Best way to clean a satin gown? - NOW w/ Photos!

[igotbuttons]

Hello all! I visited one of the local thrifts today and found a gorgeous vintage satin gown that I couldn't pass up! It does have a few light stains on it and I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to have it cleaned? Should I trust it to a dry cleaner?

I haven't had a chance to shoot pics of it but I will have time tomorrow so can post photos to go along with the question tomorrow evening.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Patti

 

[Hattysattic]

Look forward to seeing it Patti! I am a little wary of satin incase it loses it's finish, and have always left it to the cleaners.

Will be interested to hear what others say.

 

[vintageclothesline]

I would say dry clean. If you do not want to do, then just sell as is and disclose the issues. I would be scared to spot clean since it would probably just make bigger spots.

Can we see it???;)

 

[thevintagebungalow]

I know this is going to make everyone gasp but...I have soaked two satin gowns with great success. Of course there is a risk of damaging the fabric if great care is not taken. I would not recommend it on a high end piece.
Carrie

 

[igotbuttons]

Well, I ended up tutoring/babysitting my niece last night and didn't get a chance to work on the photos but I got to them this morning. I wish that I had the facilities to soak my items but this place is so small the only place for a washer is on the enclosed porch and the roof out there leaks, too! LOL

At any rate, here are my photos. I wish I had room for a mannequin, too, but, alas, the same problem with space!

Front:

Back:

What do you call this ruched/shirred treatment at the elbows?

Entire skirt is lined with interfacing making it stiff (I don't have a crinoline yet but will be getting one soon!)

Union Label (only label on the garment)

One of a few stain "lines" on the skirt

Stain on the bow

One of a few small stains interspersed throughout on the skirt, mostly near the hem.

What do you think?

It's got a bit of a train (not sure what else to call it) so a bustle may have been needed or do you think that just a crinoline would have given it the lift it needed? The zipper is metal and the color is more of a turquoise. Can you help me date it? Do you think that it might have been a bridesmaid dress?

Thanks again for any help!!

Patti

 

[bartondoll]

Patti, those stains are not terribly glaring. I think I would just point out the spots and say that it needs a drycleaning - leave it up to the new
owner.

It does look like it may have been a bridesmaid dress and I'm guessing
early 60s.

Sue

 

[vintageclothesline]

I agree with Sue and I think it is about 1964.