To keep your Cocopiña dress in pristine shape and prolong its lifespan, it's important to take proper care of it and follow the care instructions provided. 

Most of our dresses are made of rayon, which is a great but delicate fabric. Below, we share our answers to questions like “Does rayon shrink?” and “Does rayon stretch?” along with other rayon care instructions. 

Our Garment Care Tips

Here are our top tips for how to take care of your dress and make it last longer: 

1. Read the Care Label 
   Always check the care label on your dress to determine the appropriate care instructions. Different fabrics and styles may require different care methods.  
   We attached our care labels to the inside lining of the dresses. 
   
   
2. Wash Your Dress Properly
   We use rayon for most of our dresses and recommend hand washing or dry cleaning. If you do prefer to machine wash your dresses, use a delicate cycle and cold water to avoid shrinkage and damaging the fabric. You can put it in a mesh washing bag to be extra safe. This will prevent the fabric, buttons, zippers, and any other details from getting damaged during the washing cycle. If the dress is particularly delicate or has embellishments, consider hand washing it instead.
   
   Hand washing is the best option, but if you must use a machine, use the gentle cycle.
   But first, check the care label to see if your dress is machine washable. 
3. Use a Mild Detergent 
   Use a mild detergent that is gentle on fabrics and avoid using bleach or fabric softener, which can damage the fabric. 
   If hand washing, rinse your rayon dress thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
   
   
4. Hang or Lay Flat to Dry
   To avoid shrinking or damaging the fabric, it's best to hang or lay the dress flat to dry instead of using a dryer. High heat can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage. When you air dry hang, don’t use metal hangers as they can stain the fabric. We recommend using wooden or padded hangers.
   
   If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting and remove the dress while it is still slightly damp. 
5. Iron or Steam
   Depending on the fabric, you may need to iron or steam your dress to remove wrinkles. Use a low heat setting and follow the care label instructions.
   To get rid of wrinkles we recommend steaming your dress. Steaming is less likely to damage the dress. While steaming, avoid direct contact between the steamer’s hot surface and the fabric.
   
   If your rayon fabric requires ironing, use a low heat setting, iron while the fabric is still slightly damp and iron the fabric inside out to avoid damaging the fabric. Avoid using too much pressure when ironing your dress. 
   
6. Store Your Dress Properly
   When storing your dress, hang it on a hanger or fold it carefully to prevent creases and wrinkles. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
   
   We recommend using padded hangers or folding the dress and storing it in a drawer or on a shelf. Don’t store your dress in direct sunlight since long exposure to sunlight can build up heat and can cause fabric damage or shrinkage. 

 By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your dress stays looking its best and lasts for years to come.  

Rayon 

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp or other natural sources. Rayon is lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear, making it a great choice for summer clothing and other warm-weather textiles. 

It has a soft and silky texture, and its draping quality makes it our favorite fabric for our dresses.  

However, it is a delicate fabric that requires special care to keep it looking good. Therefore, it's best to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or high heat. 

FAQ 

Does Rayon Shrink? 

Yes, like most fabrics, rayon can shrink if it is exposed to heat or if it is not properly cared for. Rayon is a delicate fabric that can be sensitive to high temperatures, and exposure to heat can cause it to shrink or lose its shape. To avoid shrinking, it is important to follow the care instructions on the garment's label and to avoid washing rayon in hot water or drying it in a dryer. 

Does Rayon Stretch? 

Yes, rayon can stretch out if it’s not properly cared for, such as if it is washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures. However, rayon also has some elastic properties, which means that it can regain its shape to some extent. 

While rayon does have some elasticity, it may not completely regain its original shape if it has stretched significantly. To prevent stretching in the future, always wash rayon garments in cold water and avoid using a dryer. 

Can Rayon Stretch Back If It Shrunk? 

If your rayon garment has shrunk, it may be possible to stretch it back to its original shape to some extent, but the results can be unpredictable and may not completely restore the garment to its original size. 

If your rayon garment has shrunk, it may be difficult to stretch it back to its original size, especially if it has shrunk significantly. However, there are a few steps you can take to try to stretch the fabric back out: 

1. Wash the garment in cold water: It is best practice to wash the garment by hand in cold water. Warm or hot water with high temperatures can cause further shrinkage. 
    
2. Add a gentle fabric softener or conditioner: You can add a small amount of fabric softener, hair conditioner or even baby shampoo to the water to help relax the fibers. These products can help soften the fibers of the fabric and make it easier to stretch. 
   Don’t use too much or anything with aggressive chemicals as they can damage the fabric.
   
   
3. Soak the garment: Immerse the garment in the water and gently work the fabric to loosen it up. 
    
4. Stretch the garment: While the garment is still wet, gently stretch it back into shape. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can damage the fabric. 
    
5. Rinse and air dry: Rinse the garment thoroughly with cool water, then gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay the garment flat on a towel to air dry. Do not hang the garment to dry, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. Avoid using a dryer, as the high heat can cause further shrinkage. 

Keep in mind that rayon is a delicate fabric and stretching it can cause it to lose its shape or even tear. It is always best to follow the care instructions on the label of your garment to prevent shrinking in the first place. If your rayon garment has shrunk significantly, stretching it back to its original shape may not be possible, and it may be best to consider having it altered or replaced. 

This should only be your last resort.