ALQUEMA's hand-pleated fabric is built to last. The Shibori-inspired pleating technique Virginia Rouse has refined over four decades creates a structure more resilient than it looks: it survives suitcases, long flights, and years of wear without losing its shape. You can read more about that process on our handmade page. The fabric still has specific care requirements, and they're worth knowing.

This guide covers care for ALQUEMA hand-pleated dresses, tops, coats, and separates.

Can you machine wash a hand-pleated dress?

No. ALQUEMA garments are hand wash only. A washing machine, even on a delicate cycle, applies mechanical agitation that can permanently distort the pleating. The pleats are structural, woven into the fabric rather than pressed on top, so keep them away from anything that pulls them out of alignment.

Hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild, natural detergent, and avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals that can damage the pleats and the fabric finish.

How to wash a hand-pleated dress step by step

Washing an ALQUEMA piece takes a few minutes and no special equipment.

Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent (a dash is enough). Submerge the garment and move it gently through the water, without scrubbing, twisting, or wringing. Once it's clean, drain the basin and press the garment gently against the side to push out excess water.

Lay the garment flat to dry in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause colours to fade over time.

Does hand pleating shrink in the wash?

Washed in cold water, ALQUEMA hand-pleated fabric holds its shape and dimensions. Heat is the real risk: hot water, tumble drying, and direct sunlight can all alter the fabric permanently. Cold water and flat drying in the shade avoid that risk.

Can you iron a hand-pleated dress?

No. Don't iron ALQUEMA garments, and skip any other heat source, including the tumble dryer. Heat permanently alters the pleating, and it can't be undone.

If a garment needs refreshing after wear or storage, give it a gentle shake and hang it in a steamy bathroom. Our care guide also includes a video on steaming, the safest way to smooth a hand-pleated piece without risking the structure.

How do you dry a pleated dress?

Lay it flat in a shaded area and let it dry naturally. Don't hang a wet ALQUEMA garment: the weight of the water pulls the shoulders and neckline out of shape. Skip the tumble dryer and keep it away from any heat source.

Flat drying in the shade is the only method that protects both the pleating and the colour.

How do you store pleated garments?

Once the garment is completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place. Fold rather than hang it for extended periods; hanging stretches the shoulders and neckline over time.

If storing for a season, use a breathable cotton garment bag: it protects against dust and humidity without trapping moisture.

How to travel with a hand-pleated dress

Roll rather than fold. ALQUEMA's hand-pleated fabric compresses and springs back, so it won't crease in transit. Rolling also takes up less space than folding and puts less pressure on any single area of the fabric.

On arrival, hang or lay the garment flat. It needs no steamer and no iron: the pleating settles back into place on its own. That's what makes ALQUEMA pieces so practical for travel. The garment that comes out of the suitcase looks like the one that went in.

What to do if an ALQUEMA garment becomes misshapen

A gentle shake followed by a flat air dry restores the pleating after compression or extended storage. For more stubborn creasing, use light steaming without pressing or applying any weight. The video in our care guide walks through the technique.

Spot cleaning between washes

Spot clean between wears to stretch the time between full washes. Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the area, work it in gently with a soft cloth, and rinse with cold water, then lay flat to dry.

Do not dry clean an ALQUEMA garment

Skip dry cleaning for ALQUEMA hand-pleated pieces. The solvents and processes involved can damage both the pleating and the fabric. Hand washing in cold water is the only method that works safely.

ALQUEMA care instructions summary

• Wash by hand in cold water with mild detergent.
• Gently squeeze out excess water; never wring.
• Lay flat to dry in the shade.
• Don't tumble dry, iron, or dry clean.
• Store folded in a cool, dry place.
• Use a breathable cotton garment bag for seasonal storage.
• Roll rather than fold for travel.

Questions about caring for a specific piece? Contact us and we'll help.