To iron or not to iron (30's silk lingerie)

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curiousjay

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To iron or not to iron (30\'s silk lingerie)

Hey, everybody. I"m new to this forum and not sure how to upload a photo. I recently acquired some 1930s lingerie. All silk, all handmade, with embroidery and lace appliques (I've just used up the few lingerie detail words I know). They're all clean but rumpled. Can I - or should I press them? If so, how?

If I add an html here will it show as a photo? I'll try the add attachment but may need more instructions.

Thanks, J
 
More lingerie pics

Here's a photobucket link to pics of all the pieces. Rough pictures. Garments have no stains, no tears, only found on tiny spot!

Reverse side, okay. And a not-so-hot iron?

Thanks, J

I learn these smilies one of these days.
 
Yes, I always use a pressing cloth. It helps protect from a too-hot iron, from any water that may be spit out from the irion, and from any residue that might be on the surface of the iron and leave a stain.

I also suggest pressing rather than ironing. Pressing is a straight up-and-down (vertical) motion. Ironing is sliding the iron back and forth on top of the fabric.
 
Glad you both made that distinction. Pressing delicate silks has little in common with ironing muslin sheets. I was picturing the way I'd do it, rather than explaining it. And a pressing cloth would be best, for sure.

I'm wondering, have you laundered them youself? It's good that they appear clean, and you've only found that one stain. I always want to be sure that I'm not pressing in any stains, that should have first been removed, by gentle washing.
 
Thanks for all your advice. Should my pressing cloth be damp?
I've been doing it dry, and not quite pressing too hard. But I admit a little back and forth movement. It's correcting the rumpled look but not flattening the fabric. I'll attach a photo later of one of the ironed pieces. And a close up just to verify with you folks that this is really silk. I'm sure these are all from the same maker due to type of hand stiches, scalloping, lace, lace applique, etc. And I just noticed hand written numbers on the 'Imported, hand-made' tags. Suggesting these came from a costume shop perhaps? Pics to come soon. Thanks again.
 
Pressing cloth...or, as I use, two old-fashioned cloth diapers, sandwiching item between them.
 
Hi, again. Could anyone help me identify this fabric. I'm assuming it's silk but don't know what specific type of silk. Maybe peignoir is faux?
 
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