70s Malihini Bark Cloth Maxi Dress

[*~Eli!]

So, uh... yeah, how do I iron this?

I am unclear as to how to press the pleats properly, there are two pleats in the back, that are wide, do they go straight down and get pleated all of the way

?

Is the front or sides meant to be pleated in some way?

I am offering a lot of pics but have more if needed.

I am unsure even with the pics, if it is a question that can be easily answered, especially since the print is so distracting. But I hope so!

*~Eli

 

[thespectrum]

Those are watteau pleats. If you google that you can find a lot of interesting info about the history.

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

i would steam it.

 

[*~Eli!]

Thank you for telling me the name of them, it was great to finally have a reference. I searched Hawaiian dresses and pleats for hours and never found that reference, so thank you VERY much!

I have to iron it, since the pleats need to be crisp & it is in pristine condition, I think the bark cloth can take it. I am still just not 100% sure if the pleats are meant to be crisp to the hem, or if they should be of equal width or angled and wider as they head for the hem. I searched them out online and on etsy and it appears they vary and I think that is due to age, time and people re steaming or ironing them.

Has anyone seen a Hawaiian dress like this with such pleats in original condition? Even guesses on how the pleats should look once recreased would be helpful. I am spending far too much time on this dress o.O

*~Eli

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

that's why i suggested steaming: then the pleats can fall with their weight rather than in tight pleats all the way to the hem.

yes, i have seen many muu muu's similar to this, having lived in Honolulu for 16 years. i would suggest steaming (or ironing, if you prefer) the pleats flat to the end of the stitched part of the pleat, then steam from underneath. If you grasp the hem and gently tug down on it while steaming, the pleats will pull into place to help shape the garment, but not be so crisp that they leave iron/bend marks if the wearer moves in it.

it's a fabulous print, colorway and style, Eli! you should do really well with it.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Yes, Watteau - I have one of these in stock now, we had no problem pressing it although it's polished cotton. It hangs very nicely.

 

[*~Eli!]

Cool and thank you so much, it is falling into place in the way you suggested.

Thank you,
*~Eli