CARE GUIDE

How to Wash Casual Dresses and Tops the Right Way

A casual piece gets worn more than anything else in the closet, which means it also gets washed more than anything else. How it is washed decides how long it keeps its shape and color. The good news is that careful washing takes almost no extra time once it becomes a habit.

Start With the Care Label

Every garment carries a care label for a reason, and thirty seconds of reading saves months of regret. Pay attention to the recommended water temperature and whether the piece can go in the dryer at all. When a label and a habit disagree, trust the label.

Wash Cold, Wash Gentle

Cold water is kinder to both fabric and color. Combine it with a gentle cycle and a mild detergent, and turn dresses and tops inside out before they go in the machine so the outer surface takes less friction. Pieces with delicate trims or thin straps do well inside a mesh laundry bag, which keeps them from tangling with heavier items.

Skip the Hot Dryer

Heat is the fastest way to shrink a garment and fade its color. Whenever possible, hang dresses and tops to air dry, or lay knits flat so they do not stretch under their own weight. If a dryer is unavoidable, use the lowest heat setting and take the piece out while it is still slightly damp.

Treat Stains Early

A stain treated the same day usually disappears; a stain washed and dried into the fabric usually stays. Blot rather than rub, apply a small amount of stain remover or diluted detergent, and let it sit before washing. Always check that the stain is gone before the piece sees any heat.

Store Them Ready to Wear

Hang dresses on shaped hangers so the shoulders keep their line, and fold heavier knit tops to prevent stretching. Give the closet a little air and keep pieces out of direct sunlight, which fades color over time. A piece stored well is a piece you can grab and wear without a second thought.

Care questions about a specific piece from the Kflange store are always welcome by email, and quick answers to common questions live on our FAQs page.

Thank you for shopping with us. We appreciate your support.