How to soften a dry clean only stiff lace dress

[AnotherBloodyChinHair]

Hi there. I bought an all lace dress in the January sales but I haven't had the opportunity to wear it just yet. It is very beautiful but made of very thick stiff lace fabric. It is 100% polyester but it says dry clean only. It also smells a bit chemical, even after all this time. Before I wear it I would like to soften it a bit and I thought of soaking it in warm water with conditioner for 24 hours. Worried about the 'dry clean only' label though. What do you think?

Banivani wot used to work in a dry cleaner to the rescue.

If it's all polyester and no viscose/rayon at all my opinion is that it isn't likely to shrink anyway. But lace has a habit of contracting and probably won't look as nice afterwards, and since that has the same effect as shrinking the lining might show. If you're handy with an iron go for it. I probably would (but without fabric conditioner because it is vile stuff ;) ). What brand is it?

Banivani thank you, it's a Banana Republic dress. So what do you mean you'd go for it? Just soak it in warm water no conditioner?

Oh I just meant that I dislike the stuff myself, it's unnecessary and most of all an unnecessary strain on the environment, but if you have it it won't do harm. I was just grabbing a chance to wag my finger at fabric conditioner. ;)

Hm, I'm not very experienced with BR, I noticed with some Italian and Spanish brands that the dry clean only label was nothing more than cowardly labelling - they don't quality check the fabrics or something so they just stick the dry clean label on. Still, if it's polyester I think it'll be ok. But I find myself slipping into old work habits and wanting to say that I cannot guarantee anything. ;)

agree 100% poly will not shrink. A cold water wash by hand is def safe. I guarantee it!

Yes I also hate fabric conditioner and actually never use it, but I think I will make an exception for this dress. Thank you both

Good luck! Would love an update (am sad like that)!