Dyeing a dress--any advice? - YouLookFab Forum

As some of you may know from my previous thread, I found the greatest dress ever, only to have it sell out from under my nose. This is the dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/na.....ss/3036674

Part of what made the dress so perfect was that the color was really great on me. Although it is no longer available anywhere, it IS available in white. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with having a dress dyed. Do you think I could dye the white dress blue? Or is it just insane to spend a lot of money on a dress and then have it dyed? I would take it to a pro--I wouldn't trust myself to do it, and that begs the next question, which is--what kind of pro? A dry cleaner? A tailor? Shoemaker?

Here is the dress in white. Still pretty, but I already own several white dresses and really don't need another:
http://www.nanettelepore.com/s.....dress.html

Also, the dress is already sold out of a size 4, which is my typical size. But I'm thinking if I had it dyed I should probably go up a size anyway, because it will probably shrink. Is that correct?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

14 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

It is part cotton, part nylon. The cotton part will take the dye, the nylon probably not. at least that is what dylon says:

What fabrics can I dye?

Cotton, linen and viscose will dye to the full shade shown on the pack Mixtures of these with polyester will result in lighter shades Polyester, Nylon and other synthetics can not be dyed Wool and silk can be dyed with DYLON Hand Fabric Dye.

If you're not sure whether a fabric is suitable for dyeing give our friendly experts a call.".

(website)

I've only dyed at home, with differing amounts of success. I will say the color never ends up exactly as I'd pictured it. usually it's good enough, but for instance right now I have a coral-melon pair of shorts, when I really wanted red. That won't do. I don't know anything about professional dyeing, sorry. Maybe consult with the professional before you buy the dress to see if it's even do-able.

Patty

For those dyeing at home<--that sounds horrible!------as Heleen mentioned polyesters/synthetics don't take colour. Check to see if the thread the garment is sewn together with is a synthetic or not, may need to test an area--unless you want a coloured dress with white thread. I've had that happen with a cotton shirt--black with white thread--DOHHHH

Julie

Check the label for the exact blend of cotton to synthetic. The go to a fabric store and purchase a small amount or remnant of the same blend in white, of course. This will be your test strip. You can be reasonably sure your garment will finish the same as the test strip. But, and it's a big but, as mentioned above, made sure the thread s not synthetic. I've seen people disassemble a garment, then sew it back together with a matching thread after dyeing. How badly do you want this dress?

Jonesy

I've never heard of a professional dyer (of course that doesn't mean that they don't exist). I have dyed a lot of stuff over the years, but I don't think I would be intrepid enough to spend so much on something with the intention of dyeing it. There are just too many things that could go wrong (splotchiness, dye that doesn't take because of the fabric, thread that stays white, etc. etc.). It could also shrink like crazy, in weird ways.

Kristine

Professional dyeing would be the only way to go if you can find anyone who does it.

I've dyed quite a few things. You can buy dyes for synthetics (check the IDye line for both natural and synthetic dye, for a blend you'll need the same color in both types). The problem with synthetics is that you need a high temperature to dye them, so you'd have to simmer them on the stove! For some fabrics that results in permanent wrinkles!
The other issue with dyeing is that it's rarely exact, you'll get blue but probably not the shade you want.

rosee

Hate to spoil your fun, but I would say "No". The blend material won't take dye well or else it will be splotchy. It is recommended "dry clean only" (check out the other posts on washing dry clean only items), which would indicate something more sensitive about the dress, likely the ruffles or layers that it has. Others have already mentioned the possible white threads. Also, a brighter or darker color would need "maintenance dyeing" to retain the color, and that causes several laundry issues.
I've dyed a lot of clothes with mostly good results. Blended fabrics with synthetics NEVER turned out well and ruined the garment. That dress is lovely but too costly for such an experiment.
The only professional that I know of that may dye the dress would be a wedding specialist that can dye bride's maids' gowns, since those dresses often have some synthetic in the fabric. Check them out. Most tailors /seamstresses won't bother with it b/c of the inconsistent results.

elpgal

Steph, I don't know anything about the dyeing but wanted to throw out these suggestions. Can you contact the company and see if they another piece - an irregular one, perhaps? Alternately, it might be worth checking if you can commission someone to sew you something similar. I think you should go ahead and order the white one while you ponder your options.

ETA: Scratch that suggestion. I reread the description and see that it is a final sale item.

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