An evening gown is more than a piece of clothing; it’s a statement. Whether you’re slipping into one for a gala, a wedding, or a formal dinner, an evening gown sets the tone for the occasion. But while these dresses exude elegance, they’re also incredibly delicate. Without realizing it, you could shorten your gown’s lifespan. Here are a few ways you’re accidentally ruining your even gowns.
Skipping Proper Storage
Tossing a gown into a closet or shoving it into a plastic bag can spell disaster for delicate fabrics and embellishments. Over time, improper storage causes wrinkles, color fading, and even fabric tears.
Instead, treat your gown like royalty. Use a padded hanger, and keep it in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust. For more detailed tips, review our guide on how to store an evening dress.
Careless Handling During Wear
Something as simple as stepping on the hem can lead to rips or tears. Fabric such as silk or chiffon doesn’t hold up well against clumsy movements or sharp jewelry.
To avoid mishaps, be mindful of your surroundings while wearing your dress. Pay attention to ground clearance to prevent stepping on the gown, and avoid sitting on rough surfaces that could snag the fabric. If you’re accessorizing, go for smooth jewelry that won’t catch on delicate threads.
Missing Routine Inspections
It’s easy to assume your evening gown is in perfect condition if it looks fine at a glance. But you could be accidentally ruining your even gown by skipping regular inspections, as you can easily miss small flaws that will become major problems later. For instance, loose beads, tiny tears, or undone hems may worsen if you ignore them.
Start evaluating your gown before and after wearing it. Look closely at zippers, seams, and embellishments. If something looks like it needs attention, handle it immediately.
Wearing Perfume or Lotion Directly on the Fabric
Spraying perfume directly onto your dress can cause discoloration on delicate fabrics, especially lighter colors. Similarly, lotion residue can transfer onto the material, leaving marks or oil stains.
Give these products ample time to dry and settle on your skin. Spray perfume on your pulse points, such as wrists or the back of your neck, rather than directly on your chest. Thoroughly wash your hands after using lotion to avoid transferring it to the fabric.
Overlooking General Care Tips
Proper storage and cleaning go a long way, but everyday habits matter, too. For example, folding instead of hanging can lead to creases. And if you’re changing your wardrobe layout, cramming your evening gown into a small space can ruin its shape.
A custom closet solution for long clothing can keep your gowns in excellent shape. Ample vertical space lets you hang them without risk of wrinkling or dragging on the ground. Even simple steps, such as regularly reshuffling clothing and ensuring nothing is weighing down on your gowns, help maintain their longevity.
Wrapping Up
Your evening gowns deserve more than a spur-of-the-moment effort to keep them looking great. From mindful storage practices to regular inspections and proper cleaning, these small changes can protect your gowns from damage. The sooner you transform these tips into habits, the longer you’ll enjoy wearing your stunning evening attire.