Washing a circa 1900's "velvet" coat

[Lillianlucymay]

I have my G.grandmother's "velvet" coat. Does its age mean it's "real" velvet, not synthetic. Opinions on weather to wash or not are conflicting. Any advice welcome. Thanks

Thanks.

 

[dollsntrolls]

I recommend doing a fiber test - velvet could be made from several different fibers, and they all have their own tolerance for different cleaning methods. Is it dirty or does it smell badly? If neither, I wouldn't clean, but wrap and stick it in the freezer for a week or two to make sure it is critter free!
https://vintagefashionguild.org/determining-fiber/

 

[Jonathan]

Whether its cotton, silk or rayon, velvet is not washable - however, looking at the pic, it appears that it may have already been washed as its crushed, which is what velvet looks like once it has been washed. However, coats also generally don't wash well because of the interlinings etc. I would dry clean.

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

I agree with dry cleaning the coat! Good Luck with whatever you choose to do with your family treasure!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

It also could be an early panne velvet which does have a different look and texture than smooth velvet.