How to Care for Your Dresses — and Make Them Last
You found a dress you actually want to wear again. The question most shoppers ask next is: how do I keep it looking this good? The answer depends on the fabric, the construction, and a few habits worth building. This guide covers washing, storage, and styling choices that extend the life of the dresses in your wardrobe — whatever the occasion or season.
Read the Label First — Every Time
Care labels are the single most reliable source of information about a garment. Before you wash, dry, or press anything, check the symbols. A crossed-out tub means no machine washing. A dot inside a circle tells you the dryer temperature. A crossed-out iron means skip it entirely. Labels are not suggestions; ignoring them is the most common reason a dress shrinks, fades, or loses its shape after the first wash.
If a label has worn off or is illegible, treat the fabric conservatively: cold water, gentle cycle, air dry.
Washing by Fabric Type
Cotton and Cotton Blends
Most everyday cotton dresses tolerate a machine wash on a cool or warm cycle. Turn them inside out to reduce fading, and use a gentle detergent. Avoid hot water, which causes shrinkage — particularly in the first few washes.
Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Viscose, Rayon)
These fabrics are common in contemporary styles found across the Glamcroft dresses collection. Cold water and a gentle cycle are safest. Viscose and rayon can distort when wet, so reshape them immediately after washing and lay flat to dry rather than hanging.
Knitted and Stretch Fabrics
Jersey and ponte knits hold their shape well, but agitation can cause pilling. Use a mesh laundry bag, select a delicate cycle, and never wring the fabric. If you also wear knitwear regularly, the same rules apply there — gentle handling is the key habit to build.
Delicate Fabrics (Satin, Lace, Chiffon)
Hand washing in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent is the safest approach. Support the full weight of the garment when lifting it from the water — letting it hang while wet can permanently stretch the fabric. Roll gently in a clean towel to remove excess moisture, then lay flat.
Drying
Air drying is the default choice for most dresses. High dryer heat degrades elastic fibres, causes shrinkage, and sets stains that might otherwise have lifted in the wash. If you do use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it is still slightly damp.
Avoid drying in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure fades colour, particularly in darker or saturated shades.
Ironing and Steaming
A handheld steamer is a practical tool for most dress fabrics. It removes creases without direct contact, making it suitable for delicate embellishments, structured bodices, and fabrics that mark easily under an iron. If you do iron, match the temperature setting to the fabric and use a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment for anything delicate or printed.
Never iron over sequins, embroidery, or heat-sensitive embellishments.
Storage
How you store a dress affects how long it keeps its shape. General guidelines:
- Hang structured dresses (shift cuts, wrap styles, tailored silhouettes) on padded or wide-shouldered hangers to maintain the shoulder line.
- Fold knitted and jersey dresses rather than hanging them — the weight of the fabric can cause stretching over time.
- Keep garments away from direct light, which fades colour gradually even in a wardrobe.
- Allow some space between garments on the rail so fabrics are not compressed — this reduces creasing and improves air circulation.
- Store clean, not worn. Body oils and deodorant residue break down fibres and attract moths over time.
Dealing with Stains
Act quickly. Blot — never rub — a fresh stain to prevent it spreading into the weave. Cold water is the safest first step for most stains; hot water can set protein-based stains (blood, sweat, food) permanently. For stubborn marks, a small amount of gentle liquid detergent applied directly before washing usually works. Avoid bleach on coloured fabrics.
Getting More Wear Out of Each Dress
Styling versatility extends how much use you get from a single piece. A midi dress that works with sandals in summer can be layered over a fitted top or paired with boots and a cardigan in cooler months. Coordinating with pieces from the tops and skirts collection can help you build outfits around the dresses you already own rather than buying more.
Rotating dresses rather than wearing the same one repeatedly also gives fabric time to recover its shape between wears — particularly important for stretch fabrics.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If a dress arrives with a defect, Glamcroft offers a free replacement with photo evidence of the fault. Contact the customer service team within the 30-day return window from your delivery date. Returns require prior approval — unapproved returns are not accepted. The full process is explained on the FAQ page.
Contact
Questions about an order or a product? The team is available seven days a week and responds within 24 business hours.
- Email: info@glamcroft.com
- Phone: +1 870 840 2620
- Address: 30 N Gould St, Ste 63155, 82801 Sheridan, US
- Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 | Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00 (Eastern Time)
Visit the contact page for additional options.