Hi everyone! I recently purchased a cotton dress that I absolutely love, but I find the fabric to be a little stiff and rough. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to soften cotton fabric without damaging it? I really want to make it more comfortable to wear, especially during the summer months. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Hello there! I've also struggled with stiff cotton fabric in the past, and while I have tried using fabric softener and vinegar, I found that my favorite method is to simply wear the garment more often.
After a few washes and wears, the fibers of the cotton fabric tend to loosen up, and the garment becomes much more comfortable to wear. I also found that rubbing the fabric against itself and gently pulling at it can help to soften it.
Additionally, I find that ironing cotton garments with a steam iron can also help to soften them. The steam from the iron can relax the fibers and give the fabric a smoother and softer feel.
I hope these tips help you with your stiff cotton fabric dilemma!