One of the most significant aspects of this most memorable day in your life is your wedding gown. You want it to be the focal point of your bridal ensemble. However, you may discover that your once-white wedding dress has become yellow with time. This is disappointing to learn that you had planned to save the outfit as a treasured keepsake.
What, then, is it that yellows wedding gowns? Can you take any measures to stop it from happening? This article will delve into the causes of wedding dress yellowing and offer advice on how to avoid the problem. How to keep your wedding dress looking as stunning as the day you said “I do” is the subject of this guide, which covers everything from the best way to store it to the materials used to make it. So, read my post now!
What Causes Wedding Dress To Yellow?
Wedding dresses can be yellow for a variety of reasons, including:
Exposure To Light
One of the primary reasons that wedding dresses turn yellow over time is because of prolonged exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. Both natural light and artificial light produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause the fibres in the fabric to degrade and turn yellow. This is especially true for natural fibres like cotton and silk, which are more prone to deterioration when exposed to UV rays because of their composition.
It is necessary to preserve your wedding dress in a cool, dark location, like a closet or wardrobe, so that it does not turn yellow as a result of being exposed to light. This will avoid the yellowing that can occur. If you do need to show your dress, you should think about using glass or plexiglass that has a UV filter on it to prevent harm from the light.
In addition, you should try to limit the number of times you touch the dress because the natural oils on your skin can also cause damage over time. You can assist ensure that your wedding dress retains its stunning appearance for many years to come by following these instructions.
Age
The yellowing of a wedding dress over time can also be caused by age, which is another aspect that plays a role. The reason for this is that as time passes, the fibres in the fabric gradually break down and become more brittle, which might cause the garment to yellow. Exposure to light, heat, humidity, and some chemicals can accelerate the ageing process, which can cause the fabric to disintegrate more quickly. This can also cause the process to start earlier.
It is crucial to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry place and to avoid exposing it to light or harsh chemicals to keep it from turning yellow as a natural result of ageing. Because this can help to slow down the ageing process and avoid yellowing, you may also want to think about having it maintained and cleaned by a professional as soon as possible after your wedding day.
The elegance of your wedding dress can be maintained for many years to come with the right kind of care and maintenance, which can go a far way.
Storage Conditions
A wedding dress might be yellow with time for several reasons, one of which is how it was stored. The risk of yellowing and other damage increases when a dress is kept in conditions that are either excessively humid, too hot, or too exposed to light. The opposite is true: if the air is excessively dry, the fabric can dry out and turn yellow.
Keeping your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place will help keep it from turning yellow over time. A closet or wardrobe is ideal because of the controlled environment it provides in terms of temperature and humidity. Don’t put it in the basement or the attic, where it could get wet or get too much sun.
It is also recommended that you store the dress in an acid-free box or garment bag to prevent damage from dust and other impurities. Following these guidelines can help keep your wedding gown looking fresh and new for years to come.
Chemical Reactions
Yellowing of a wedding gown can also occur due to chemical interactions. Fabrics can experience this problem if they come into contact with pollutants in the air or cleaning supplies. For instance, bleach or chlorine can cause yellowing of fabrics, such as a dress.
You should keep your wedding dress away from strong chemicals to keep it from turning yellow as a result of chemical reactions. The best way to care for your dress is to wash it in a detergent made for delicate textiles, one that is mild and pH-neutral. You might take it to a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding gowns if you aren’t sure what to use to clean it. They will be familiar with cleaning delicate garments and will handle your outfit with care.
Chemicals in the air, such as those released by home cleaners or pesticides, should also be avoided when wearing your clothing. Your dress will be best protected from dust and other potential damage if you keep it in a sealed, acid-free box or garment bag made for long-term storage. The chemical changes that cause your wedding dress to yellow over time can be slowed if you follow these precautions.
Fabric Composition
The wedding dress’s fabric can play a role in how quickly it yellows with age. Fabrics that are synthetic or have been treated chemically tend to yellow more quickly than natural fibre fabrics. Silk and polyester, for instance, are more prone to yellowing than cotton because they are more easily damaged by light and chemicals. Dresses that have been treated with sizing or starch may be more likely to be yellow because of the attraction that these compounds have for dirt and other pollutants.
If you’re worried about your wedding dress becoming yellow over time, it’s best to stick with gowns manufactured from high-quality, natural fibres that are less likely to degrade. Extra caution should be taken when storing and cleaning a dress that contains synthetic fabrics or has been treated with sizing or starch to avoid discolouration. If you want your garment to last as long as possible and avoid turning yellow, you should have it cleaned and preserved by a professional.
Conclusion
Exposure to light, the passage of time, certain storage conditions, chemical interactions, and the makeup of the fabric can all contribute to the yellowing of a wedding dress over time. It is essential to take measures to preserve your clothing from these elements to reduce the risk of yellowing occurring. This involves storing it in a place that is cool, dry, and dark; avoiding direct contact with harsh chemicals; and selecting a dress that is constructed from natural fibres of the highest quality.
Additionally, having your dress cleaned and conserved by a professional can help to extend its longevity and ensure that it retains its stunning appearance for many years to come. You may help ensure that your wedding dress will be a treasured memory for many years to come after your big day by following the appropriate precautions, such as the ones listed above.