Quick answer: Spot clean or dry clean sequin and velvet dresses, never wring or tumble dry them, steam them gently from the inside on low, and store them on padded hangers or folded flat in breathable bags so sequins do not snag and velvet pile is not crushed.
Why these fabrics need care
Sequin and velvet dresses are made for big nights, and a little care keeps them ready for many more. Sequins are small discs sewn or glued onto a base fabric, so they can snag, bend or loosen with rough handling. Velvet has a soft raised pile that can be crushed by pressure, heat or water. Neither fabric is difficult to look after, but both prefer a gentle approach to cleaning, drying and storage. A few minutes of care after each event saves a trip to the cleaner and keeps the dress looking new.
Read the care label first
Always start with the care line on the product page and the label inside the dress. Many sequin and velvet dresses are marked dry clean only, especially if they have linings, beading or structured bodices. Some stretch velvet and sequin-on-knit dresses can be hand washed. If the label says dry clean, trust it; a professional cleaner who works with evening wear will know how to treat sequins and pile safely. Point out any stains when you drop the dress off, and say what caused them if you know.
Spot cleaning after an event
Most small marks can be handled at home. Blot spills straight away with a clean cloth and cold water; never rub, which can lift sequins or flatten velvet. For sequins, dab around the discs rather than over them. For velvet, blot gently in the direction of the pile. Test any mild detergent on an inside seam first, and let the area air dry before you put the dress away. Deal with makeup and food marks the same night if you can, because fresh stains lift far more easily than old ones.
Hand washing sequins
If the label allows washing, turn your sequin dress inside out and soak it in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent for about ten minutes. Swish it gently, rinse in clean cool water and press out the water without wringing or twisting. Roll the dress in a towel to absorb moisture, then lay it flat to dry on a fresh towel. Never tumble dry sequins, because heat can warp them. Allow a full day for the dress to dry completely before you hang or store it.
Caring for velvet
Velvet does not like to be wet, pressed or crushed. Between wears, hang it and brush the pile lightly with a soft clothes brush in the direction of the nap. If a velvet maxi dress gets creased or flattened, steam it from the inside on a low setting, holding the steamer a few inches away, then let the pile rise on its own. Never iron velvet directly; if you must, use a velvet board or a thick towel. Keep velvet away from rain where possible, since water spots can leave marks on the pile.
Removing creases safely
A handheld steamer is the best friend of evening wear. For sequins, steam from the inside of the dress so the heat reaches the base fabric without touching the discs directly. For velvet, steam gently from the inside as well. You can also hang the dress in the bathroom while you take a hot shower; the steam relaxes most creases in about fifteen minutes. Avoid direct irons on both fabrics.
Storing between occasions
Hang velvet and lighter sequin dresses on wide padded hangers in a breathable cotton garment bag, never in plastic, which traps moisture. Heavy sequin or beaded dresses can stretch on a hanger, so fold them loosely with acid-free tissue between the layers and store them flat. Leave some space in the closet so other clothes do not press against the dress. A cool, dry, dark spot keeps colors rich.
Traveling with your dress
For a destination wedding or a gala out of town, pack your dress in a garment bag and carry it on if you can. If it must go in a suitcase, roll velvet loosely with tissue inside and lay sequin dresses flat on top of the other clothes. Hang the dress as soon as you arrive and give it a gentle steam. Pack a small lint brush and safety pins for quick fixes. A small travel steamer is also worth packing if you will be away for more than one event.
Small repairs and choosing well
If a sequin comes loose, sew it back with a matching thread right away so the row does not unravel; keep any spare sequins that came with the dress. Choose lined dresses for comfort and durability. Browse our sequin and velvet dresses for holiday parties and evening weddings, all in sizes S to XL with free U.S. shipping and easy 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a sequin dress in the washing machine?
It is best not to; hand wash cool if the label allows, or dry clean, and never tumble dry.
How do I get creases out of velvet?
Steam it gently from the inside on a low setting and let the pile recover; never iron velvet directly.
Should I hang or fold a sequin dress?
Hang light sequin dresses on padded hangers; fold heavy sequin or beaded dresses with tissue and store them flat.
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