How to wash Sequin Dresses & Clothes

Sequins are tiny shimmering portals to joy. They’re like wearable confetti – festive, fabulous, and occasionally dramatic if handled incorrectly. Whether you're dancing under festival lights, twirling at a holiday party, or strutting through the grocery store like it's a runway (as you should), sequin clothing delivers an instant dopamine hit of GLAMOUR.

And because sparkle recognizes sparkle, a lot of our readers love pairing their shiniest pieces with one of our faux fur showstoppers – everything from cozy icons in the Women’s Long Faux Fur Coat Collection to the bold, swagger-filled styles found in the Men’s Long Faux Fur Coat Collection. It’s basically the fashion equivalent of adding extra glitter to the glitter.

But sequins are also little divas. And like any glamorous, high-maintenance starlet, they require love, patience, and the occasional spa day if you want them sparkling at full wattage.

What Are Sequins, Really? (A Sparkly Science Moment ) 

Before we dive into care tips, let’s quickly understand the stars of the show. Sequins are small reflective discs – usually plastic, sometimes metal or fabric – stitched or glued onto clothing to create shine, texture, and eye-catching movement. When light hits them, they bounce it right back to the universe like fierce, tiny disco shields.

But did you know?

• Sequins come in multiple finishes: matte, holographic, iridescent, metallic, pearl, and transparent.

• They’re usually attached using a center stitch, a side stitch, or a series of overlapping stitches (the fish-scale technique).

• Higher-quality garments use reinforced stitching – which is why SpiritHoods pieces hold up during festivals, photo shoots, and entire dance marathons.

• Cheaper garments often shed sequins because the stitching is weak or the backing fabric isn’t strong enough to hold them.

Understanding what your sequins are made of helps determine how careful you need to be. (Spoiler: you should always err on the careful side.)

Are All Sequin Garments Made the Same? (Spoiler: Absolutely Not). This is where a LOT of people get confused. Not every sequin is attached the same way, meaning different pieces have different levels of sensitivity.

• Fully Sequined Fabric: The entire surface is covered; usually heavier and more delicate.

• Panel Sequins: Sequins are concentrated in specific areas, making them easier to wash.

• Embroidered Sequins: Individually sewn on – very durable, but time-consuming to repair.

• Heat-Pressed Sequins: These should never go near heat again or they risk melting.

• SpiritHoods Sequins: Stitched onto plush faux fur or strong fabric backing for maximum durability and shimmer.

If your garment is densely sequined or structured (hello, long sequin kimono), assume it needs special treatment.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of caring for sequin garments, let’s talk about the true star of most sparkle-loving closets: the sequin dress. These pieces are the ones that steal the show on New Year’s Eve, light up holiday parties, and magically turn any night into a red-carpet moment. Because they’re usually fully sequined and more structured than tops or jackets, they need a little more attention when it’s time to wash them. But don’t worry – with the right approach, they’re surprisingly easy to care for.

I'm here to walk you through: How to wash a sequin dress. The first and most important step? Always read the care label. This tiny piece of fabric is basically your sequin dress’s personal diary. It knows its limits, boundaries, and what it absolutely refuses to tolerate. Some dresses will allow gentle hand washing, while many will insist on dry cleaning only – and they mean it.

If your dress is labeled safe for hand washing, treat it like a delicate, glamorous creature who deserves the spa experience. Fill a basin or tub with cold water and a little mild detergent, then turn the dress inside out before dipping it in. Swirl it gently in the water like you’re rocking a baby mermaid to sleep – never rubbing, wringing, or aggressively massaging the fabric. When lifting it out of the water, support the weight with both hands so the sequins don’t pull or stretch the dress.

Here’s the quick version of how to wash a sequin dress by hand:

• Cold water only

• Dress turned inside out

• Gentle swishing (no scrubbing!)

