The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Silk: How to Wash, Dry, Store and Wear Silk

Hello from CREASE Studios,

We’ve shared tips before on caring for silk, but today we decided to combine everything and give you The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Silk!

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Silk: How to Wash, Dry, Store and Wear Silk

Silk has a reputation for being difficult to care for. Delicate, high-maintenance and often labelled dry-clean only, it can feel like the kind of fabric you are almost afraid to wear.

But silk is more resilient than you might think.

As a natural fibre, silk is both strong and beautifully lightweight. With the right care, your favourite silk clothing can be worn and enjoyed for years. And when you invest in high-quality, thoughtfully made clothing, learning how to care for it properly is one of the simplest ways to embrace a slower, more considered approach to fashion.

From how to wash silk to the best way to dry, store and iron it, here is our guide to caring for your silk clothing.

Why Proper Silk Care Matters

At CREASE Studios, we love silk and have many pieces that use it, including lingerie, dresses and corsetry. We believe that choosing a beautiful, ethically considered fabric is only part of creating a more thoughtful wardrobe. How you care for your clothes matters too.

Looking after your silk garments properly can help maintain their softness, shape, colour and natural lustre, while extending their lifespan.

For us, this is at the heart of slow fashion: buying fewer, better-made pieces and caring for them so they can be worn for longer.

How to Wash Silk

One of the most common questions we hear is ‘can you wash silk at home?’

In many cases, yes. Simple silk garments can often be carefully hand-washed at home, but always check the individual garment's care label first, as different silk fabrics and constructions may require different treatment.

1. Use lukewarm water

When washing silk, avoid hot water. High temperatures can weaken silk fibres and may cause some garments to shrink or lose their shape.

Fill a clean basin with cold or lukewarm water before adding your silk garment.

2. Choose a gentle detergent

Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for silk or delicate fabrics. Strong detergents can be too harsh for silk and may affect its natural softness and sheen.

You only need a small amount of detergent.

3. Wash gently

Avoid scrubbing, rubbing or aggressively agitating the fabric.

Instead, gently move the garment through the water and allow it to soak briefly. Rinse carefully with cool, clean water until the detergent has been removed.

4. Never wring or twist silk

Wet silk can be particularly vulnerable to stretching and damage, so avoid twisting or wringing your garment.

Instead, gently press out excess water. You can also place the garment between two clean towels and carefully press to absorb moisture.

Can you wash silk in a washing machine?

Some silk garments can be machine washed, but this depends entirely on the fabric and the garment's care instructions.

If machine washing is recommended, use the most delicate or silk-specific cycle available, cold water and a suitable detergent. A mesh laundry bag or cotton pillow case can provide an additional layer of protection.

For particularly delicate garments, hand washing is generally the more cautious option.

Always follow the care instructions supplied with your individual CREASE Studios garment.

How to Dry Silk

Knowing how to dry silk correctly is just as important as knowing how to wash it.

Never put silk in a tumble dryer unless the garment's care instructions specifically say that it is safe to do so. Heat and tumbling can damage delicate fibres, cause shrinkage and affect the shape of the garment.

After washing:

1. Gently press out excess water rather than wringing.

2. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel.

3. Reshape it carefully while damp.

4. Allow it to air dry naturally.

5. Keep it away from radiators, heaters and other direct sources of heat.

6. Avoid drying silk in direct sunlight, which can cause some colours to fade.

7. A cool, shaded area is usually the best place to dry your silk clothing.

How to Store Silk Clothing

Good silk care doesn't stop once your garment is dry. How you store silk between wears can also help preserve its shape and appearance.

For silk dresses, slips and other structured garments, use a padded or suitable wooden hanger where appropriate. Avoid wire hangers or clips that can leave impressions in delicate fabric.

More delicate pieces, such as silk lingerie and camisoles, are often best folded neatly in a drawer.

Avoid storing silk in airtight plastic bags for long periods, particularly if there is any moisture present. Instead, keep your garments somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.

If you are storing a silk garment for an extended period, make sure it is completely clean and dry before putting it away.

How to Iron Silk

Silk naturally has a beautiful drape and sheen, but it can crease after washing or wearing.

If your garment needs ironing, use the heat setting suitable for silk and, where possible, place a clean cloth between the iron and the fabric. Always check the care instructions first.

Steam can also be a gentler way to release light creases. Hanging your garment in a steamy bathroom can help relax the fabric, although avoid exposing silk to prolonged heat or moisture.

Never leave a hot iron sitting directly on silk.

How to Remove Stains from Silk

Accidents happen, especially with delicate clothing.

If you spill something on silk, act quickly but gently. Avoid rubbing the stain, as friction can damage the fibres and spread the mark.

Instead, carefully blot the area with a clean cloth and follow the care instructions for the garment.

For stubborn stains or particularly delicate pieces, professional cleaning may be the safest option. If you are unsure, it is always better to seek advice before treating the stain yourself.

Everyday Habits That Help Silk Last Longer

Caring for silk doesn't have to mean washing it after every wear. A few simple habits can make a significant difference.

1. Let silk rest between wears.

If a garment isn't dirty, allow it to air between wears rather than automatically washing it.

2. Deal with stains promptly.

The sooner you address a stain, the less likely you are to need aggressive cleaning later.

3. Be mindful of perfume and beauty products.

Perfume, deodorant, oils and some cosmetics can mark or discolour delicate fabrics. Where possible, allow products to dry before getting dressed.

4. Handle silk gently.

Be mindful of jewellery, bags, rough surfaces and anything else that could snag or pull the fabric.

These small habits can help your silk clothing stay beautiful for longer.

Why Looking After Silk Is Worth It

Learning how to care for silk is really about changing the way we think about our clothes.

Instead of treating clothing as disposable, we can choose pieces carefully, wear them often and take the time to look after them.

A well-cared-for silk garment can remain a beautiful part of your wardrobe for years. Over time, it becomes familiar: something you reach for because it feels good, fits beautifully and has become part of your personal style.

That is the essence of slow fashion.

At CREASE Studios, we create handmade Peace Silk lingerie, silk slip dresses and corsetry in small batches in London. Each piece is designed with longevity, craftsmanship and considered production in mind.

Treat your silk gently, and it can stay with you for years to come. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@creasestudios.com and we’d be happy to help!

With love,
Rosie & Kate
Founders of CREASE Studios

Discover our collection of silk clothing at CREASE Studios.