How to care for silk robes and silk lingerie

Mulberry silk is strong, but it is a protein fibre, like hair. Heat, alkaline detergent and friction are what wear it out. Treat it gently and a robe will look new after years.

How do you wash a silk robe at home?

1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water, at most 30 °C (86 °F).
2. Add a capful of silk or wool detergent. Avoid regular detergent and anything with enzymes or bleach.
3. Submerge and gently swish for two or three minutes. Do not rub or scrub.
4. Rinse in cold water until no suds remain. A spoonful of white vinegar in the last rinse restores the glow.
5. Lay the piece on a clean towel, roll it up and press. Never wring or twist.
6. Dry flat or on a padded hanger, in the shade.

Can silk go in the washing machine?

Some silks can, on a cold delicate cycle in a mesh bag, but hand washing is safer and takes five minutes. Lace trims and bias cut seams in particular last longer by hand. For the long Portofino robe and the Kimono Amalfi, dry cleaning is also fine.

Ironing and steaming

Steam is the best way to remove creases: hang the robe in the bathroom during a hot shower, or use a hand steamer on low, held a few inches away. If you iron, turn the piece inside out, use the silk setting and a pressing cloth, and never spray water directly on silk, which can leave marks.

Storing silk

Hang robes on a padded or wooden hanger. Roll chemises and slips rather than folding them, to avoid hard creases. Keep silk out of direct sunlight, which fades colour, and away from cedar oil and perfume sprayed directly on the fabric.

What does momme mean?

Momme is the weight of silk. 19 momme is light and fluid, used for our silk chemises and short robes. 22 momme is heavier and more opaque, used for long robes and the kimono. Heavier silk lasts longer and shows fewer marks. More pieces in silk lingerie.

Questions

Why did my silk lose its shine?

Usually alkaline detergent or hard water. Wash with a pH neutral silk detergent and add a little white vinegar to the final rinse.

Can I tumble dry silk?

No. Heat shrinks and dulls silk. Always dry flat or hanging, in the shade.

How do I remove a water mark from silk?

Rewash the whole piece gently. Spot drying is what leaves a ring.