Your formal dresses are special. They bring back good memories from weddings and parties attended. Plus, you might wish to reuse them as well. Thus, many of us wonder, how to preserve plus size formal dresses in pristine conditions? This simple guide here will shine the light and help you maintain your plus size formal wear in 10 simple steps.
1. Clean the Dress After Wearing It
Immediately clean your dress after using it. This is as the accumulated sweat, makeup, perfume, and food will leave damage and stains.
What to do:
- Bring the dress to a dry cleaner the day after the event is over.
- Choose a laundry shop that specializes in cleaning formal wear.
- Immediately spot treat stains by blotting them with cold water and a cloth.
2. Touch the Dress With Clean Hands
Wash your hands before touching the dress. Hands have oil and dirt. These can make marks on the fabric.
3. Don’t Use the Wrong Hanger
Some dresses are heavy. Hanging them can stretch the fabric.
Tips:
- Use a padded hanger.
- Use the loops inside the dress to help hold it.
- If the dress is heavy or long, it’s better to fold it and keep it in a box.
4. Store It in a Fabric Bag
Don’t use a plastic bag. Plastic can trap moisture. This can turn the dress yellow.
Use a breathable fabric garment bag. It keeps out dust and bugs, and lets air in.
If you fold the dress, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper first. Then put it in a soft box.
5. Keep the Dress in a Cooling and Dry Place
Where you store the formal frocks, including your plus size cocktail dresses, is important.
Good places:
- A cool closet
- A clean, dry room
- Somewhere dark, with no sun
Do not store the dress in the attic, basement, or hot places.
6. Don’t Use Mothballs
Mothballs smell bad. They also have strong chemicals.
Use natural things instead:
- Cedar blocks
- Lavender sachets
- Bay leaves or rosemary
These keep bugs away and smell nice.
7. Check the Dress Once a Year
Even if you don’t wear it, look at your plus size evening dresses once a year.
Check for:
- Stains or smells
- Color changes
- Wrinkles
If it’s folded in a box, change the way it’s folded. This stops hard lines from forming.
8. Don’t Pack It Too Tight
Give your dress space. Don’t squeeze it in with other clothes.
Hang it in its own space. Keep it away from zippers or rough fabric. This keeps it smooth and neat.
9. Use a Professional for Special Dresses
Is your dress very important? Maybe it’s from your wedding or a special day.
You can pay for dress preservation. Experts will:
- Clean it carefully
- Pack it safely
- Protect it from dust, light, and time
This is great if you want to keep the dress for many years.
10. Steam, Don’t Iron
Don’t use an iron. It can burn the fabric.
Use a hand steamer instead:
- Hold the steamer a few inches from the fabric.
- Let the dress dry before storing it again.
Final Tips
Your plus size dress is more than just clothing. It holds good memories. It makes you look gorgeous.
Taking care of it is easy with the simple steps listed. Clean it. Store it well. Check on it once in a while. Your dress will stay lovely for years.
