks like makeup, try sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch over the stain first, leave it for 10 minutes, then brush it away before dabbing the stain with the solution.
4. Run cool water over the reverse side of the fabric so the stain is pushed outward rather than deeper into the fibres.
5. Lay the chiffon flat between two towels until most of the moisture is gone, then hang it on a non-slip hanger to air dry fully.

Acting quickly and gently is usually enough to save the day; however, if the stain lingers or if you’re unsure, it’s best to take your chiffon garment to a professional cleaner, who will be able to remove the stain without risk of damage.

REMOVING STAINS FROM SEQUINS 

To remove stains from sequins, treat the garment gently and avoid using too much water or friction; otherwise, you risk loosening or detaching the embellishments. Sequins are beautifully delicate and bring the wow factor to your wardrobe, but harsh cleaning methods can easily ruin your best party pieces.

1. First, check the care label. If it has a “do not wash” symbol, don’t try to treat it at home - instead, take it straight to a trusted dry cleaner.
2. Turn the garment inside out and lightly shake it, or use a soft brush on the reverse side to remove any loose dirt or dust. This prevents dirt or other particles from being pressed further into the fabric during cleaning.
3. Mix a drop of delicate detergent with cool water and dab the stain gently with a well-rung-out, lint-free cloth, ideally from the underside of the fabric.
4. Once you’ve dabbed the fabric with a little detergent mixture, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soapy residue, taking care not to saturate the fabric.
5. Lay the garment flat on a towel to dry naturally, away from heat or sunlight. Avoid hanging until it’s completely dry to prevent stretching.

Sometimes sequins can come loose, especially after a long night of dancing and celebrating. Having a small Sewing Kit to hand means you can quickly stitch them back into place before they disappear completely, keeping your favourite piece party-ready for many more seasons.

For very stubborn or oily stains, leave it to a professional cleaner who specialises in sequined garments. This will keep your favourite sparkling pieces in great condition for many more years to come!

REMOVING STAINS FROM VELVET

To remove stains from velvet, blot gently and use minimal moisture to protect the fabric’s pile. Velvet is luxurious but incredibly delicate, and its raised fibres can be easily crushed, damaged, or discoloured if treated too harshly.

1. Gently press a clean white cloth onto the stain to lift moisture without flattening the pile. Avoid rubbing the fabric, as this can easily damage the fibres.
2. Turn the fabric inside out and place a clean, dry cloth under the stained area. Carefully blot from the back side of the stain, using a very mild solution with cool water and a drop of detergent. This will mean that the liquid is lifted outward, rather than being pushed deeper into the velvet fibres, which could leave a permanent mark.
3. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently pat dry, absorbing any excess water.

Once dry, restore the pile’s natural shape by using a handheld steamer to reset the velvet back to its natural texture. Never iron directly on velvet, as this will crush and burn the fibres.

With the right care and cleaning, velvet garments will stay looking and feeling incredible for countless New Year’s parties to come.

NEED HELP?

So now you’re ready to give your party-season favourites the care they deserve!

With a little extra attention, your delicate fabrics will stay gorgeous year after year, ready to wow at every Christmas party, New Year’s celebration, and all the special events in between.

If you’d like more advice on looking after your most treasured garments, our team would be delighted to help. Get in touch and we’ll make sure your wardrobe sparkles for many seasons to come.