Many of ANNE TOURAINE USA Custom Scarves and Ties clients choose to go the high-end route: to accent their staff uniform or to offer special gifts to their guests they order custom scarves in silk. They are so right! There is no better way to look chic and sophisticated than a fine silk scarf.
Custom silk scarves created by ANNE TOURAINE USA for CHIMERA Corp.
If you are the happy owner of a custom silk scarf, you want to make sure you will store and preserve it the proper way. You may wonder: what should I do to take good care of it? Should I keep it in a drawer or on a hanger? Should I hand-wash it or should I go to the cleaners? Are there special things I need to be aware of?
Here are a few helpful tips:
. Identify silk scarves worse enemies
Identified enemies!
Other than dust, dampness and too much direct (sun)light - which will eventually affect the colors of your scarf - perfume and make-up are two other devastating enemies. Never spray perfume on your scarf or in your neck! Spray it behind your ears or on your wrists. Also, stay away from liquid or powder foundation. It might ruin your silk scarf permanently.
. Drawer or hanger?
Hangers are never a good option to store silk scarves. Wire hangers will leave wrinkles and creases on your scarf. Hangers with clips are even worse. Is a soft rubber hanger with multiple crossbars (similar to an extra-large tie hanger) a better option? Not really. It does hold several scarves at the same time (convenient to spot at first glance the scarf which matches the best your outfit) but it does not protect your beloved accessories from light and dust. The best way to proceed is to wrap your silk scarf in tissue paper and then to place it in an unsealed plastic bag (silk fabric needs to breathe) you will store in a drawer or a closet.
. Which cleaning?
When cleaning your silk scarf at home your take multiple risks: an inappropriate detergent or hot water will spoil forever the colors of your scarf. Pressing your scarf too hard will ruin the silk fibers. A safer solution is to have your scarf dry cleaned... no too often though. No need to say: it implies you know a reliable dry cleaner, you do not forget to tell him your scarf is made of silk, you ask him to avoid strong solvents, you warm him not to press the rolled hems out flat. In other words, make sure he is a trustworthy professional!
. How to iron your silk scarf?
If you are using a traditional iron, always set it up on low heat (too much heat would ruin the fabric). Iron your scarf on the reverse side, placing a thin and clean cotton press cloth between your scarf and the iron to eliminate burning risks; if your silk scarf has a hand rolled hem, avoid pressing it. Iron along the hem instead.
For a better result we recommend you gently steam your silk scarf using a hand steamer or a steam iron. If you are using a steam iron, again a thin and clean cotton press cloth will be very helpful. In any case keep move the iron constantly and fast to avoid scorching. And remember to let the silk completely cool before folding your scarf (along the original fold lines).
Caring for custom silk scarves certainly requires a little more attention than caring for polyester scarves. And we hope you enjoyed these few tips from ANNE TOURAINE Custom Scarves and Ties, your custom neck wear specialist! These few tips should help you preserve your silk scarf for years.
Custom silk scarves created by ANNE TOURAINE USA for The Cayman Parliament
And after all, let's put it this way: it is worth it! Silk is by far the most luxurious, shimmering and divine fabric ever produced on earth!
