Message: Hello, I have a question about dyeing prom gowns. I go to a all girls high school and im graduating this year.I live in a small town. Im known to wear very brightly colored clothing and the color orange and lime green. Gurls have already got the green and orange gowns. I know what i want but is it possible. I want a gown to be the color of a yellow highlighter. DO you know if it's possible to dye prom gowns and where to get the dye. Does the gown have to be made of a certain fiber. Please help!!

You may find it difficult to locate a prom gown that is dyeable. In order to be dyeable, a gown should be machine-washable, and it should be made of an easily dyed fabric such as silk, linen, rayon, or cotton. Nylon can also be dyed, but other synthetics cannot be. Also note that most garments are stitched together with polyester thread, which will remain the original color when the garment is dyed.

Dyeing polyester is not a suitable task for a dye novice. See "Dyeing Polyester with Disperse Dyes".

The easiest way to get a custom-dyed gown is to dye the fabric, and get someone to sew it for you. They can use thread that matches the fabric after it has been dyed. Custom-made dresses are not always more expensive than off-the-rack clothing. Is there a tailor's shop in your town that can make a dress for you? If you convince a relative to sew for you, be sure to allow plenty of time, and do select a simple pattern. Silk is among the easiest of fabrics to dye; it can be dyed with the same fiber-reactive dyes used in tie-dye, or with another class of dyes called acid dyes. Nylon can also be dyed with acid dyes. Avoid polyester, acrylic, acetate, and anything that is not washable!

You also might consider mail-ordering a dress found on the web by searching for, say, "lime green prom dress".