Care guide
A well-made gown will outlast the occasion it was bought for, provided it is looked after properly.
Last updated: 26 July 2026
The basics
- Hang structured pieces on a padded hanger; never a wire one.
- Store heavily embellished and feathered pieces flat, in a box, with acid-free tissue in the folds.
- Keep everything out of direct sunlight — light fades dye faster than wear does.
- Use a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic. Plastic traps moisture and yellows fabric over time.
- Air a piece for a few hours after wearing before it goes back into storage.
Satin & pearl-finish fabrics
Dry clean only. Satin marks with water, so blot — never rub — and take it to a specialist rather than treating a stain yourself.
Press on the reverse, on low heat, with a pressing cloth. Direct heat on the face of the fabric will flatten the sheen permanently.
Sequins & metallic embellishment
Specialist dry clean only, and tell the cleaner what the embellishment is. Standard solvents can dull or dissolve certain sequin coatings.
Never iron over sequins. Steam the lining from the inside instead, holding the steamer at least 15 cm away.
Store flat. Hanging a heavily beaded gown for months will stretch the shoulders and side seams under its own weight.
Ostrich feather & fur trims
Hang feathered pieces with the feathers pointing downwards, with space either side so nothing crushes them.
To revive flattened feathers, shake gently and hold 30 cm above a kettle’s steam for a few seconds, then let them dry fully before storing.
Never brush, comb or wet feathers. If a trim is damaged, bring it to us — we can usually replace individual feathers.
Travelling with a gown
- Turn the piece inside out and lay it flat.
- Pad the folds with tissue so creases fall softly rather than sharply.
- Pack it last, on top of everything else, in a hard case if possible.
- On arrival, hang it in a steamy bathroom for twenty minutes rather than ironing it.
Repairs & aftercare
We repair what we make. Loose beading, a dropped hem, a broken zip — bring the piece back and we will restore it. Minor repairs on Saint Therese pieces are complimentary in the first year.
Contact the boutique to arrange an aftercare appointment.