“Disguise a hole on delicate fabrics by using invisible thread to mend it,” says John Mahdessian, president of the high-end garment care company Madame Paulette, which handles pieces for Sotheby’s and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “If the hole is in an obvious place, you can create a seam in a uniform place on both sides.” Kristina Franco of online vintage resource The Allen Company agrees, adding: “The piece may go down a size, but it’s saved.” Or, suggests Franco, “add an appliqué, trimming or beading over the torn area. This can be done easily by hand.”