Article: How to Wash a Satin Dress or Kaftan: Satin Care Guide
How to Wash a Satin Dress or Kaftan: Satin Care Guide
Satin looks dressy and feels smooth, and it's easier to care for than many people think. With a gentle wash and the right drying, a satin kaftan keeps its sheen and colour for a long time. Here's how to wash a satin dress or kaftan by hand or in the machine, how to dry it, how to remove creases, and how to store it. These tips are for our satin kaftans, satin tunics and satin sets; always check the care line on your product page first.
What is satin?
Satin is a weave, not a fibre: the threads are woven so one side is smooth and shiny. Our satin is not real silk; it has a silky sheen but is easy to wash at home. Read our silk vs satin kaftan guide for the difference.
Check the care line first
Every Gypsie Blu product page lists its care. Most of our satin kaftans say hand wash or machine wash; many add hang dry, and some solid satin kaftans say machine wash cold. Embroidered satin kaftans, like the corsair blue embroidered satin kaftan, ask for a delicate hand wash or a gentle machine cycle.
How to hand wash a satin kaftan
- Fill a clean basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle liquid detergent.
- Turn the kaftan inside out to protect the shiny side and any print or embroidery.
- Swish it gently for a few minutes. Don't scrub or twist.
- Rinse in cool, clean water until no soap is left.
- Press out the water gently; don't wring. You can roll it in a clean towel to soak up extra water.
How to machine wash a satin kaftan
- Turn it inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use cold water and the gentle or delicate cycle.
- Use a small amount of gentle liquid detergent; skip bleach and fabric softener.
- Wash with similar colours and light fabrics, away from zips, hooks and heavy denim.
- Take it out as soon as the cycle ends.
How to dry satin
- Hang dry: hang your kaftan on a padded or plastic hanger, or lay it flat on a towel.
- Keep it out of direct sun so the colour stays bright.
- Skip the dryer: where our satin care lines give a drying method, it is hang dry, so air drying is the safe choice for all satin.
How to remove creases from satin
- Hang it in the bathroom while you shower; the steam relaxes light creases.
- Use a handheld steamer from a short distance on the inside of the fabric.
- If you iron, use a low setting on the reverse side with a cloth between the iron and the satin, and test a hidden spot first.
How to store a satin kaftan
- Hang it on a padded hanger, or fold it loosely with tissue paper.
- Keep it away from rough fabrics and jewellery that can snag the surface.
- For travel, roll it loosely and pack it on top. See our resort wear packing list.
How to remove stains from satin
- Act fast: blot (don't rub) with a clean, damp cloth.
- Makeup and oil: dab a little gentle liquid detergent on the spot from the inside, then rinse in cool water.
- Test first on a hidden area, and avoid bleach.
Caring for satin sleepwear and sets
Our satin cami and shorts sets and satin co-ord sets follow the same rules: wash gently and cool, turn inside out, and hang to dry. Check each product page for its care line.
Satin care tips for embroidered and printed kaftans
- Turn embroidered and printed satin inside out before washing.
- Hand washing is the gentlest choice for embroidery. See all embroidered kaftans.
- Never wring a printed satin; press out water instead.
Satin care FAQs
Can you put satin in the washing machine?
Many satin pieces, including most of our satin kaftans, can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Check your product's care line first.
Can satin go in the dryer?
Skip it. Where our satin care lines give a drying method, it is hang dry.
How do I get wrinkles out of satin?
Steam it in the bathroom or with a handheld steamer, or iron on a low setting on the reverse side with a pressing cloth.
Does satin shrink?
Cool water and air drying help prevent shrinking and keep the shape.
Is your satin real silk?
No. It's satin, which has a silky sheen and is easy to wash at home.
What sizes are your satin kaftans?
Most are one size that fits 1X-3X (US 16W-26W). See our kaftan size guide.
