Wedding dress cleaning advice needed (40s?)

B

Bobbang

Registered Guest
Hello,

I have a beautiful wedding dress that was made for my Granny's wedding post WWII, that I hope to wear for my own wedding. I have been informed it is made from (I assume British) parachute 'silk', which I think is nylon? I need advice on how to clean and revitalise this dress, as it has been stored for many years! Is it possible to clean this myself or should I get it cleaned professionally, and if so how?
Also, as I will need it adjusting can I take this to be altered at any reputable seamstress, or should I find one that specialises in, or with experience of, vintage clothing?
I am incredibly eager to revitalise and wear this sentimental dress, and would love advice from more knowledgeable people than me!

Thank you :)
 

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Hi Bobbang and welcome to the forums. How to clean your dress depends on fabric composition: if it is nylon you can probably hand wash it (mild detergent, warm water, rinse well, treat gently and dry flat on a towel in the shade).

Or to be safe you could dry clean.

Re: alterations, it's best if you can find a specialist but they're few and far between. Without knowing your location I can't advise. However, any good seamstress can help: just make sure she doesn't cut any fabric off, they can get a bit keen with overlocking. It's best if the alterations can be undone at some point so that the design can be reverted.

The best (and usually most expensive) option is to seek advice from a textile conservator but they probably won't sew it, other than stabilising any damaged areas.
 
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