How to Care for Your Luxury Ethnic Wear: Maintenance Tips

Preserving the Beauty of Your Luxury Ethnic Garments

Investing in luxury ethnic wear is not just about making a fashion statement; it's about owning pieces that can be cherished for years or even passed down as heirlooms. However, these exquisite garments require special care to maintain their beauty and longevity. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you preserve your precious ethnic wear.

Understanding Fabric Requirements

Different fabrics demand different care approaches. Here's how to handle some common luxury fabrics:

Silk

Silk is delicate and requires gentle handling. Most silk garments should be dry cleaned only, especially those with zari work or embellishments. If the label permits hand washing, use cold water with a mild detergent specifically designed for silk. Never wring silk; instead, press out excess water gently and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.

Banarasi and Kanjeevaram

These heavy silk varieties with gold or silver zari work should only be dry cleaned by professionals experienced with luxury fabrics. Store them flat, wrapped in muslin cloth, and avoid hanging as it can stretch the fabric and damage the zari work.

Chiffon and Georgette

These lighter fabrics can be hand washed with cold water and mild detergent if they don't have heavy embellishments. Rinse thoroughly but gently, and avoid wringing. Lay flat or hang to dry in shade.

Velvet

Velvet garments should always be dry cleaned. Store them hanging to avoid crushing the pile, and use padded hangers to maintain the shape.

Caring for Embellishments

Many ethnic garments feature intricate embellishments like sequins, beads, mirrors, and threadwork. Here's how to preserve them:

• Always turn embellished garments inside out before washing or dry cleaning
• For hand washing, use a gentle swishing motion rather than rubbing
• Check for loose embellishments regularly and repair them promptly to prevent further damage
• When ironing, use a pressing cloth and iron on the reverse side or use a steamer

Storage Solutions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your ethnic wear:

Sarees

Fold sarees with acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent creasing. Store in a cool, dry place in cotton or muslin bags. Refold occasionally to avoid permanent crease lines. For silk sarees, add silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

Lehengas

Heavy lehengas should be stored flat if possible. If hanging, use padded hangers and ensure the weight is evenly distributed. Cover with cotton garment bags, never plastic, as the latter can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

Anarkalis and Gowns

Hang these on padded hangers to maintain their shape. Use garment bags to protect from dust and ensure adequate spacing in your wardrobe to prevent crushing.

Seasonal Care

Monsoon Care

During humid seasons, add silica gel packets to storage spaces and ensure garments are completely dry before storing. Consider using dehumidifiers in your wardrobe area.

Summer Care

Protect garments from direct sunlight which can fade colors. Ensure storage areas are cool and well-ventilated.

Winter Care

Check for moth damage regularly and use natural repellents like neem leaves or lavender sachets. Avoid storing in damp or cold areas which can encourage mold growth.

Handling Stains

Act quickly when stains occur:

• Blot, don't rub, to remove excess liquid
• For water-based stains on washable fabrics, rinse with cold water from the back of the stain
• For oil-based stains, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain before washing
• For stubborn stains on luxury fabrics, always consult a professional

Professional Maintenance

For valuable pieces:

• Choose dry cleaners who specialize in luxury ethnic wear
• Discuss the fabric and embellishments with them before handing over your garments
• Consider professional cleaning before storing garments for extended periods
• Invest in professional refolding services for silk sarees every few years

Reviving Old Garments

Even with the best care, ethnic wear may show signs of age over time. Here are some revival tips:

• For dull silk, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the final rinse water
• Steam rather than iron to remove stubborn creases
• Consider professional zari polishing for tarnished gold or silver work
• Consult with a skilled tailor for alterations or repairs to extend the life of your garments

Remember, the time and effort invested in caring for your luxury ethnic wear will pay off in the form of garments that retain their beauty and value for years to come.

At Millimo.store, we provide care instructions with all our luxury ethnic wear to help you maintain your precious purchases. Explore our collection and invest in timeless pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for years to come.