How to take care of silk garments

Silk has always been one of the most precious and refined fabrics, but precisely because of its delicacy, it requires special care.

In this Seldress guide, you will discover step-by-step how to treat your silk garments to make them last longer, keeping their color bright and their softness unchanged.

Why silk is so delicate

Silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms, composed mainly of fibroin.

• Fiber structure: silk microfibers are extremely thin with a smooth surface that reflects light, giving it a brilliant sheen.
• Vulnerability to heat and solvents: however, this structure is sensitive to high temperatures and aggressive chemical substances (chlorine, alcohol, perfumes).

Seldress tip: avoid direct contact between silk and deodorants or perfumes to prevent rings or yellowing.

Hand washing vs machine washing

Hand washing

1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water (max 30 °C).
2. Add a gentle detergent specifically for silk or wool.
3. Immerse the garment and move it gently, avoiding harsh rubbing.
4. Let it soak for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with cold water until no foam remains.
5. Keep an eye on the detergent's specifications, as it may have different application methods.

Machine washing

1. Use the “delicates” or “wool/silk” cycle with a light spin.
2. Place the garment in a fine mesh laundry bag.
3. Choose a neutral detergent and a temperature no higher than 30 °C.
4. Do not exceed 600 rpm spin speed to avoid stressing the fibers.

Mistake to avoid: bleach and aggressive fabric softeners ruin the protein structures of silk.

Drying and ironing

Drying

• Lay flat to dry: place the garment on a clean towel, fold it over, and pat to remove excess water.
• Dry in the shade: avoid direct sunlight, which discolors and weakens the fibers.
• Never wring out by hand: it could deform the fabric.

Ironing

1. Set the iron to “silk” or “low steam.”
2. If your iron does not have a silk setting, use the lowest possible temperature.
3. Iron the garment inside out or use a cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
4. Do not leave the iron stationary in one spot; keep it moving constantly to avoid burning.

Seldress tip: to avoid creases, hang the garment on a padded hanger immediately after ironing.

Storage and minor touch-ups

• Padded or shaped hangers: these maintain the shape of dresses and shirts without creating shoulder bumps.
• Breathable garment bags: store silk in dry closets, away from light and dust.
• Anti-moth treatment: use natural products like lavender or cedar to repel insects without intrusive odors.

Minor touch-ups

• For small stains, dab immediately with a cotton swab soaked in silk detergent.
• If deep wrinkles appear, use a handheld steamer, keeping it 10–15 cm away from the fabric.

Note: for refurbishments or tailoring repairs, always turn to a certified professional to avoid compromising the garment's quality.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Washing in hot water: this weakens the fibers and shrinks the silk.
2. Excessive steam: this can leave water marks and cause staining.
3. Plastic storage: trapped moisture promotes mold and yellowing.

For us, every purchase is a conscious choice. If you are reading these lines, it means that you are attentive and scrupulous in your purchases: for us, this is the greatest sign of respect for artisanal work.
Use the code TG-CHECK at checkout — a little thank you for you who choose with care!