Washing (and dating) advice for my favourite dress

retro ruth

retro ruth

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Staff member
Hello all,

I bought this recently and it has fast became my favourite day dress. It may not look like much laid flat, but it fits me perfectly, especially with a bullet bra, and has had much admiration already. And I just love the pattern and colours. And now I can't put off washing it any longer! Do you think I can hand wash? - I'd rather not have to dry clean it regularly because of the expense, plus I don't have a dry cleaner I know I can trust.

I have no idea what the fabric is, the only label is the 'Jeanne Model' one shown. It is a fine knit, has a slight sheen, and has permanent pleats, if that is the right term, on the skirt. I've never had a frock with this kind of pleating and don't know what happens when you wash them.

Can anyone advise, both what the fabric might be, and how I should best clean it?

I'm guessing it's late 50s / early 60s, would also be glad if anyone can confirm or deny! It has a central back metal zipper. It has pleating at the shoulder coming down to the darts at the waist, and 1.75" inch thread belt loops. I really wish I had the original belt!

Thanks in advance.

Ruth

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Hi Ruth,

I think you're right on early '60s and it's probably either polyester or perhaps nylon jersey - in any case, both are safe to hand wash. Best to hang on the line afterwards and the pleats should be fine, it shouldn't need much of an iron either.

Nicole
 
ooo, yes! i had a red and black nylon knit dress in that same silhouette that i nearly wore OUT lol!! it hand washed like a dream, and like Nicole says, hang to dry. As you do (hang it) be sure to very gently pull the seams to shape in case they've puckered up a bit, and it will need little to no ironing.

if you DO need to press a bit, be sure your iron is set very very very low, or you could melt the fabric. i would suggest steaming, if the need be.
 
Darling print on that, Ruth! And I totally agree with Nicole on it likely being nylon or poly jersey (probably nylon if it's earlier than later), and these wash up beautifully. Hang to dry and those pleats should revive themselves just fine!
 
Just in case some of those colors might bleed I would put a towel on the floor and transfer the dress flat (after washing) to the towel and roll the dress in the towel to dry it before hanging it outside. It will help prevent those colors from running.
 
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