How to Wash Beaded and Sequin Clothing
Turn it inside out, wash cold and separately (by hand unless the label allows a gentle cycle), line dry, and cool-iron on the reverse — never over trim.
Beads and sequins are stitched-on details, so heat, friction and twisting are what damage them. A gentle, cool routine lets a favorite set like the Lace Gala 3-piece pant suit come back for the next wedding looking just as beautiful.
How do you wash a beaded or sequin outfit step by step?
These six steps suit most embellished pieces; the care label has the final word.
- Read the label first. It tells you whether a gentle machine cycle is allowed.
- Turn it inside out. This keeps beads, sequins and lace facing inward, away from friction.
- Wash cold and separately. Hand wash on its own, or use a cold gentle cycle with like colors only if the label permits.
- Press, don't wring. Press water out with a towel so trim isn't twisted.
- Line dry. Every set below is labeled line dry.
- Cool-iron on the reverse, if needed. Use a cool iron on the inside only, and never iron directly over decorative trim.
What do the care labels on beaded pant suits actually say?
All four best-selling sets below call for cold water and line drying, but they differ on machine washing, bleach and dry cleaning.
So the beaded cardigan pant suit can technically go in the machine, but hand washing is what's recommended. The Masquerade beaded dress set and the Luminary pant suit are hand wash only. Whichever of our pant suits for weddings and dressy events you choose, check its label before the first wash.
| Piece | Washing | Bleach | Ironing | Dry clean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace Gala Piece Pant Suit | Inside out, machine wash cold, gentle cycle, like colors | Non-chlorine only, when needed | Cool, on reverse, if needed | Not listed |
| Beaded Piece Cardigan Pant Suit | Machine washable; hand wash cold separately recommended | Do not bleach | Cool if needed; not on decorative trim | Do not dry clean |
| Masquerade Beaded Dress Set | Hand wash cold separately | Non-chlorine only, when needed | Cool if needed; not on decoration | Not listed |
| Luminary Piece Pant Suit | Hand wash cold separately | Do not bleach | Cool if needed; not on decorative trim | Do not dry clean |
How do you keep sequins and beading looking new between events?
Store them so trim isn't crushed or snagged, and wash only when needed.
- Hang jackets and cardigans on padded hangers with room around them so beading doesn't catch.
- Spot-check trim after each wear and fix loose threads early, before a bead is lost.
Planning your next look? Explore our Catherines entire special occasion collection in plus sizes 14W-40W, 0X-6X.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a sequin dress in the washer?
Only if its care label says so. The Masquerade Beaded Dress Set is labeled hand wash cold separately, so skip the machine. When a label does allow it, turn the piece inside out and use a cold, gentle cycle.
Can I dry clean a beaded pant suit?
Not the ones labeled against it. The Beaded Cardigan and Luminary pant suits both say do not dry clean, so hand washing cold is the safer routine for them.
Can I use bleach on a sequin outfit?
Check the label first. The Lace Gala and Masquerade sets allow only non-chlorine bleach when needed, while the Beaded Cardigan and Luminary sets say do not bleach at all.