To wash sequin and metallic outfits, turn them inside out, hand wash them in cool water with a mild detergent, press the water out gently and let them dry flat or on a hanger, away from heat. Store them folded with a layer of tissue or rolled loosely, never crushed under heavy clothes, and they will keep their shine for many more nights out.
Party pieces get worn hard: sweat, spilled drinks, glitter from the crowd, a dance floor that never cools down. The good news is that shiny fabrics do not need special products, only a bit more patience than your everyday T-shirts. This guide walks through the whole routine, from the morning after to the back of the wardrobe.
Before you wash: read the label and sort the pile
Every garment comes with its own care label, and that label always wins over general advice, including the tips in this article. Once you have checked it, sort your party clothes into three small groups:
- Sewn-on sequins such as sequin T-shirts, tank tops and vests. The sequins are the delicate part, and their edges can catch on other fabrics.
- Metallic or foil-finish fabrics such as shiny shorts, holographic tees and disco trousers. Here the risk is creasing, scuffing and heat.
- Sheer and mesh pieces with glitter, which are light and open, so they snag easily on zips and hooks.
Keep all three groups away from denim, towels and anything with Velcro, buttons or metal zips. Those are the usual cause of pulled threads and lost sequins.
Hand washing, step by step
Hand washing takes about ten minutes and is the safest way to treat shiny pieces you want to keep.
- Turn the garment inside out so the sequins or metallic surface face inwards.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Skip bleach and stain removers with strong solvents.
- Let it soak for a few minutes, then move it gently through the water. Do not scrub the shiny side.
- For an underarm or collar mark, dab the inside of the fabric with a soft cloth instead of rubbing.
- Rinse in clean cool water until no foam is left.
- Press the water out between your palms or roll the piece in a towel. Never wring or twist it.
If you already hand wash your underwear, the routine is almost the same. Our guide on how to wash men's underwear covers the basics in more detail.
Can sequin and metallic clothes go in the washing machine?
Only if the care label allows it. When it does, use these settings to keep the risk low:
| Setting | Hand wash | Machine (if the label allows) |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Cool or lukewarm | Cold, delicates programme |
| Protection | Turned inside out | Inside out, in a mesh laundry bag |
| Spin | None, press out by hand | Lowest available |
| Load | One piece at a time | Small load of other delicates |
| Best for | Sequins, sheer glitter mesh | Sturdier metallic shorts and trousers |
A mesh laundry bag is the single most useful thing you can buy for party wear. It stops the drum from rubbing the shiny surface and keeps loose threads from wrapping around other clothes.
Drying without losing the shine
Heat is the main enemy of metallic finishes and the glue or thread that holds sequins in place. Keep shiny pieces out of the tumble dryer and off the radiator.
- Sequin tops: dry them flat on a towel or a drying rack, so the weight of wet sequins does not stretch the shoulders.
- Metallic shorts and trousers: hang them from the waistband on a clip hanger, in the shade, with air around them.
- Sheer mesh: it dries quickly anywhere, but keep it away from rough rack edges that could snag the fabric.
Strong direct sun can dull some finishes over time, so a well-aired room or a shaded balcony is better than a sunny window sill.
Creases, ironing and steaming
Metallic fabrics can crease if they sit crumpled in a bag after a party. Resist the iron: direct heat can melt sequins or leave a dull patch on foil finishes. Instead:
- Hang the piece in the bathroom while you shower, and let the steam relax the creases.
- If the care label allows a low iron, use it only on the inside, with a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Smooth light creases by hand while the piece is still slightly damp.
Storing party outfits between events
Most shiny pieces spend more time in the wardrobe than on the dance floor, so storage matters as much as washing.
- Fold sequin tops with a sheet of tissue paper between the layers. Heavy sequin pieces can stretch at the shoulders if they hang for months.
- Roll metallic shorts and swim briefs loosely instead of pressing a hard fold into them.
- Use breathable storage such as a cotton bag or a drawer, not a sealed plastic bag where moisture can get trapped.
- Keep them on top of the drawer or shelf, not under jeans and jumpers.
- Make sure everything is fully dry before you put it away.
Planning the next outfit already? Our disco and 80s party outfit guide has styling ideas for the pieces you just cleaned.
Metallic swimwear: one extra step
Shiny swim briefs face chlorine, salt water and sunscreen on top of everything else. Rinse them in cool fresh water as soon as you can after swimming, then wash and dry them like the rest of your metallic pieces. Our Metallic Swim Briefs are made from a quick-drying fabric with an elastic waistband and drawstring, and come in Rose, Golden, Royal Blue, Silvery and Black, so a quick rinse keeps them ready for the next pool party.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash sequin clothes?
Wash them after every wear that involved sweat or spills. After a short, dry evening, airing the piece overnight is often enough.
What should I do if a sequin comes loose?
Sew it back on with a thin needle and matching thread as soon as you notice it, before neighbouring sequins start to loosen.
Can I use fabric softener on metallic fabric?
It is best to skip it. Softener can leave a film that dulls the shine, and mild detergent is all these fabrics need.
How do I get glitter out of my other clothes?
Wash party pieces separately, shake them out outdoors before washing, and use a lint roller on anything that picked up glitter on the night.
Keep the shine for the next party
A gentle wash, air drying and loose, breathable storage are all it takes to keep sequins attached and metallic finishes bright. Find your next statement piece in our rave outfits collection, add a layer from our tank tops or browse shiny shorts. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