• Support the dress with both hands

• Rinse carefully and thoroughly

If your dress is fully sequined, intricately detailed, vintage, or especially valuable, dry cleaning is the safest option. Professional cleaners use solvents rather than water, which means your sequins stay intact, the fabric stays stable, and the shape of the dress remains flawless. When in doubt, trust the pros – especially with structured gowns, heavy embellishment, or delicate stitching.

One thing you should never do under any circumstances? Machine wash a sequin dress. Even if the label hints it might survive, it’s simply not worth the risk. The spin cycle can easily tear sequins off, distort fabric, and turn a beautiful gown into a sparkly but heartbreaking mess. That is most definitely NOT how to wash sequin dress.

Drying your sequin dress is just as important. Instead of hanging it – which can stretch the fabric because of the sequins’ weight – lay it flat on a clean towel and let it air dry naturally. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat, and reshape it gently if needed while it dries.

Between washes, you can spot clean lightly using cold water and a touch of mild detergent. Dab the area (don’t rub!) to lift any marks without disturbing the surrounding sequins. If your dress looks a little rumpled after storage, refresh it by steaming the inside of the dress and keeping the steamer several inches away from the fabric so the sequins never experience direct heat.

With these steps, your dress stays gorgeous, glamorous, and camera-ready. Whether you’re learning how to wash a sequin dress for the first time or perfecting your method for how to clean a sequin dress without losing shine, this simple approach keeps your sparkliest pieces looking brand new for years – ready for every party, photo op, and magical night ahead.

How to Wash Sequin Clothing

Washing sequin clothing is all about being gentle. Treat it as if you were cleaning a baby unicorn. In order to know which cleaning approach you should use, you really need to fully understand the garment’s personality. Some sequins are chill. Some sequins are the Regina George of clothing decoration and demand the utmost respect.

But ALWAYS start with this: Read the care label. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a prophecy.

Machine washing is the least friendly option for sequins, but some modern pieces are designed to handle it. But only wash if the label says it's cool to do so. Do I need to repeat that? Because I will. Only machine wash your sequin garment if the label says its okay to machine wash. 

• The care tag explicitly allows it

• Sequins are securely stitched (not glued)

• Fabric backing feels strong and stable

• The garment isn't too heavy (weight + spin cycle = stretching)

• Turn garment inside out

• Use a mesh laundry bag

• Wash in cold water

• Select gentle or delicate cycle

• Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent

• Wash separately from rough fabrics like denim

• Avoid fabric softeners (they can loosen adhesives)

Machine washing is basically letting sequins ride Space Mountain. Fun for them, risky for you.

Hand Washing Your Sequin Dress or Clothing

When in doubt – wash by hand. It is the most sequin friendly method. Hand washing is the equivalent of reading your sequins a bedtime story. Calm, gentle, and reassuring. The

1. Fill a basin or sink with cold water

2. Add a small amount of mild detergent

3. Submerge garment slowly

4. Gently swirl (swirl = yes, aggressive scrubbing = no)

5. Lift with both hands to prevent stretching

6. Rinse thoroughly

• Never twist or wring sequin garments

• You can use a soft sponge for stained areas

• If the water turns cloudy, that’s normal – sequins hold onto residue

Hand washing preserves shine, shape, and structure. This is especially important for SpiritHoods pieces with faux fur trim.

Dry Cleaning Your Sequin Clothing 

This is the diva recommended method.

If your garment says “Dry Clean Only,” please don’t fight it. Your sequins are telling you they need a professional.

Dry cleaning is best for:

• Fully covered sequin garments

• Faux fur and sequin hybrids

• Structured coats or jackets

• High-end designer pieces

• Anything with metallic thread, embroidery, or appliqué

Dry cleaners use solvents instead of water, preventing:

• Stretching

• Melting

• Thread weakening

• Matte spots

• Color bleeding

Dry cleaning is an investment, but so is your sparkle.

How to Dry Sequin Clothing 

No heat. Seriously.

