How to care for your velvet clothing
Ever wondered why your velvet skirt look marked when you sit down? Or why your velvet pants look different in different lighting? Or why your velvet dress looks crushed or 'patchy' – you might even begin to think you'd ruined it!
Not the case at all – read on to learn about what's normal in velvet fabric, and how to care for it like an expert.
So, what exactly is velvet?
Velvet is a closely woven fabric with a short, thick, plush raised surface known as a pile.
What makes velvet unique is that the fibres stand upright rather than laying flat like most fabrics.
Because of this, velvet regularly changes its appearance based on:
the direction it’s brushed,
the lighting,
simple movement,
and pressure from sitting, folding, or touch.
Why does it look marked?
Most people don't realise velvet is supposed to have the crushed, or patchy look and feel!
The vibrant texture and endless variation due to the easy movement create an almost alive feeling to the fabric.
As it reflects light unevenly it also develops pressure marks more easily. This is a characteristic rather than a defect, and is the true nature of velvet material.
Our Velvet Maxi Skirt has a beautiful texture in the light, and the colour seems to deepen.
What is it made from?
Traditionally velvet was made from silk, and was considered a true luxury fabric reserved only for royalty.
These days, velvet fabric is regularly made from cotton, rayon (viscose) or polyester blends.
Velvet is one of those fabrics that feels like history in your hands; modern techniques and more readily available fibres have made it more accessible for the creation of everyday clothing items, although still with that luxurious touch.
The organic fabric our Velvet Pants are made from helps our velvet to retain its luxurious touch.
Keep it fresh!
The rule of thumb for washing any clothing item – and which is certainly true for velvet – is: the less often the better
Keeping this approach in mind, there are a few things you can do between washes to keep your pieces looking fresh.
Spot clean when you see a stain - using a damp cloth, gently dab and press into the area until the mark is gone.
You can also give your item a quick pick-me-up steam instead of washing. This will activate the pile and have it standing straight and tall once again.
How to wash properly
When washing is necessary, either hand wash your velvet pieces, or put them on a gentle cycle in your machine.
The best option is to place your item inside a fabric wash bag to minimise agitation.
Avoid harsh chemicals and choose gentle, eco friendly products.
Dry flat (over a table for example), or drape over a clothes airer without using pegs. Pegs will mark and crease the fabric.
Use a steamer to iron out any wrinkles. Avoid using an iron, as the weight and direct heat will potentially flatten the pile, and cause your piece to lose it's vibrant alive feeling permanently.
Store and pack away flat – always. Never put your velvet on a hanger as it was take the mark of the hanger very quickly, and it will be difficult to get the indent out!
OUR VELVET DESIGNS
VELVET PANTS
VELVET SKIRT
VELVET PINAFORE
A little bit of gentle care goes a long way - look after it well and you will get many years of wear from your clothing.
We hope you love your new velvet pieces, and enjoy the super luxurious feel of the soft fabric each time you wear it.
Until next time,
Mel
