Care Guide
Caring for pieces meant to last
A Bielline dress is designed to be worn for years, not seasons. Natural fabrics reward a little care with a long life, and most of that care is simpler than you might think.
Linen
The quiet workhorse of a considered wardrobe
Breathable in summer, layerable in autumn, stronger wet than dry. Linen softens with every wash and drapes more beautifully at year three than on day one.
Washing
- Machine wash cold or lukewarm (30°C / 86°F), gentle cycle
- Mild detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener; softener coats the fibre and dulls its texture
- Wash with similar colours; turn the dress inside out
Drying
- Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight
- Skip the tumble dryer; heat is the one thing linen holds against you
Ironing
- Iron while slightly damp, medium-high heat, inside out
- Or don't: linen's gentle crease is part of its character, and entirely correct
Satin & Silk
A gentler hand, repaid for years
Our evening pieces are cut from satin, including bias-cut silk satin, chosen for the way it catches light and moves with you. Satin asks for a gentler hand than linen, and repays it for years.
Washing
- Silk satin: dry clean, or hand wash cold with a few drops of silk-specific detergent: five minutes of gentle swishing, never soaking
- Never wring or twist; press the water out between two towels
- Keep it away from bleach, softener, and anything with enzymes
Drying
- Lay flat on a towel, away from sunlight and heat
- Direct sun is satin's only real enemy; it dulls the lustre and fades the colour
Ironing
- Cool iron, inside out, over a pressing cloth, or simply hang it in a steamy bathroom for ten minutes and let the wrinkles fall out on their own
A note on bias-cut gowns
A bias-cut dress is cut diagonally across the fabric's grain, which is what gives it that fluid drape. Store it folded or over a padded hanger bar rather than hanging by the straps; gravity slowly stretches a bias cut left hanging by its shoulders.
Between wears
Most wears don't need a wash. Hang your dress in fresh air for an evening and it returns ready. Washing less often is better for the fabric, the colour, and the planet.
Storing
- Hang on a wide or wooden hanger to keep the shoulder line
- Store clean; give it room to breathe; natural fibres dislike crowded closets
- For the season's end, fold with acid-free tissue rather than compressing
A small repair philosophy
A loose thread or a button is not the end of a garment. It's the middle.
Any local tailor can handle small repairs in minutes, and a dress repaired is a dress kept out of landfill. If you're ever unsure, write to hello@bielline.com and we'll advise.