Silk is often perceived as delicate or high-maintenance, but in reality, it’s very easy to look after once you know how.
This guide walks you through how to care for your silk modest dresses, with the right approach, at home, including ironing, steaming, storage, and when (or if) dry cleaning is appropriate.
What to expect
The True Kimesca modest silk dresses are folded carefully for packaging and shipping, so light creasing on arrival is expected. A gentle steam or careful iron will be needed to smooth the fabric and present the garment as designed. This is a normal part of caring for silk and helps the garment fall as intended.
Before you begin: a few important precautions
Before ironing or steaming your silk dress:
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Remove jewellery such as rings, bracelets, or watches that could snag the fabric
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Keep the dress away from rough surfaces, sequins, or sharp embellishments
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Always work on a clean surface and use a smooth hanger
For clarity throughout this guide, “reverse side” refers to the inside of the garment, not the exterior.
How to iron a silk dress safely
Ironing silk is safe when done correctly - the key is low heat and the reverse side only.
Step-by-step ironing guide
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Set your iron to a low heat setting suitable for silk
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Turn the dress inside out before ironing
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Test a small, discreet area first using a cotton barrier (such as an empty pillowcase)
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Place the cotton barrier over the reverse side of the fabric
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Gently iron over the barrier on a low setting
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Lift the iron frequently and check the results
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If light creases remain, repeat gently over the barrier
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If necessary, you may iron without the barrier, but only:
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on a low heat
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on the reverse side only
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Important rules to follow
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Never increase the heat
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Never iron the right (outer) side of the dress
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Use smooth, continuous movements
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Never leave the iron resting in one place
Once finished, hang the dress immediately on a clean, smooth hanger.
How to steam a silk dress
Steaming is often the preferred method for silk, as it relaxes the fabric naturally without direct pressure.
Safe steaming instructions
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Use a handheld garment steamer suitable for delicate fabrics
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Turn the dress inside out
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Steam from the reverse side only
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Hold the steamer slightly away from the fabric - do not press it directly onto the silk
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Use smooth, downward strokes and allow the fabric to relax naturally
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Do not linger in one area or let the steamer rest against the dress
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If creases remain, allow the fabric to cool briefly before steaming again
Once steaming is complete, hang the dress immediately and allow it to air-dry fully before wearing or storing.
Should you dry clean silk dresses?
Dry cleaning can be suitable for silk dresses, but it should be done sparingly and only when necessary.
When dry cleaning makes sense
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For heavy staining that cannot be treated at home
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For structured or lined silk garments
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After extended wear
What to look for in a dry cleaner
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Choose a cleaner experienced with luxury or delicate fabrics
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Inform them the garment is silk and request gentle handling
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Avoid frequent dry cleaning, as chemicals can dull the fabric over time
For lightly worn dresses or minor creasing, steaming or careful ironing at home is often the better option.
Storing your silk dress properly
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning:
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Hang silk dresses on smooth, padded hangers
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Keep them away from sharp embellishments or textured garments
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Store in a breathable garment bag if possible
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Avoid plastic covers, which can trap moisture
Silk benefits from space - avoid overcrowding your wardrobe.
Summary
Silk doesn’t need to be intimidating. With low heat and gentle handling, caring for silk dresses becomes second nature.
If you ever have questions about caring for your True kimesca modest dress, always refer to the garment’s care guidance or reach out for advice.
Explore the Kimesca gown and make it your own - available now.
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