How do I identify if a fabric needs dry cleaning even if there's no care label?

When a garment has no care label (common with unbranded wholesale products), here is how to identify if it needs dry cleaning:

Fabrics that typically require dry cleaning:

• Pure silk: Feel warm when rubbed (protein fibre friction), has a soft natural sheen, burns like hair
• Wool / pashmina: Feels warm and spongy, will felt if machine washed in hot water
• Structured garments: Anything with a stiff internal structure (jacket, bandhgala) — the canvas/interfacing can delaminate in water
• Heavy bead or mirror embellishment: Water-based washing loosens adhesive used for non-stitched embellishments
• Velvet: Pile fabric — water washing crushes the pile and can create permanent water marks

Spot test method: Apply a tiny drop of water on an inconspicuous area (inner seam). If the fabric immediately shows a water mark or colour change, it should not be water washed. If it absorbs without change, water washing is likely safe.