Quick answer: Wash boho clothing cold, inside out and on a gentle cycle or by hand; keep embroidered pieces away from rough items, never tumble dry rayon, and let cotton gauze air-dry with a gentle twist to keep its crinkle. Store long pieces hanging so they keep their drape.
Why boho fabrics need care
Boho clothing is full of beautiful details: hand-style embroidery, tassels, crochet trims, lightweight gauze and fluid rayon. Those details are what make each piece special, and they are also the parts most easily damaged in a rough wash. The good news is that a few simple habits keep everything looking good for years. None of them take much time; they just need a little attention.
Read the care line
Every product page in our shop includes a care line, and it is worth checking before the first wash. It tells you the fabric and the safest way to clean it. When a piece mixes fabrics — for example a cotton blouse with a rayon trim — follow the instructions for the more delicate part. If in doubt, hand wash in cold water; it is never too gentle.
Washing embroidered pieces
Turn embroidered tops and dresses inside out before washing so the threads do not rub against the drum or other clothes. Wash them cold, on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag, or by hand with a mild detergent. Never scrub the embroidery itself. An embroidered peasant blouse washed this way keeps its colors bright and its stitches flat for many seasons.
Caring for cotton gauze
Cotton gauze is soft, airy and meant to look a little crinkled. Wash it cold on a gentle cycle and avoid the dryer, which can shrink it. While the piece is still damp, twist it gently lengthwise and let it dry like that for extra crinkle, or simply shake it out and hang it for a softer look. Gauze does not need ironing; that is part of its charm.
Rayon without shrinking
Rayon drapes beautifully but can shrink in heat. Wash it in cold water by hand or on a delicate cycle, never wring it, and always hang it or lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. A quick steam removes creases. If a rayon piece feels a little stiff after washing, a few minutes of wear or a gentle steam softens it again. Never put rayon in the tumble dryer.
Fringe, tassels and trims
Fringe and tassels on kimonos and tops can tangle in the wash. Put these pieces in a mesh laundry bag or wash them by hand, then comb the fringe straight with your fingers while it is still damp. Crochet and lace trims should be laid flat to dry so they keep their shape. A fringe kimono dried on a hanger keeps its fringe hanging neatly.
Preventing fading
Bright prints and dyes stay vivid longer when you wash them cold, inside out and with similar colors. Use a detergent for colors and skip bleach entirely. Dry clothes in the shade rather than strong sunlight, which fades dyes quickly. For the first wash of a deeply colored piece, wash it on its own or with dark items in case any dye runs.
Storing boho pieces
Hang long dresses and maxi skirts on hangers with loops or clips so the hems do not drag on the closet floor. Kimonos and blouses also prefer hangers, which keep their drape. Fold heavier knits and crochet pieces instead of hanging them, so they do not stretch. Keep clothes in a cool, dry place, and a few lavender sachets help everything smell fresh.
A simple routine
Cold water, inside out, gentle cycle or hand wash, no dryer for rayon and gauze, shade drying and hangers for long pieces — that is the whole routine. Follow it and your boho favorites will look good for many summers. Browse our boho dresses, kimonos, tops, skirts and pants to find new pieces, all in sizes S to XL with free U.S. shipping and 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put rayon in the dryer?
No — rayon can shrink in heat; hang it or lay it flat to dry.
Do I need to iron cotton gauze?
No — gauze is meant to look softly crinkled.
How do I wash an embroidered top?
Inside out, cold, on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag or by hand.
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