Ethnic Wear Care Guide
Taking proper care of your ethnic wear ensures it stays beautiful, vibrant, and long-lasting. Different fabrics and embellishments require different handling, so follow these tips to keep your garments in excellent condition.
Read the Label
Always start by checking the care label on your garment. It provides specific instructions about washing, drying, and ironing that are tailored to the fabric.
Washing
- Cotton: Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Be gentle—avoid twisting or wringing to reduce wear and tear.
- Silk, chiffon, wool, or embellished garments: Opt for dry cleaning. Heavy embroidery, sequins, and zari work are best preserved by professional cleaners.
Stain Removal
- For cotton, treat stains quickly by blotting with cold water.
- For delicate fabrics, consult a professional cleaner to avoid setting the stain or damaging the material.
Bleach Caution
Never use bleach on ethnic wear. It weakens fibers and causes colors to fade prematurely.
Drying
- Always dry garments in the shade, away from direct sunlight, to maintain brightness and prevent fading.
- For delicate fabrics and knitwear, lay the garment flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid machine dryers entirely.
Ironing
- Use a low heat setting and iron on the reverse side of the garment.
- For delicate materials like silk, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect embellishments and prints.
Storage
- Store ethnic wear in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
- Use padded hangers for sarees, lehengas, and other heavy garments to retain shape.
- Wrap pieces in soft cotton or muslin cloth to shield them from dust, moisture, and insects.
Extra Care Tip
Whenever you’re unsure about handling a valuable or intricately designed outfit, professional dry cleaning is the safest solution. Apart from cotton, almost all ethnic fabrics benefit greatly from regular dry cleaning, which helps retain their vibrancy and longevity.
