My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

Polyester linings on cotton/linen dresses - can I chop them out?

11 replies

maggiso · 20/06/2017 16:56

I have 2 cotton and 1 linen dress I rarely wear because they have horrible hot linings. All are fitted in style so that makes them even hotter- the linings stick! They are simple and smart enough for work. I would somehow need to convert the lining into facings at the neck and zips, so its not straight forward on any of them. It seems crazy to have polyester linings on breathable summer fabrics!
Has any one else removed a lining - or has any advice bearing in mind I have only limited skills and no sewing machine.

OP posts:
OCSockOrphanage · 20/06/2017 21:36

Do you know a dressmaker? or a seamstress who does alterations? Worth asking your favourite dress shop of dry cleaner for recommendations. There's a lady in our local market who would do things like that.

OCSockOrphanage · 20/06/2017 21:40

It would probably take a week or so though, depending on how busy they are. I have a dress I like, with a neckline that I want lowered an inch or so, and she will re-cut it and rejig the facings for about £20. It's only worth doing if you like the garment to begin with.

banivani · 20/06/2017 21:48

Just don't forget to think about if the dresses will be transparent without a lining, and they'll probably also wrinkle a bit more and cling a little more - otherwise why not 🙂

maggiso · 23/06/2017 00:05

Thanks OC and banivani.

OP posts:
Cineraria · 23/06/2017 00:10

Also, will they hold their shape? I have done this a few times and sometimes the dresses look more like a casual sundress than a smart work outfit afterwards, especially if any part is bias cut.

Trumpton · 23/06/2017 06:10

I have been thinking about this .
I think the best way to do remove the lining would be to cut it straight across just below the arm holes and each side of the zip.
If you leave an inch or so that could be finished with a zig zag stitch and caught at the side seams to hold in place .
If you do it carefully enough then ,in theory , the lining could be reattached if you are not happy with the way the dress hangs.
@maggiso

maggiso · 26/06/2017 16:33

Thank you Trumpton, that sounds sensible- so I will try that - perhaps first on my least favorite dress.

OP posts:
dudsville · 26/06/2017 16:41

I did this. Simply cut out the linings. They are fine and I much prefer wearing them now.

maggiso · 26/06/2017 16:48

Thanks Dudsville- its good to hear its worked! I can't find semi formal cotton/linen dresses with sleeves for work (and am just starting a new part time post without air con) so I'll give it a try - perhaps on my least favorite first.

OP posts:
dudsville · 26/06/2017 20:34

I too started on my least favorite. I have to say though, once I tried it on I immediately then did the others straight away. Good luck!

dinodiva · 27/06/2017 06:04

I did this to a skirt - it was much improved!

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.