How to Store and Care for Indian Clothes: Silk, Embroidery, and More

You've invested in beautiful handmade pieces — silk kurta sets, embroidered lehengas, delicate chiffon sarees. Now the question: how do you keep them beautiful for years? Indian garments require different care than everyday Western clothes. Here's your complete guide to storage, cleaning, and maintenance.

General Principles

• Never store dirty. Body oils, perfume, and makeup will set over time and become impossible to remove.
• Avoid plastic. Plastic bags trap moisture, causing mildew and yellowing.
• Air circulation matters. Fabrics need to breathe, especially in humid climates.
• Fold, don't hang heavy pieces. Weight causes stretching over time.
• Check periodically. Inspect stored garments every few months for pests or issues.

Silk: The Most Delicate

Silk requires the most careful handling. It's strong when dry but weakens when wet, and it's highly sensitive to light, heat, and chemicals.

Cleaning Silk

• Dry clean for heavy embroidered pieces — always
• Hand wash plain silk in cold water with mild detergent (baby shampoo works)
• Never wring — roll in a towel to remove water
• Dry flat or hang in shade — direct sunlight fades silk
• Iron on low heat while slightly damp, or use a pressing cloth

Storing Silk

• Wrap in muslin or cotton cloth — never plastic
• Use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing
• Store flat in a cool, dark place
• Add silica gel packets in humid climates
• Refold periodically to prevent permanent crease lines

Pieces like the Ameera & Hoorain and Zehan & Aabha in silk will last decades with proper care.

Embroidered and Embellished Pieces

Heavy embroidery, zardozi, sequins, and beadwork require special attention:

Cleaning

• Always dry clean — home washing damages embroidery
• Find a cleaner experienced with Indian garments
• Point out specific stains and embellished areas
• Spot clean minor stains with a damp cloth (test first)

Storage

• Store embroidery side up to prevent crushing
• Never fold directly on heavy embroidery — use tissue padding
• For heavily beaded pieces, consider rolling instead of folding
• Use garment bags with breathable fabric for hanging pieces

The Ferozaan & Gulraaz anarkali has dense embroidery that should never be crushed in storage.

Chiffon and Georgette

These delicate sheers are prone to snagging and tearing:

Cleaning

• Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent
• Never twist or wring
• Hang to dry away from direct heat
• Iron on lowest setting or steam

Storage

• Hang if possible — these fabrics are light enough
• Use padded hangers to prevent shoulder marks
• If folding, use tissue paper between layers
• Keep away from jewellery or rough surfaces that can snag

Lehengas and Heavy Garments

Heavy lehengas present unique storage challenges:

The Weight Problem

Hanging heavy lehengas causes stretching at the waistband. Instead:

• Fold and store flat in a large drawer or shelf
• Use a fabric-covered box or trunk
• Pad folds with acid-free tissue
• Store the blouse and dupatta separately

Long-Term Storage

• Clean thoroughly before storing
• Wrap in muslin cloth
• Add lavender sachets or neem leaves for pest prevention
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Check every 3-6 months

A piece like the Nyassa & Elina lehenga should always be stored flat to preserve its shape.

Pest Prevention

Moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles love natural fibres. Prevention strategies:

• Clean before storing — pests are attracted to body oils and food stains
• Use natural repellents: lavender, cedar, neem leaves, cloves
• Avoid mothballs — the smell is difficult to remove and chemicals can damage fabric
• Check regularly — catch infestations early
• Keep storage areas clean and vacuum regularly

Dealing with Common Issues

Yellowing

White and ivory garments yellow over time, especially silk. Prevention:

• Store away from light
• Use acid-free tissue
• Avoid plastic and cardboard
• For already yellowed pieces, professional restoration may help

Creases and Fold Lines

• Refold garments differently each time you check them
• Steam before wearing to release wrinkles
• For stubborn creases, professional pressing works best

Musty Smell

• Air out garments in shade before wearing
• Store with lavender sachets
• Ensure storage area isn't damp
• Consider using a dehumidifier if humidity is an issue

Pre-Event Prep

Before wearing stored garments:

1. Remove from storage 24-48 hours early
2. Hang or lay flat to let wrinkles release
3. Steam or press as needed
4. Check for any damage or stains
5. Try on to ensure fit (bodies change)

Quick Reference by Fabric

Fabric	Clean	Store
Silk	Dry clean or gentle hand wash	Flat, in muslin
Chiffon	Hand wash, cool water	Hang on padded hanger
Embroidered	Dry clean only	Flat, embroidery up, padded
Cotton	Machine wash gentle	Folded or hung
Velvet	Dry clean only	Hang or roll, never fold

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