Embroidered dresses have a timeless allure — intricate threads that tell stories, delicate details that exude elegance, and craftsmanship that speaks of tradition and artistry. At Silayi Pret, we celebrate this heritage through every piece in our embroidered collections, whether it's our signature Luxury Pret or our casual yet sophisticated Basic Embroidered Pret line. However, even the most exquisite embroidery can lose its charm without the right care. Washing and storing your embroidered dresses properly isn't just about keeping them clean — it's about preserving their beauty for seasons to come.
This blog will guide you through the thoughtful steps you can take to ensure your embroidered dresses from Silayi Pret remain as radiant years later as the day you purchased them.
The Delicate Nature of Embroidery: Why It Needs Special Care
Embroidery is not just threaded on fabric. It's a delicate artistry, whether done by hand or machine, that's meticulously stitched onto premium materials like lawn, cotton, or silk. These fabrics, often found in Silayi Pret's collections, are not just breathable and soft but also prone to wear and tear, especially when combined with delicate needlework. Embroidered threads can snag, colours can bleed, and beading can loosen if subjected to rough handling. The fragility of embroidery underscores the need for special care, making it a precious art form that deserves our utmost attention and respect.
Understanding this helps us appreciate why caring for embroidered dresses requires more than a simple machine wash or folding them into a drawer. Let's dive into how you can protect and extend the life of your favourite Silayi Pret outfits.
Pre-Wash Prep: The First (and Crucial) Step
Before your dress even touches water, it's crucial to examine it thoroughly. Look for embellishments like sequins, beads, zari work, or delicate patches. If your Silayi Pret outfit has any of these, consider doing a patch test — dampen a small, hidden area of the dress with water to see if the colour runs. This proactive pre-wash prep ensures that you're ready to give your dress the care it deserves, making you a responsible and proactive owner of your embroidered dress.
Always close any zippers, buttons, or hooks before washing. If your outfit came with tassels, lace, or additional accessories, it's a good idea to remove or secure them separately.
A pro tip from the Silayi Pret team is to turn the garment inside out before washing. This simple act reduces friction and keeps the embroidery protected from rubbing directly against the basin or other clothes.
Handwashing: The Best Option for Embroidered Dresses
Let's be honest — machine washes, no matter how gentle, are rarely embroidery-friendly. Handwashing is your safest bet, especially for pieces from Silayi Pret's Luxury Pret line.
Fill a basin with cold water and add a mild detergent. Harsh detergents with bleach or strong fragrances can weaken both fabric and thread. Gently swirl your dress in the soapy water for 2–3 minutes. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the embroidered areas. If there is a specific stain, gently dab the area with diluted detergent using your fingers.
Once washed, rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Never wring out the fabric — instead, lay it flat on a clean towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb excess water.
If You Must Use a Machine...
We understand — busy lives sometimes mean there's no time for handwashing. If you absolutely must use a machine, place your embroidered dress inside a mesh laundry bag or even a pillowcase for added protection. Select the delicate cycle, use cold water, and employ a detergent specifically designed for delicate garments. And still, turning the dress inside out is non-negotiable.
Silayi Pret's embroidered dresses often come in coordinated sets. To avoid colour transfer, wash similar colours together and never overload your machine.
Drying: Natural Is Best
Avoid using the dryer at all costs. The heat can cause embroidery threads to shrink or distort and may even melt certain embellishments. Instead, dry your dress flat in a shaded area. Hanging an embroidered dress when it's wet may cause the fabric to stretch or lead to sagging in the embroidery.
If you must hang it, do so only after it's partially dry, and use a padded hanger to avoid shoulder marks.
Ironing Without Damage
Heat and embroidery are not always friends. Embroidered sections can get flattened, lose texture, or, in some cases, even burn. To avoid that, always iron your dress inside out. Use a pressing cloth (a plain cotton handkerchief will do) between the fabric and the iron. Use the lowest heat setting and skip steam — it might seep into the thread and cause puckering.
Silayi Pret's summer collections often feature breathable lawn fabric, which irons beautifully but still needs delicate handling. If you're ever in doubt, steam the dress from a slight distance rather than ironing directly.
Storing Your Dress Like a Pro
Storage is where many beautiful outfits meet their silent end. Ever wonder why some dresses look faded, limp, or oddly creased even when stored away? Poor storage practices are usually to blame.
Start by cleaning your dress before storage. Even a minor food stain or sweat mark can lead to long-term discoloration. Once clean, fold the dress carefully, ensuring that heavy embroidery doesn't press down onto itself. Use acid-free tissue paper between folds to avoid creases.
For dresses with heavier embroidery — especially from Silayi Pret's festive or formal lines — it's best to store them flat. Hanging is not advisable unless you're using wide, padded hangers and have plenty of space to prevent crowding.
Humidity is another enemy. Always store in a cool, dry place. Silica gel packs placed in your storage drawers can work wonders in keeping moisture at bay.
Avoiding Perfume and Deodorant Damage
You might not think of this one often, but perfume and deodorants can stain embroidered dresses. Alcohol-based sprays can break down fabric dyes and embroidery threads over time. Always apply your fragrance before dressing up — and wait a moment for it to dry before slipping into your Silayi Pret ensemble.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
If your embroidered dress features intricate handwork, heavy beading, or delicate fabrics like pure chiffon or silk, it's worth considering professional dry cleaning. However, be selective — not all dry cleaners are skilled in embroidery. Ask questions about their process, and don't hesitate to point out areas that need special attention. This emphasis on professional cleaning ensures that your delicate dresses are in safe hands, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the longevity of your embroidered dress.
Silayi Pret's premium festive dresses, particularly those in the Luxury Pret collection, often feature finer details that are best left to professional handling.
Final Thought: Embroidery Is an Heirloom, Not Just Fashion
Your embroidered dresses are more than just clothes. They are a reflection of your style, cultural identity, and, in many cases, a story passed down. Each Silayi Pret outfit is designed with an eye for lasting elegance, but how long that elegance lasts is up to you.
With these tips, you can ensure that your wardrobe remains as exquisite as the day you first fell in love with it. Proper care isn't a chore — it's a way of cherishing the beauty of what you wear.
