Dry clean only - really?

[GoneGirlGone]

Bought a dress today that's 68% cotton with a bit of spandex. Label says dry clean only. What do you think? Will it cope with a gentle hand wash?

If it was me, I would risk it. Can't be arsed with dry cleaning.

Thanks. Took a chance and put it in machine on silk wash. Seemed to come out perfectly.

I watched a programme once that said that companies that put dry clean only on labels just haven't invested in their research and development to test the products, dry clean only is their get out clause!! I usually wash stuff that is dry clean only unless it was very expensive or very special!!