Pointelle Tank Dress Care: Washing and Wear Tips

Quick answer

Wash a pointelle tank dress by hand or on a cold, delicate cycle inside a mesh bag, then reshape it flat to dry. Skip the dryer and hot water, which are the fastest ways to shrink or stretch the open knit.

Step-by-step pointelle tank dress care

1. Check the label and empty pockets: Read the care label first, then close any Velcro and remove hair clips or toys before washing. Common mistake: tossing the dress in with a hook-and-loop bib or a zippered jacket, which snags the open knit. Fasten or remove anything with hooks, zippers, or Velcro before the dress goes near water.
2. Pre-treat stains from the inside: Turn the dress inside out and dab a small amount of gentle detergent on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Common mistake: scrubbing the surface of the pointelle, which fuzzes the loops. Work from the inside of the fabric so the visible knit stays smooth.
3. Wash cold and gently: Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use a cold delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Common mistake: using hot water or a normal cycle, which can shrink cotton and stretch the tank straps. Cold water and low agitation are the two settings that matter most.
4. Rinse without wringing: Rinse until the water runs clear, then press the dress between two towels to remove water. Common mistake: twisting or wringing the dress, which distorts the pointelle pattern. Press, never twist.
5. Reshape and dry flat: Lay the dress flat on a clean towel or drying rack, smoothing the straps and skirt into shape. Common mistake: hanging it wet, which lets the weight of the water pull the tank dress long. Flat drying keeps the gathered waist and straps in proportion.
6. Store folded, not hung: Once dry, fold the dress in a drawer or on a shelf. Common mistake: hanging it by the thin straps for weeks, which can stretch them out of shape. Fold pointelle knits to protect the straps between wears.

Product facts

• Belle Pointelle Tank Dress - Maris Floral / Ivory + Sea: Made of 100% organic cotton pointelle fabric with water-based dyes. The open knit and water-based dyes are the reasons to choose cool water and skip harsh heat.