Christening gowns
Why does a christening gown turn yellow over time?
A christening gown can look completely clean after the christening and still turn yellow in the wardrobe. The explanation is the residues you cannot see.
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Residues that cannot be seen
During and after a christening the gown comes into contact with food, milk, saliva and skin oils. Residues from these organic sources are often colourless, so the gown can look clean and white even though the fabric contains them.
Oxidation over time
If the gown is put away for months or years, the residues can oxidise. That is why yellowish marks can appear, typically exactly where the gown was in close contact with the child. In practice the marks were there all along — they just became visible later.
That is why treatment before storage matters
We recommend that the gown is assessed and correctly dry cleaned or washed after use, before it is put away. The treatment is chosen according to material, age, construction and care label, and special care is taken with delicate lace, embroidery and ribbons.
When the yellowing has already happened
Whether old yellowed stains can be reduced depends on the fabric and the stains. Bring the gown into the shop, and we will assess it and tell you what we think is realistic. Read more about the treatment on our christening gowns page.