How do I wash this? Pleats? What was I thinking?!

[PurpleNurple69]

I bought this beautiful Biba blouse and didn't consider how it would need to be laundered. I really really don't want to have to iron all the pleats back in! Is there a way to machine wash it in a way that the pleats will stay in? Folded carefully inside a stocking maybe?

It's going to end up like many of my "don't know how to wash this" items sitting at the bottom of my washing basket!

[MorelloKisses]

What fabric is it?

[PurpleWithRed]

Er - follow the washing instructions? If it's a synthetic fabric the pleats will probably spring back in without any help

[PurpleNurple69]

Oh god it's dry clean only Why didn't I check that first? It's 100% polyester.

[simmonsbythesea]

Those pleats won't fall out, they will have been chemically pressed in (can't remember the technical process) I have a top and trousers from Cos with the same kind of pleats and they wash fine.

It might be dry clean because it's polyester generally, but you might get away with a gentle hand wash.

[JamieLannistersFuckButler]

I'd handwash in cold water with plenty of space to swish the blouse about (?kitchen sink?) and drip dry on a hanger.

OR

If I was being lazy, a quick, cold wash with not much spinning in the machine, probably in a mesh wash bag, and drip dry as before.

[imjessie]

It will be fine to wash it , the pleats will stay in . If it's polyester it will prefer to be washed than dry cleaned .

[blueskyinmarch]

I have a pleated t shirt from French Connection. I bung it in the machine then line dry it. Comes out good as new every time.

[DrAbbyYates]

Gentle wash and low spin, then shake out and hang on a hanger to dry.

[PurpleNurple69]

Thanks all! I'm on leave this week and it's lovely and sunny so I think I'll delve into the bottom of the basket and get all the hand washing done!

It'll be like a new wardrobe