Velvet Is Lovely, But Take Pains To Keep It Dry

What’s the hot look for the holidays? What will everyone be wearing as they deck the halls? One word - VELVET!

From warm and comfortable pant sets to romantic dresses to vests, the choice many people are making is soft, luxurious velvet in rich tones of chocolate brown, deep burgundy, forest green, and, of course, classic black. Velvet is the look for the entire family this winter.

Velvet is beautiful and looks great, but how do you go about taking the best care of it? One reader discovered the hard way that wearing a red velvet dress in the rain is NOT a good idea. Her beautiful new gown quickly took on a matted, wet-dog look. Not the fashion statement she was trying to make.

Velvet is a pile fabric, meaning it has little yarns sticking up to give it that lush look and feel. The best way to freshen a velvet garment with minor wrinkles is to use steam. Simply place the garment on a sturdy coat hanger in the bathroom and turn on the hot water (being careful not to splash water on the outfit). Now, close the door and let the steam revive the velvet. Allow the garment to dry completely before handling to avoid crushing the pile.

You can also use a soft garment brush to remove wrinkles. When the fabric is dry, brush gently against the pile. This will remove creases on the back of a garment after you have been sitting for an extended period.

When it comes to a more thorough cleaning, you must be even more careful. Some cotton velvets can be washed by machine using warm water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry on a cool setting. But, be aware that this method will probably lead to some shrinkage and the color may “bleed” on the first few washings.

Professional dry cleaning is the best choice for cleaning velvet. Always specify that garments should be steamed only - never pressed. Ironing or pressing will crush the pile and ruin the look.

To ensure wear season after season, store velvet carefully. Protect skirts and pants from hanger clip marks by slipping a piece of velvet over the waistband and under the clips. Never drape velvet pants over the hanger bar for an extended length of time. This will cause a permanent horizontal crease just above the knees on your outfit.

If possible, store velvet in garment boxes. Keep folds to a minimum and put white tissue paper between the layers. Be sure any buttons or zippers are not in a position to press into the pile, crushing the velvet.

With proper care, your velvet outfit will give you years of wear, pleasure and compliments.

And remember, don’t go out in the rain without an overcoat.

MEMO: Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.