I hand washed a dry clean only skirt, help!?

Question

I bought this beautiful skirt that's 100% Rayon material, but it has a thick elastic band that holds it up at the waist. Well, I had forgotten that it was dry clean only and hand washed it. It seems that the elastic had shrunk, because there's extra fabric around it, and it bowed. Now when I try to wear it, it will bow, twist, and pull up the longest layer of the skirt, which then exposes well..parts I don't want exposed. Is there any way of saving this skirt or have I messed it up for good? Thanks.

Answer 1

I wash "dry clean" only items all the time! Rayon shouldn't be shrinking, nor should elastic, so my guess is you need to iron the garment on a low setting to get the fabric hanging correctly.

When I wash "dry clean" only items, I do them in cold water, either in the sink, or in the washer on gentle, and I do not put them in the dryer except on low, for just 10 minutes.
Sometimes, wetting fabric causes the fabric to get larger, so putting it in the dryer on warm for 10 minutes can help remove wrinkles and make the stretched fabric lay properly.

Sometimes, garment manufacturers cut the fabric against the grain, and nothing can fix the garment as it was improperly cut. Over the years, I've purchased a few items that never lay correctly after washing, and they were supposedly wash and wear items. (I sew a bit and know that putting the pattern pieces the wrong way on the fabric can ruin the garment).

Answer 2

If you want to take the chance, use cold water, Woolite or some other very mild soap recommended for hand washing, lay flat to dry after rolling it in an old towel (in case the color runs) to get the excess water out. Be sure to measure it before washing so you can re stretch it to the original size if it should shrink a little (I don't think poly and spandex will shrink) but just in case. It's a risk, but if you are ok with possibly ruining it, give it a try.

Answer 3

A Seamtress can replace the Elastic Band, or you can remove it, and install a draw string, on the cheap end. -

Answer 4

Try taking it to the dry cleaners and having them put it on their large steam press iron,
sometimes it will work. Good Luck. :-)

Answer 5

I'd try to go to a dry cleaner and ask if they are able to help out.

Answer 6

looks like that skirt is goin to heaven with all the other clothes you destroyed.LOL just kidding

Answer 7

Well... Throw it, buy a new one & make sure you won't handwash this latter too. Mistakes are always source of lessons!

Answer 8

have you tried ironing it on low with another like shirt or something on top?

Answer 9

bring it to a tailor. they can probably readjust whatever is out of whack :) (p.s. been there!)

Answer 10

find another one that one sounds ruined..