Sequins and heat are sworn enemies. Heat melts them, warps them, dulls them, and sometimes causes them to curl like a sad potato chip.

• Lay the garment flat on a clean towel

• Reshape delicately

• Roll up towel underneath to absorb water

• Let air dry fully

• Flip gently once halfway through drying

• Avoid direct sunlight (it fades sequins)

Hanging stretches fabric because sequin garments are heavy. Over time your coat or dress will droop or warp – and no one wants a sad, stretched-out disco robe.

Ironing and Steaming Sequin Clothing 

Sequins and direct heat equals a tragic crunchy texture nobody wants.

• Turn garment inside out

• Use lowest heat setting

• Use a pressing cloth between iron and fabric

• Avoid lingering in one spot

• Never let iron touch sequins directly

• Hold steamer 6-8 inches away

• Let the steam relax wrinkles

• Never press the head of the steamer onto the sequins

This keeps your garment smooth without risking melted décor.

How to Store Sequin Clothing (So It Stays Dreamy Forever)

Storing sequin garments properly is essential for maintaining their sparkle and shape.

• Store inside out to prevent snagging

• Use tissue paper between folds

• Lay flat when possible

• Use padded hangers ONLY for lightweight pieces

• Keep away from sunny windows

• Store in breathable bags (never plastic)

Sequins can scratch each other. They can tangle. They can catch on rough fabrics. Proper storage prevents a lot of mini heartbreaks.

Extra Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Sparkle

Let’s level you up to Sequin Parent Level 10.

Jewelry, chain bags, bracelets, and even fingernails can snag sequins. If you're wearing a sequined piece, consider:

• Minimalist accessories

• Smooth purses

• Light scarves instead of chunky ones

Constant rubbing (seatbelts, crossbody straps, rough chairs) weakens sequin threads. Switch sides or add a scarf barrier.

Blot – don’t scrub. Scrubbing, equals missing sequins, which equals sadness.

A loose sequin is like a loose tooth – cute at first, then suddenly it's gone. Fix ASAP.

Rotate pieces the way you rotate good shoes. Let them breathe.

SpiritHoods and Sequins: Why We’re the Sparkle Experts

Here’s the truth: No one on Earth – and we mean no one – does sequins like SpiritHoods.

We’ve spent 15 plus years perfecting the art of:

• High-shine sequins

• Luxurious faux fur

• Unbelievable softness

• OEKO-TEX certified materials

• PETA-approved vegan fabrics

• Festival-tested durability

• Mood-boosting fashion

• Clothing that improves SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms...It's true. Try one of our pieces on and feel it instantly boost your mood. Seriously.

• Donation of 10% of net profits to saving animals

We’ve put sequins through rain, snow, dance floors, sunrise sets, Vegas nights, and Burning Man dust storms. If our sequins can survive that, they can survive anything.

Meet Our SpiritHoods Sequin Collection (Your Closet Will Thank You)

The Long Black Sequin Faux Fur Coat by Spirithoods

The drama. The elegance. The shine. These coats are built for:

• NYE

• Holiday parties

• Apres ski

• Festival season

• Date nights

• Airport runways (aka terminals)

They shimmer like champagne bubbles in the sun.

Sequin Faux Fur Kimonos

Soft faux fur collar. Flowy silhouette. Sparkle for DAYS. Perfect for:

• Layering

• Brunching

• Lounging

• Photoshoots

• Making your ex jealous

Sequin Accessories & Robes

Because glamour shouldn’t stop at outerwear. Glitter from head to toe.

Final Thoughts: Shine Boldly, Care Gently, Sparkle Always

Sequin clothing isn’t fragile – it just appreciates respectful treatment. With the right washing, drying, steaming, and storage techniques, your sparkly pieces can last YEARS and still look brand-new.

And when you want sequins that are truly special…
Ethical…
Durable…
Vegan…
Mood-lifting…
And absolutely unforgettable…

SpiritHoods is your glitter-loving home.