You have invested in a beautiful handwoven saree — a Kanjivaram, a linen silk, or a hand-embroidered masterpiece. Now comes the question every saree lover eventually faces: how do you care for it so it lasts a lifetime, or even a generation?
At SHRIYÀRA, we believe that caring for your ethnic wear is just as important as choosing it. Here is a practical, expert-approved guide to keeping your handwoven sarees in pristine condition.
- Washing: Most handwoven silk sarees should be dry-cleaned for the first few washes to preserve the colour and the zari work. For linen sarees, a gentle hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent (like Ezee or Gentle) is acceptable. Never wring or machine-wash a handwoven saree — this breaks the delicate fibres and distorts the weave.
- Drying: Always dry sarees in the shade, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight fades natural dyes and weakens silk fibres over time. Hang to dry or lay flat on a clean cotton surface.
- Ironing: Use a low-to-medium heat setting and always iron on the reverse side. For silk sarees, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct heat contact. Never iron zari or embroidered sections directly.
- Storage: The golden rule — store sarees in muslin or soft cotton cloth, never in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing and mildew. Fold sarees along different lines each time you store them to prevent permanent crease lines. Place a neem leaf or lavender sachet to deter insects naturally.
- Rotation: If you own multiple sarees, air them out once every three to six months to keep the fabric fresh and prevent storage damage.
For detailed guidance on heritage textile care, the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is an excellent resource.
Explore SHRIYÀRA’s full collection of handwoven sarees and ethnic wear at shriyara.com. Because a well-loved saree is a saree that lasts forever.
