How to Care for Maternity Dresses with Scallop Trim and Gingham Prints: Washing and Storage Tips

You’ve found the perfect maternity dress with dainty scallop trim or a sweet gingham print – the kind that makes you feel put‑together even as your bump grows. But those delicate details and tight patterns need a little extra TLC to stay beautiful wash after wash. Whether you’re rotating through summer staples or packing away pieces for a future pregnancy, knowing how to care for them saves you time, money, and frustration.

Scalloped hems and gingham prints are two of the most charming details in maternity fashion, but they also come with specific care needs. Scallop trim can snag or lose its shape if mishandled, while gingham’s crisp contrast lines are prone to fading or bleeding. In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical washing and storage methods so your favorite dresses stay as lovely as the day you bought them.

Why Scallop Trim and Gingham Need Special Attention

Scallop trim is often made from a separate fabric layer or sewn with a delicate edge. When tossed into a rough machine cycle, the scallops can stretch, twist, or even tear away from the main dress. Similarly, gingham prints – especially those with high‑contrast colours – rely on stable dye to keep their grid pattern sharp. Hot water, harsh detergents, or over‑drying can cause the colours to bleed or fade unevenly. That’s why even machine‑washable dresses with these features benefit from gentler handling.

Think of it this way: the same steps you’d take to protect a silk blouse or a hand‑knit sweater apply here. A little extra care upfront means you won’t have to retire a dress after just a few wears. If you own a piece like the Red Floral Puff Sleeve Plus Maternity Maxi Dress or the Denim Chambray Puff Sleeve Wide Leg Maternity Jumpsuit, you already know that unique details deserve a custom care routine.

How to Wash Maternity Dresses with Scallop Trim

For scallop trim, hand washing is the safest bet. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent (one labelled for delicates or colours). Submerge the dress, gently swish it around, and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the scalloped edge. Rinse with cool water until no suds remain, then press out excess water – never wring. If you must use a machine, place the dress in a mesh laundry bag on the gentle cycle, cold water, and skip the spin setting to minimise stress on the trim.

One honest trade‑off: hand washing takes more time than tossing everything in a machine. But it dramatically reduces the risk of pulling or distorting those decorative edges. If you’re short on time, pre‑treat any stains on the scallop area with a dab of detergent and a soft cloth before the wash. And always check the care label – some scallop trims are made from synthetic fibres that tolerate a low‑heat tumble dry, but air drying is your best friend for maintaining shape.

• Use a mesh bag and cold water if machine washing is necessary.
• Never wring or twist the scalloped hem; press water out gently.

Caring for Gingham Prints: Prevent Fading and Bleeding

Gingham’s charm lies in its crisp, even lines – so you want to keep those colours from running or washing out. Always turn gingham dresses inside out before washing. This protects the printed surface from friction with other garments. Wash with like colours in cold water and choose a detergent formulated for colours or without bleach. If you have a dress with multiple colours, like the Black Knot Detail Smocked Mini Dress, remember that darker panels may release extra dye in the first few washes.

Avoid soaking gingham for long periods, as water can cause dyes to migrate. If you need to spot‑clean a stain, dab gently with a damp cloth rather than rubbing. For deep cleaning, a short cool wash is better than a long soak. After washing, remove the dress promptly from the machine – leaving wet gingham in the drum can cause dye transfer onto lighter areas. And skip the fabric softener; it can dull the print’s brightness over time.

• Always turn gingham dresses inside out before washing.
• Wash with like colours in cold water to prevent bleeding.

Drying: Air Dry Is Best for Both Details

Heat is the biggest enemy of scallop trim and gingham prints. High heat can shrink or warp scalloped edges and cause gingham dyes to fade prematurely. The safest method is to lay the dress flat on a clean, dry towel – reshape the scallop trim with your fingers while it’s still damp. For gingham dresses, hanging them on a padded hanger in the shade works well, but avoid direct sunlight which can bleach the pattern. If you prefer the tumble dryer, use the lowest air‑dry or no‑heat setting and remove the dress while it’s still slightly damp.

One honest tip: air drying takes longer, especially for thicker fabrics like the Light Pink Chiffon Long Sleeve Pleated Plus Maxi Dress. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed up the process. Just never put a scallop‑trim or gingham dress in a high‑heat cycle – you’ll risk irreversible damage. For extra care, place the dress over a drying rack instead of hanging by the hem, which can stretch the scallop edge over time.

• Lay scallop‑trim dresses flat to reshape the hem while damp.
• Hang gingham dresses in the shade to avoid sun fading.

Storage Tips to Keep Your Dresses Ready for Next Time

When the season changes or you’re storing maternity dresses between pregnancies, proper storage prevents creases, snags, and colour transfer. For scallop trim dresses, fold them rather than hang them – hanging can stretch the scalloped edge over months. Place a sheet of acid‑free tissue paper between folds to reduce friction. For gingham dresses, store them in a cool, dark drawer or box away from direct light to keep the print from fading. If you hang them, use wide padded hangers and cover with a breathable garment bag.

Don’t forget to clean your dresses before storing. Even a small stain can set and become permanent over time. Check for loose threads or loose buttons on pieces like the Fuchsia Button Accent Solid Maternity Plus Size Sweater (though it’s a sweater, the same principle applies to any delicate trim). For dresses with embellishments, like those with embroidered hems, store them separately to avoid snagging on other items. A little prep now means you can pull out a perfectly preserved dress whenever you need it.

• Fold scallop‑trim dresses to prevent stretching; use tissue paper.
• Store gingham dresses in dark, cool places to preserve colour.

Caring for maternity dresses with scallop trim and gingham prints doesn’t have to be complicated. By washing gently, drying carefully, and storing smartly, you extend the life of your favorite pieces – and keep them looking as fresh as the day you bought them. A few minutes of extra attention each wash cycle is a small investment for many more comfortable, stylish days ahead.