How to Care for Formal Clothing: Cleaning and Storing Gowns and Evening Dresses
Formalwear is an investment—whether it’s a timeless mother of the bride dress, a chic cocktail dress, or a floor-sweeping evening gown. With the right care, your Alex Evenings pieces can look just as beautiful as the day you bought them. This guide shares how to gently clean, store, and preserve your special occasion clothing so they remain flawless for years to come.
Cleaning Formal Dresses
1. Always Check the Care Tag
Every Alex Evenings garment is crafted from delicate materials—such as lace, chiffon, velvet, and taffeta—that require specific care. Always start by reading the care label inside the dress or blouse before cleaning. Most pieces are hand wash only, while a few may recommend spot cleaning or dry cleaning. When in doubt, follow the garment’s tag first.
2. Hand Wash with Care
For most styles, hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is safest. Gently submerge and swirl the garment—never wring or twist. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Avoid hanging wet garments, as this can stretch the fabric.
3. Avoid Dry Cleaning Unless Stated
Because dry-cleaning heat can damage sequins, beadwork, soutache embroidery, and glitter finishes, it’s best to avoid professional cleaning unless the garment tag explicitly recommends it. For embellished or embroidered designs, spot clean small areas instead of full dry cleaning.
4. Steaming Instead of Ironing
If wrinkles appear, use a handheld steamer on low heat. For dresses with mixed materials—like lace or embellished bodices paired with chiffon skirts—steam only the skirt portion. Avoid steaming directly over sequins, soutache, glitter, or lace overlays, as heat can melt or distort embellishment.
Storing Gowns and Evening Dresses
1. Use the Right Hanger
Support the shoulders of longer dresses with padded or wide hangers. For lightweight or embellished pieces, consider folding instead to reduce strain.
2. Protect with a Breathable Garment Bag
Store your gowns in fabric garment bags, not plastic. Breathable covers prevent moisture buildup and protect against dust and fading. Perfect for long-term storage of Mother of the Groom dresses or floor-length gowns.
3. Fold Separates Carefully
For blouses, pants, or skirts, fold with acid-free tissue paper between layers to prevent creasing and friction damage.
4. Store in a Cool, Dry Space
Keep garments away from sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Rotate collections seasonally so your dresses maintain their shape and color — especially those from our Fall Collection or Holiday Collection.
Preserving Formalwear Long-Term
- Avoid perfume, hairspray, and deodorant contact with fabric to prevent staining.
- Steam lightly before wearing to refresh the fabric without damaging embellishments.
- Lay flat or hang properly after each wear to prevent wrinkling and maintain form.
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Rotate wear—alternating your favourite evening separates and gowns helps extend their lifespan.
Need Help with Garment Care?
If you’re unsure how to clean or steam a specific Alex Evenings style, email hello@alexevenings.com with the product name or a photo of the care tag. Our team will confirm the safest care method for your garment.
FAQs
Q: How often should I wash my evening dress?
A: Only wash after noticeable wear or visible marks. Over-washing can weaken delicate fabrics.
Q: Can I dry clean my gown?
A: Only if your care label specifically says so. Most Alex Evenings styles should be hand washed to preserve sequins, soutache, and glitter embellishments.
Q: How do I remove wrinkles from chiffon or lace?
A: Use a handheld steamer on low heat. Avoid direct heat on embellished or soutache areas; steam only the skirt portion if the bodice is decorated.
Q: What’s the best way to store embellished pieces?
A: Lay flat or hang in a fabric garment bag, away from sunlight and moisture.
