Oleander Bralette in Black Silk Charmeuse: Care and Styling

Quick answer

Hand wash your Oleander Bralette in cool water with a pH-neutral silk detergent, then lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. Store it flat or folded to protect the darted cups and delicate silk straps.

Step-by-step care for your Oleander Bralette

1. Prep the bralette: Fasten the hook-and-eye closure and loosen the adjustable silk straps. This prevents the hooks from snagging the delicate charmeuse during washing. Checkpoint: always fasten hooks before washing to avoid pulls.
2. Fill a basin with cool water: Use cool water (below 30°C/86°F) and add a small amount of pH-neutral silk detergent. Swirl gently to mix. Never use regular laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, as these can damage silk fibers. Checkpoint: water should feel cool to the touch, not warm.
3. Submerge and gently agitate: Place the bralette in the water and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric for about 30 seconds. Do not rub, scrub, or twist. Pay attention to the underarm area and any spots, but avoid harsh friction. Checkpoint: if you see color release, stop and rinse immediately; some natural dyes may bleed slightly.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the basin and refill with cool, clean water. Gently press the bralette to release soapy water. Repeat until the water runs clear and no suds remain. Checkpoint: residual detergent can dull silk over time, so rinse until water is completely clear.
5. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the bralette from the water and gently squeeze it between your palms or roll it in a clean, dry towel to absorb moisture. Never wring or twist the fabric, as this can misshape the darted cups and stretch the silk straps. Checkpoint: handle the bralette with care when wet, as silk is weaker when wet.
6. Dry flat away from heat and sun: Lay the bralette flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack, reshaping the cups gently with your fingers. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or other heat sources, which can fade the black color and weaken the silk. Checkpoint: never hang silk to dry, as the weight of water can stretch it out of shape.
7. Store folded or flat: Once completely dry, store the bralette flat in a drawer or folded in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid hanging it by the straps, which can stretch them over time. Keep it away from rough surfaces or Velcro that could snag the charmeuse. Checkpoint: avoid plastic bags for storage; silk needs to breathe.

Product details that affect care

• Oleander Bralette in Organic Dyed Black Silk Charmeuse: The Oleander Bralette is made from washed silk charmeuse and features darted cups, picot elastic, adjustable handmade silk straps, and a hook-and-eye closure. These details mean you should hand wash gently, fasten the hook-and-eye before washing to prevent snags, and avoid wringing to keep the cups and straps in shape.