A practical guide for the moments after your dress arrives—from careful unboxing and a polished first wear to fabric-specific care and thoughtful storage.
Start with the sewn-in care label. It is the most specific instruction for your dress and takes priority over this general guide. If the care label is missing or unclear, contact us before cleaning or treating the dress.
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR ORDER?
Pause before removing tags or treating the dress.
If the style, color or size is incorrect, or you see damage, keep all original tags attached and retain the original packaging. If you may need to return the dress, limit handling to a careful indoor try-on. Do not wash, steam, alter, or wear the dress outside or to an event. Photograph the full item, tags, packaging and issue, then contact us with your order number. Review our Return & Refund Policy for eligibility and next steps.
01 · WHEN YOUR DRESS ARRIVES
UNBOX & PREPARE
Give your dress a little time and space before deciding how it looks and feels. Most light creasing from transit relaxes with careful hanging and gentle steam.
1
Inspect on a clean surface
Wash and dry your hands, remove snag-prone jewelry, and compare the dress with your order. Check the zipper, seams, straps, corset laces, appliqués and embellishments.
2
Support the dress properly
Use a wide or padded hanger and the inner hanging loops when provided. Let light dresses hang in a dry, shaded room. Support heavy beaded or embellished dresses from underneath rather than letting their full weight pull on straps or shoulders.
3
Release wrinkles gently
Check the care label first. If steaming is permitted, work from the reverse side on the lowest effective setting, keep the steamer moving and test a hidden area. Keep heat away from sequins, beads, lace, appliqués and bonded details.
SAFER CHOICES
Allow several hours for transit creases to relax.
Use clean water and a clean steamer head.
Steam satin from the inside to reduce water marks.
Ask a formalwear cleaner for help with deep creases.
PLEASE AVOID
Direct contact with a hot iron.
High heat, prolonged steam or soaking.
Pulling the hem while the fabric is warm.
Steaming over glue, beads, sequins or appliqués.
02 · A MORE COMFORTABLE FIT
WEAR & ADJUST
Formal dresses are easiest to put on with clean, dry hands and a little help. Apply makeup, perfume, lotion and deodorant first, then allow everything to dry before dressing.
CORSET / LACE-UP
Loosen before stepping in
Open the laces enough to put on the dress without pulling. Center the modesty panel, then tighten gradually and evenly from top to bottom. The bodice should feel secure without twisting seams or restricting breathing.
STRAPS
Adjust after fastening
Close the zipper or corset first, then adjust both straps evenly. Straps should support the neckline without digging in or lifting the waist seam out of place.
OFF-SHOULDER / STRAPLESS
Set the neckline last
Fasten the dress fully before positioning sleeves, draped bands or a strapless neckline. Smooth the bodice gently and never force delicate lace, mesh or appliqué.
BACKLESS / HIDDEN ZIP
Keep closures aligned
Hold the fabric edges together while easing a hidden zipper past the waist seam—never pull against resistance. Choose smooth, low-profile undergarments designed for the neckline and test them before the event.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Delicate fabrics can catch on sharp jewelry, rough handbags and hook-and-loop fasteners. Put jewelry on last; choose smooth accessories and let the dress length guide heel height.
There is no single cleaning method for every formal dress. Fiber content, lining, dyes, construction and embellishments all matter—always follow the sewn-in care label.
SATIN+
Satin can show pressure, water spots and heat marks. Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth—never rub. If steaming is permitted, work from the reverse side and keep the steamer moving. Stretch satin should be supported so it does not pull out of shape. Use a cleaner experienced with formal satin for visible stains or overall cleaning.
CHIFFON+
Chiffon is light but can stretch, snag or distort when wet. Keep it away from sharp jewelry, avoid wringing and do not pull while steaming. Stretch chiffon still needs gentle handling and support. Let wrinkles relax while hanging, then use gentle steam only if the care label allows.
TULLE+
Tulle layers can crush, catch or stretch. Support the skirt when moving the dress, keep it away from sharp accessories and never pull a snag. Allow layers to relax naturally; use distant, low steam only when the sewn-in care label permits it.
SEQUIN+
Heat can warp sequins and loosen adhesives or thread. Do not iron or steam directly over them. Air the dress after wear, support its weight and use a specialist cleaner who can identify whether the sequins are stitched or bonded.
BEADED+
Beading and crystal embellishments add weight and can pull delicate fabric out of shape. Lift the dress from underneath, avoid hanging heavy pieces by straps, and store flat when practical with acid-free tissue between folds. Loose stones, beads or threads should be handled by a formalwear alteration specialist.
LACE APPLIQUÉ+
Lace and appliqué details can catch on hooks, jewelry and rough surfaces. Appliqués may be stitched, bonded or combined with beads. Do not scrub, twist, bleach, lift motif edges or apply direct heat. Support embellished areas while handling, place clean tissue between folded layers, and choose a formalwear cleaner for stains or loose details.
Images are for texture reference only. Color, finish and construction may vary by dress.
AFTER WEARING
Air before storing
Hang or lay the dress in a shaded, ventilated room until completely dry. Keep it away from direct sun, heat and bathroom humidity. Clean perspiration or stains before long-term storage.
SPOT EMERGENCY
Blot, do not rub
Use a clean white cloth to lift excess moisture. Do not use hot water, wipes, hairspray, bleach or stain remover unless the care label permits it. Tell the cleaner what caused the stain and what, if anything, was applied.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Choose formalwear experience
Show the cleaner the care label and point out every stain, loose detail and alteration. Ask whether they routinely handle the exact fabric, boning, appliqués, sequins or beadwork on your dress.
LONG-TERM STORAGE
Clean, cool and breathable
Store only when fully clean and dry. Use a breathable garment bag in a cool, dark place; avoid plastic for long periods. Pad folds with acid-free tissue and refold occasionally to prevent permanent creases.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
NEED HELP WITH YOUR DRESS?
Use the chat bubble at the lower-right of the website or contact our team. For an item issue, include your order number and clear photos so we can help faster.