Essential rules for maintaining Monarh pieces made of delicate materials

A quality piece of clothing is not just about beautiful design – it’s about careful construction, precious materials and handcrafted details. And all of this deserves the right care. Unlike mass-produced clothes, pieces made from fine, natural materials require attention, gentleness and respect at every stage: from washing to storage.

At Monarh , we work exclusively with natural and luxury blended materials , such as natural silk, taffeta, fine tulle, velvet, Italian fabrics or French brocade . Each piece is made in our workshop – either as part of our own collections or as personalized pieces through our made to measure service.

Regardless of the model, all Monarh creations have something in common: they are designed to last over time. But to preserve their shape, texture and beauty, it is essential to care for them correctly. In this article, we offer you the most important maintenance rules for Monarh clothes , specifically adapted to delicate materials and proper washing , so that you can enjoy them for years to come.

1. Washing – hand or dry cleaning, never machine washing

The first golden rule in caring for a quality garment: do not machine wash it , no matter how gentle the wash cycle. Delicate fabrics such as silk, taffeta, velvet or tulle can be irreparably damaged by excessive heat , aggressive spinning and mechanical friction in the drum. Materials can lose their shape, texture or change their structure, and delicate finishes – such as hand-appliqués or fine stitching – can come off or deform.

For Monarh pieces, we consistently recommend dry cleaning (professional cleaning) . It is a safe, controlled method that preserves the color, texture and structure of the piece intact. This is also the ideal solution for most premium garments, whether they are part of the collection or made to order.

For situations where you prefer home care, an acceptable alternative is hand washing , but with precautions:

Practical guide: Hand washing for delicate clothes

1. Use cold or lukewarm water – no hotter than 30°C.

2. Add a gentle detergent , especially for delicate clothes (ideally, without perfume or enzymes).

3. Gently submerge the piece in the water and let it soak for 3–5 minutes.

4. Wash it by pressing gently , without rubbing, without twisting.

5. Rinse well in clean water, several times if necessary.

6. Squeeze gently , by hand pressing only – do not twist the material.

7. Immediately proceed to natural drying , on a towel or hanger, according to the recommendations in the next section.

2. Drying – naturally, without direct heat sources

After washing, how you dry your clothes is as important as the washing itself. A wrong step at this stage can irreversibly affect the texture, shape and structure of a garment made of fine materials. That is why, at Monarh, we recommend exclusively natural drying , without the rush and aggressiveness of an electric dryer.

Tumble drying , even on a “delicate” setting, can cause fabrics to shrink, fibers to deteriorate, and loss of shape. The intense heat and constant movement can loosen seams or damage finishes, especially on silk, velvet, tulle, fabrics, or brocade .

Recommendations for proper drying:

• Hanger drying – ideal for dresses, blouses or light items made of flowing materials. Choose a wide hanger, made of wood or sponge, that does not deform the shape of the shoulders.

• Dry on a flat surface – for skirts, tops made of delicate materials or pieces with appliqués. Place them on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area, but away from direct sunlight , which can fade colors.

• Horizontal drying for heavy materials , such as fabrics – prevents them from stretching or deforming under their own weight.

Avoid hanging wet items from corners or hanging them from thin wires , which can leave marks or strain the fabric. Keep in mind that premium clothes not only need space to dry, but also care to maintain their elegance.

Natural drying isn't just about protecting the material – it's about extending the life of a piece you've invested in with style and confidence.

3. Ironing – at low temperature and with protection

Ironing is often seen as a trivial step in the clothing care routine, but when it comes to pieces made from precious, meticulously treated materials, it becomes a delicate, almost technical step. A few seconds of mistake can irreversibly damage the texture, shine or shape of a fabric.

In the case of Monarh creations, which include natural silk, velvet, taffeta, tulle or brocade , the recommendation is clear: gentle ironing, at low temperature , and always with protection between the iron and the material . Use a thin cotton or gauze cloth and iron only on the back of the piece , without insisting on sensitive areas or with decorative details.

Classic iron vs. steam:

• The classic iron can only be used with extreme care, at adjustable temperatures, and only with protection.

• Steam stations or vertical steamers are a safer alternative for fluid materials – but keep a minimum distance of 10–15 cm between the steam and the material to avoid excessive moisture or spotting.

When to avoid ironing completely:

• Pleated pieces – to avoid damaging the heat-set pleats

• Textured or embossed materials

• Fabrics with hand-appliqués , embroidery or sequins – heat can melt adhesives or deform seams

If you feel the need to refresh between wears, you can leave the piece on a hanger in a well-ventilated space, possibly in the bathroom after a hot shower – the natural steam will relax the fabric without the risk of direct ironing.

For maximum safety, Monarh pieces can always be taken to a professional dry cleaner , where they will be pressed correctly, without the risk of damage.

A Monarh piece is not just an article of clothing – it is a conscious choice, a form of expression, an investment in your personal style. That is why it deserves all the care that a purposefully built wardrobe is capable of.

Every material we use – from natural silk to luxurious velvet or French brocade – is chosen for its beauty and refinement, but also for how well it can support a timeless piece. But even the most durable fabrics need attention , patience and proper care to preserve their shape, texture and expressiveness.

By following these simple but essential rules, you will not only protect your investment, but you will be able to wear your favorite pieces for years to come, with the same excitement as on the first day.