Silk Nightwear Care: Washing & Storing Silk Tops

By Aubade® Official Store: French Luxury Lingerie | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to wash and store silk tops properly to keep them soft, shiny, and long-lasting. Expert tips for delicate silk nightwear care.

Quick answer

Wash silk tops by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent, then air-dry flat away from sunlight. Store them folded in a breathable cotton bag to prevent snags and fading.

Why silk tops need special care

Silk is a natural protein fiber that is softer and more delicate than cotton or synthetics. Harsh washing, heat, or rough storage can cause silk to lose its shine, become brittle, or develop permanent wrinkles. This is especially true for lightweight, loose-fitting tops like the Silk by Night Top with thin straps, which has a deep V-neckline and a mostly bare back. The thin straps and delicate piping can easily snag or stretch if handled roughly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many people ruin silk by using regular laundry detergent (which contains enzymes that break down silk proteins), wringing the fabric, or hanging it to dry (the weight of water can stretch the shape). Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and dry cleaning unless the label specifically requires it—dry cleaning solvents can be harsh on silk over time.

Step-by-step silk top care routine

1. Hand-wash in cool water: Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot). Add a few drops of a gentle silk-specific or pH-neutral detergent. Submerge the top and gently swirl it for 2-3 minutes. Do not rub, wring, or scrub. Common mistake: using hot water or regular detergent. Both can strip silk's natural oils and cause fading or stiffness.
2. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with fresh cool water. Swish the top gently until no suds remain. Repeat if necessary. Residual detergent can attract dirt and dull the fabric's shine. Rinse until the water runs clear.
3. Remove excess water gently: Lay the wet top flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up like a jelly roll and press lightly to absorb moisture. Never twist or wring the silk. Wringing can break silk fibers and distort the shape, especially around thin straps and the neckline.
4. Air-dry flat away from heat and sun: Unroll the top and lay it flat on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Reshape it gently to its original form. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or heaters. Hanging silk while wet can stretch the fabric. Sunlight and heat can cause fading and weaken the fibers.
5. Store folded in a breathable bag: Once completely dry, fold the top loosely and place it in a cotton or muslin storage bag. Store in a cool, dark drawer or shelf. Avoid plastic bags or overcrowding. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing. Wire hangers can snag thin straps; if you must hang, use a padded hanger.

Product spotlight

Silk by Night Top with thin straps: The Silk by Night Top is made from soft and shiny silk fabric that shimmers and catches the light, with a deep V-neckline and thin straps that leave the back mostly bare. Because the fabric is lightweight and the straps are thin, gentle hand-washing and flat drying are essential to preserve the shape and prevent stretching or snagging.
Silk by Night Top with thin straps