How to Care for Fringe Dresses: Clean and Store

Why fringe is delicate

Fringe consists of many individual strands that can twist, tangle, and snag during cleaning. The strands are often made of lightweight fabrics like rayon, silk, or polyester, and some fringes are adorned with beads or sequins. Their delicate nature means you should treat a fringe dress differently from a standard woven dress.

Because the strands are not firmly woven into the fabric but attached at one edge, any kind of pulling or twisting can distort the dress's shape. Even the fringe's motion while you wear it can cause micro-tangles, which is why proper care and storage are crucial.

Pay close attention to the care instructions on the label, as they are your first guide. For more on reading labels, see our guide on dress care labels.

Before washing: read the label

Always start by reading the care label. It tells you the fiber content and the recommended cleaning method. If the label says 'dry clean only,' follow that advice, especially for beaded or sequined fringe, because the adhesive may react to water.

For washable fringe, note whether the label recommends hand washing or machine washing. Also inspect the fringe for any loose beads or threads; if they are loose, consider hand washing to avoid further strain.

Understanding the fiber content is also helpful. Polyester and nylon fringe are more resistant to shrinking and tangling, while silk and rayon are more delicate. Check our fabric content meaning guide for a deeper look.

• Check fiber content (cotton, silk, polyester, etc.)
• Look for 'dry clean only' or 'hand wash' symbols
• Inspect for loose beads, sequins, or frayed strands

How to wash fringe dresses

Hand washing is the safest method for most fringe dresses. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the dress and gently swirl it, avoiding twisting or rubbing the fringe. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not wring; instead, press the water out gently.

If your dress's label permits machine washing, place it in a mesh lingerie bag and use a delicate cycle with cold water. Choose a slower spin speed to reduce stress on the strands. For more details, see our guides on hand washing and machine washing.

For heavily soiled fringe, you can spot clean with a mixture of water and a tiny amount of detergent using a soft cloth. Always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the color does not bleed.

How to dry fringe dresses

Never put a fringe dress in the dryer. High heat can cause fibers to shrink or melt, and the tumbling action will tangle the fringe. Instead, lay the dress flat on a clean, dry towel. Gently shape the dress and arrange the fringe so it hangs naturally.

Roll the towel with the dress inside to absorb excess moisture, then unroll and let it air dry away from direct sunlight. If you prefer to hang the dress, use a padded hanger and let it drip dry in a well-ventilated area, but avoid heavy fringe that might stretch. For more on flat drying, see drying dresses flat.

While the dress is still slightly damp, you can gently comb the fringe with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to prevent tangles as it dries. This is especially important for fringes that have a tendency to curl.

How to store fringe dresses

Storing a fringe dress correctly prevents tangling and crushing. The best option is to fold the dress and lay it flat in a drawer or storage box, with acid-free tissue paper between layers to keep the fringe from flattening. If you must hang it, use a wide, padded hanger to distribute the weight.

Place a clean garment bag over it to protect from dust and moisture. Avoid overcrowding, which can press the fringe out of shape. For seasonal storage, consider using a cedar chest or a dedicated garment bag. See our guide on storing dresses for the season for more tips.

When folding, lay the dress with the fringe hanging over the edge of the storage box if possible, or tuck the fringe in a way that it doesn't fold over itself sharply. This helps maintain the fringe's natural drape and prevents permanent creases.

Dry cleaning and untangling tips

For fringe dresses with beads, sequins, or delicate fabrics like silk, dry cleaning is often the safer choice. The dry-cleaning solvent is gentler on adhesives and avoids water-related damage. If you notice tangles after washing, gently separate the strands with your fingers while the dress is damp.

For stubborn tangles, use a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upward. Do not pull hard, as that can break the strands. For persistent wrinkles, use a steamer on a low setting while holding the fringe taut. For more on steaming, see how to steam a dress.

If your dress has multiple rows of fringe, treat each row separately to avoid catching one row in another. Patience is key: rushing can lead to snags or pulled threads.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I machine wash a fringe dress?

Only if the care label says so. Place the dress in a mesh laundry bag and use a cold, delicate cycle with a slow spin. Never put it in the dryer.

How do I untangle fringe after washing?

While the dress is still damp, gently separate the strands with your fingers. For stubborn tangles, use a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends and working upward. Avoid pulling hard, as it can break the strands.

Should I hang or fold a fringe dress?

For long-term storage, fold it flat to avoid stretching or crushing the fringe. If you hang it, use a padded hanger and a garment bag for protection.

Do I need to dry clean a beaded fringe dress?

Yes, if the label says dry clean only, or if beads and sequins are attached. Water can weaken the adhesive and cause loss of embellishments.

Can I iron a fringe dress?

Avoid ironing directly over the fringe, as the heat can melt synthetic strands or flatten them. Use a steamer on a low setting instead, holding the fringe taut.

What is the best way to remove wrinkles without ironing?

Hang the dress in a steamy bathroom while you shower, or use a handheld steamer at a distance. For gentle steaming, see our how to steam a dress guide.