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How to de-wrinkle and clean vintage netting

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Fashion - Ask Questions Get Answers' started by British Emma, Apr 14, 2021.

  1. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Hello all.

    I have a vintage 40s/50s evening dress, the skirt of which is all netting. It is terribly wrinkled. Any help on how to deal with the wrinkles and cleaning?
     
  2. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    A steamer is my go-to for wrinkled tulle.
    What type of cleaning is needed?
     
  3. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Thanks, Marsha. Wow, a steamer really? I haven't actually had a good look at the netting for dirt yet. The question was mainly about dewrinkling.
     
  4. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    Yes, I pretty much use a steamer for everything vintage, as it is much kinder/gentler than an iron and can even be therapeutic for aged textiles. Mine is a professional grade Jiffy workhorse, but you can purchase a hand steamer for as little as $30. A worthwhile investment!
     
  5. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Thanks, Martha. I have a steamer already, but I have just never dealt with vintage netting before. Also, I checked the dress for dirt and it is amazingly clean! No marks on the netting and not even a suspicion of underarm staining.
     
  6. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    Excellent! Give it shot and report back!
     
  7. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    I will. And I will take before and after pics too. Thanks, Marsha.
     
  8. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    So, here are some "before" pics, including a pic of a few brown marks I found on the netting. I would dab at them with a solution of Woolite - good idea?
     

    Attached Files:

  9. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    It also has what is probably an acetate under-dress which needs steaming.
     
  10. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    I don't think it would hurt to try that.
     
  11. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Thanks, Marsha.

    This dress has a long piece of fabric hanging down the back which I have seen before on 50s dresses. Do you think this dress is 50s?

    I am seeing 40s, 50s even possibly 30s in it. But the fabric (same fabric as the straps) down the back has me thinking 50s.
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2021
  12. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    Hard to say from these images... my first impression is '40s, but it would help to see more images with details, including seams and closure.
     
    GemGem likes this.
  13. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Got it. Will post more pics.
     
  14. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    I have started steaming and it's fantastic! More photos here:

    1. Back of dress
    2. Showing strap of inner dress layer
    3. Hand-stitched hem
    4. Seam
    5. Hook-and-eye fastenings in back. They are the only fastenings
    6. Bit of net, having been steamed a bit!f

    0-2.jpeg 0-3.jpeg 0-1.jpeg 0-4.jpeg 0.jpeg 0-5.jpeg
     
  15. Ranch Queen Vintage

    Ranch Queen Vintage Administrator

    Thanks for these images - I still think 1940s. I look forward to other VFG colleagues' opinions!
    I will try to post some examples when I have a moment.
    What a lovely gown!
     
    GemGem likes this.
  16. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    THanks, Marsha. I am steaming the taffeta under-skirt - it's amazing!
     
  17. Midge

    Midge Super Moderator Staff Member

  18. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Yep.
     
  19. Vinclothes

    Vinclothes Alumni +

    The colors, the general shape, and the back detail also say 1940's to me.
    Marian
     
    GemGem likes this.
  20. British Emma

    British Emma Registered Guest

    Thanks for all your opinions. The consensus is definitely 40s. Will post pic when I've steamed the whole thing.
     
    GemGem, Midge and Ranch Queen Vintage like this.

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