Seasonal trends may come and go, but certain fabrics stay popular and timeless throughout the year. Cotton, denim, and jersey are commonly found on racks and shelves of modest clothing stores as they have high durability and easy care instructions. 

However, high-quality fashion garments are often made of specialized and delicate materials. Statement pieces intended to serve as the focal point of the outfit, such as modest dresses, are often made with special fabrics. Investing in silk, velvet, or lace is equally as rewarding with a few special care steps to ensure its longevity. 

Find out how to properly care for delicate clothes below.

What are Delicate Clothes?

Delicate clothes refer to garments made from fragile or sensitive fabrics such as silk, velvet, lace, chiffon, or satin; these fabrics require special care to prevent damage during washing and drying.

How Often to Wash Delicate Clothes?

The frequency of washing delicate clothes depends on how often it's worn and the level of soiling. Generally, it's best to wash delicate clothes after each wear to remove sweat, oils, and other residues that can damage the fabric over time.

How to Handle Delicate Fabric?

Delicate clothes, such as silk, velvet, and lace, require special care to maintain their quality and longevity. Let’s delve into the specific care instructions for each of these delicate fabrics to ensure your pieces stay in prime condition; here's how to properly care for them.

Stunning Silk Statement Pieces

When shopping for modest clothing that will catch attention and capture compliments, silk is an excellent choice. Silk can last for several years in prime condition. Yet this soft and smooth fabric is also sensitive and prone to snagging, tearing, or fading if not treated properly. Caring for silk as an investment will ensure a long lifespan in your closet.

Can You Wash Silk?

Yes, silk can be washed, but it requires special care to avoid damaging the fabric; follow the provided instructions for washing silk to ensure it stays in prime condition.

How To Wash Silk?

• Place silk in the washing machine with mild detergent and on a “delicates” cycle.
• Do not put silk in the dryer as rapid tumbling can damage the fabric. Do not wring out the fabric as it can stretch the weave. Instead, place it on a white towel and allow it to dry completely.

Maintenance Tip!

Before washing silk with other modest clothing in your hamper, be sure to dampen a non-noticeable area of the piece with a white cloth or Q-tip to check for bleeding. Silk tends to bleed color, especially the first few times it is washed.

Valued Velvet Details

Velvet is made with two layers. It’s a heavier fabric often associated with cooling weather. This textured and unique cloth creates fascinating visuals on modest dresses or seasonal sweaters, but may very well be the most difficult fabric to maintain in peak condition on the list. 

Can You Wash Velvet?

Yes, you can wash velvet, but it requires careful attention to maintain its texture and appearance; follow the steps below to keep your velvet in top shape without fearing laundry day.

How To Wash Velvet?

• Remove stains and spot-treat blemishes before washing velvet. Dab the area carefully with a soft fabric and tepid water to remove as much as possible before washing. For solid, dried-on stains, take a blunted edge, such as a butter knife, and gently scrape away the residue.
• For velvet made of synthetic fabric, you can fill a bowl of warm water and swirl the garment slowly with detergent. Gently squeeze to remove excess moisture before allowing it to air dry.
• For high-quality velvet, it is best to only dry clean it to keep its color and integrity.

Maintenance Tip!

Steam can remove wrinkles and stains in velvet between washes. Give your velvet a longer life between cycles by hanging it on a hanger and placing it in the shower. Thoroughly steaming the modest clothing can also remove lingering odors.

Lush Lace Modest Dresses and Blouses

Lace has been popular for more than 100 years and doesn’t show signs of slowing down. Even today’s trends continue to highlight the delicacy and versatility of lace details in modest dresses and blouses. Though lace is commonly made of cotton or linen, lace is especially fragile because of its wide, open weave. If not taken care of properly, it can disintegrate.

Can You Wash Lace?

Yes, you can wash lace, but it requires gentle care to preserve its delicate nature; that said, here’s how to take care of your lace.

How To Wash a Lace Dress?

It is highly recommended that lace clothing be hand washed.

• Fill a bowl with cool or warm water and mix in a gentle detergent.
• Place garments into the bowl and gently swish for a few minutes. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or pulling.
• Rinse with cool water thoroughly until soap has been removed.
• Place on a towel to dry. Do not ring out excess water.

Maintenance Tip!

Where possible, avoid ironing lace as it can easily burn or become distorted. If lace in modest clothing does require ironing, first dampen the lace and place a protective barrier such as a thin cotton sheet between the iron and the lace to prevent singeing the material.

What Detergent to Use for Delicate Clothes?

When washing delicate clothes, choose a detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics to ensure they receive the proper care. 

Regular detergents may contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics over time. Instead, look for detergents labeled as gentle, mild, or suitable for hand washing delicate items.

Can You Always Wash Your Clothes on Delicate?

While delicate clothes should ideally be washed on a gentle or delicate cycle, it's essential to read the care label on each garment. Some delicate fabrics may have specific washing instructions, such as hand washing or dry cleaning only.

Can You Put Delicate Clothes in the Dryer?

It's generally not recommended to put delicate clothes in the dryer, as the heat and rapid tumbling can damage the fabric. Instead, it's best to air dry them by laying them flat on a towel or hanging them to dry.

How Do You Wash Delicate Clothes Without a Delicate Cycle?

If you don't have a delicate cycle on your washing machine, you can still wash delicate clothes by using a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash. Additionally, opting for a gentle detergent and a cold water setting can help minimize damage.

How Do You Protect Delicate Clothes in the Washing Machine?

To protect delicate clothes in the washing machine, always use a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid washing them with rough or abrasive items that could cause snagging or tearing.

How to Wash Delicate Clothes by Hand?

Hand washing delicate clothes is often the best method to ensure they receive gentle treatment. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent, then agitate the water to create suds. Submerge the garments and gently swish them around, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry.

Treating Stains on Delicate Clothes

For stains on delicate clothes, it's essential to treat them as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Use a gentle stain remover or spot treatment specifically formulated for delicate fabrics, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

How to Dry Delicate Clothes

To dry delicate clothes, avoid using a dryer and instead air dry them by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them on a drying rack. Avoid wringing out excess water, as this can stretch or damage the fabric.

Tips for Washing Delicate Clothes

Taking care of delicate clothes requires attention to detail and gentle handling to ensure their longevity. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when washing your delicate garments:

• Always read the care label on delicate clothing for specific washing instructions.
• Use a gentle detergent and cold water to minimize damage to delicate fabrics.
• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals on delicate clothing, as they can weaken the fibers.
• Handle delicate clothes with care during washing, drying, and ironing to prevent damage or distortion of the fabric.

Caring for delicate clothes is not only about maintaining their appearance but also about preserving their quality and longevity.

By following the specific care instructions for fabrics like silk, velvet, and lace, and adhering to general guidelines for washing and handling delicate clothing, your pieces will remain in prime condition for years to come.