Some fabrics are easygoing—they handle a spin in the washing machine like a champ. Others? Not so much. If you’ve ever pulled a shrunken wool sweater or a misshapen silk blouse from the laundry, you know exactly what we mean.

Some materials demand a gentler touch, and that’s where dry cleaning comes in.

So, which fabrics actually love dry cleaning? Let’s break it down.

8 Fabrics That Need Dry Cleaning

Some materials lose their shape, shrink, or get ruined entirely when exposed to water and heat. That’s why dry cleaning exists—it’s not just about keeping clothes clean; it’s about protecting the fabric so it lasts longer and looks as good as the day you bought it.

You wouldn’t throw a silk tie in with your gym socks, right? Some things just need a little more care. If you’ve ever wondered which fabrics truly need dry cleaning, here’s your answer.

1. Silk

Silk is a luxury fabric, and like most luxurious things, it comes with high maintenance. Water can weaken silk’s fibers, leave behind stubborn water stains, and even make the material lose its smooth finish.

Some people try to hand wash silk, but even that can lead to unwanted fading or rough patches over time. Dry cleaning keeps silk soft, vibrant, and free from the risks of shrinkage or damage.

If you love your silk blouses, scarves, or dresses, trust a professional cleaner to keep them in top shape.

2. Wool & Cashmere

A cozy wool sweater or a soft cashmere scarf feels like a hug on a cold day—but put them in the washing machine, and that hug might shrink to doll-size.

Wool fibers absorb water easily, which causes them to contract unpredictably, turning a perfectly good coat into something that barely fits a child.

Cashmere, on the other hand, needs extra care to maintain its softness. Machine washing can lead to pilling, stretching, and a loss of that buttery texture. Dry cleaning keeps these natural fibers in shape, preserving their warmth and softness for years.

3. Suits

Suits are structured, and structure is everything. Whether it’s wool, tweed, or linen, these fabrics aren’t meant to be tossed in with everyday laundry. Regular washing breaks down the fabric’s integrity, making the jacket lose its sharp lines and the trousers sag.

Plus, sweat and oil can settle into suit fabric, making it look dull over time. Dry cleaning lifts stains and keeps suits looking crisp and professional without altering their fit.

4. Rayon

Rayon is a tricky one. It looks and feels soft, sometimes even mimicking silk or cotton, so people assume it’s safe to wash. But don’t be fooled—rayon is a semisynthetic fabric made from chemically treated cellulose fibers, and those fibers don’t handle water well.

Warm water can cause rayon to shrink, lose its shape, or even develop a stiff, warped texture. Rayon doesn’t hold color as well as natural fibers, meaning it’s prone to bleeding when washed.

If you’ve ever tossed a rayon blouse into the machine and found the color duller—or worse, transferred onto your other clothes—you’ve seen this in action.

Dry cleaning helps maintain rayon’s softness, color, and drape, ensuring that it stays smooth and vibrant instead of faded and misshapen.

5. Velvet

Velvet is all about texture, and nothing ruins that faster than water. If you wash velvet the wrong way, the plush surface can become stiff, flattened, or patchy. And once velvet loses its rich, dimensional look, it’s nearly impossible to restore.

Dry cleaning protects the fabric’s softness and sheen, making sure it stays smooth and luxurious instead of dull and matted.

6. Leather & Suede

Leather and suede might seem tough, but they don’t play well with water. Moisture can cause stains, stiffening, or even cracking over time. Suede is especially tricky because water can leave permanent dark spots, ruining its velvety surface.

Professional dry cleaners use special conditioning treatments to clean and protect these materials, keeping them soft, supple, and free from water damage. If you want your leather jacket or suede boots to last for years, skip the DIY cleaning and take them to a pro.

7. Fur

Fur is in a league of its own when it comes to fabric care. Unlike most textiles, fur is attached to skin—like leather—which means it reacts poorly to water. If fur garments get wet, the hide underneath can shrink, crack, or dry out, permanently damaging the piece.

Even if it looks okay at first, the natural oils in the skin can dry up over time, making the fur brittle and prone to shedding.

Another thing to consider? Many fur pieces, especially vintage ones, don’t come with clear care instructions.

Older furs are particularly delicate, and washing them at home is a gamble. Dry cleaning professionals use specialized techniques to clean fur while preserving its natural oils and texture. If you have a fur coat, collar, or trim, don’t take chances—let an expert handle it

8. Garments with Special Detailing

Sometimes, it’s not just the fabric that makes dry cleaning necessary—it’s the way a garment is constructed. A lot of clothing today has intricate details, hidden padding, or structured elements that don’t hold up well in the wash. Here are a few examples:

• Embroidered or sequined pieces – These details are usually attached with delicate stitching or adhesives that can come loose in water. A washing machine’s agitation can pull threads, tangle embroidery, or even cause embellishments to fall off entirely.
• Lined or padded jackets – Jackets with padding or interfacing (the material that helps them keep their shape) can be ruined in a standard wash. Water and heat can cause padding to shift or clump, making the garment look lumpy and misshapen.
• Pleated skirts and dresses – If an item has permanent pleating, washing can distort or flatten the shape, undoing the structured look entirely.

For these types of garments, dry cleaning is the safest way to maintain their structure and detailing. When in doubt, always check the tag—if the piece has decorative or structural elements, dry cleaning is probably the best option.

When in Doubt, Check the Label

While some fabrics absolutely need dry cleaning, others can be hand-washed with care. The best rule of thumb? Always check the care label. If you see “Dry Clean Only,” it’s not worth the risk of DIY washing.

Investing in dry cleaning for these delicate fabrics isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about keeping your wardrobe looking its best for years to come.

Looking for hassle-free laundry care in Sacramento? At Vogue Cleaners, we’ve spent nearly 40 years keeping clothes fresh with eco-friendly, expert cleaning.

Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today!