How to Wash and Care for Your Lace Dress: A Complete Guide

How to wash a lace dress – complete care guide

Your lace dress deserves a little extra love.

Lace is one of the most delicate and beautiful fabrics in any wardrobe — but it's also the one people are most afraid to wash. The truth is, with the right method, most lace dresses can be cared for at home without any stress or dry-cleaning bills.

Here's everything you need to know.


Step 1: Read the Care Label First

Before anything else, check the care label inside your dress. Every Me Gustas piece comes with its own care instructions, and they may differ depending on the fabric and embellishments.

Our general care guidelines are:

  • Wash With Similar Colors

  • Machine Wash Cold

  • Do Not Bleach

  • Tumble Dry Low

  • Hang To Dry

  • Low Iron If Needed

If your dress has pearls, beads, or 3D appliqués, hand-washing is the safest option. When in doubt, always follow the label.


Step 2: Separate Your Laundry

Lace is delicate in structure, so prep matters just as much as washing.

Do this first:

  • Turn the dress inside out (this protects the lace surface from friction)

  • Place it in a mesh laundry bag (this prevents snags and tangles)

  • Wash with similar colors only — whites with whites, pastels with pastels

Don't do this:

  • Never wash lace with towels, jeans, or anything with zippers or hooks

  • Never overload the machine — lace needs room to move


Step 3: Wash on Cold, Gentle Cycle

Set your washing machine to:

  • Cold water (never hot — heat can shrink or distort lace)

  • Gentle or delicate cycle (low spin speed)

  • Mild detergent (avoid bleach and fabric softener)

If your machine has a "hand wash" setting, even better. Cold water + gentle agitation = clean lace without damage.

Pro tip: If your dress has delicate bows, pearls, or 3D appliqués, hand-washing is the safest option. Fill a sink with cold water and a drop of mild detergent, gently squeeze the dress, then rinse.


Step 4: Dry With Care

Never wring or twist the dress. This is the fastest way to ruin lace.

Recommended drying methods:

  • Tumble dry low — works well for most lace pieces, keeps the shape intact

  • Hang to dry — lay the dress flat or hang it on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight

Avoid:

  • High heat (can melt or distort delicate fibers)

  • Direct sunlight (can fade white and pastel colors)

  • Hanging by the straps (can stretch the fabric)


Step 5: Iron Only If Needed

Most lace rarely needs ironing — it naturally springs back into shape after hanging.

But if your dress has wrinkles:

  • Use the lowest heat setting

  • Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the lace

  • Never iron directly on lace (it can melt or scorch)

  • Use steam instead of direct heat whenever possible


Step 6: Store It Right

How you store your lace dress matters just as much as how you wash it.

Best practices:

  • Hang on a padded hanger for short-term storage

  • Fold and lay flat for long-term storage (hanging can stretch lace over time)

  • Use a breathable garment bag (not plastic — plastic traps moisture)

  • Keep away from direct sunlight (prevents yellowing and fading)


A Few Quick Answers (FAQ)

Can I machine wash my lace dress?
Yes, on a cold, gentle cycle with a mesh laundry bag — unless the label says otherwise. Pieces with delicate embellishments should be hand-washed.

Can I put it in the dryer?
On tumble dry low only. If you're unsure, hang to dry — it's always safe.

Can I use bleach?
No. Bleach weakens lace fibers and can yellow white fabric over time.

What if my lace dress has pearls or beads?
Hand wash is safer for pieces with delicate embellishments. If you must machine wash, use the most gentle cycle and a mesh bag.

How often should I wash my lace dress?
After 1-3 wears, depending on how close it was to your skin. Lace is delicate, so less frequent washing (with proper airing between wears) helps it last longer.


Shop Our Lace Dresses

Want to start your lace collection — or add a new piece? Here are three of our most-loved lace dresses:

1. Elegant White Lace A-Line Dress
Buy  Elegant White Lace A-line Dress - Megustas

A romantic blend of pure white lace and a sailor collar, with cut-out lace details and a high-waist A-line skirt.

2. Vintage White Lace Dress – Puff Sleeve A-Line Midi
Buy Vintage White Lace Dress, Puff Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress - Megustas

A vintage-inspired tea dress with a square neck, puff sleeves, and delicate floral lace. Perfect for bridal showers and romantic occasions.

3. Lace Collar Puff Sleeve Tiered White Dress
Lace Collar Puff Sleeve Tiered White Dress

A tiered white dress with a lace collar, puff sleeves, and embroidered details — soft, elegant, and endlessly wearable.

[Shop the Lace Collection →]


Final Thoughts

Your lace dress is designed to be worn, loved, and passed down — not tucked away in fear of damage. With these simple care steps, you can wear it often, wash it confidently, and keep it beautiful for years.

If you ever have questions about caring for a specific piece, just email us at support@shopmegustas.com. We're always happy to help.

Te quiero. Me gustas.
— The Megustas Team

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