How many times has your heart been shattered because the saree you wanted to wear for a special event has lost its luster and now looks dull? Or perhaps your favorite lehenga has got a bad stain that refuses to go away.
As much as we despise these mishaps, we can't deny that they happen to the majority of us. However, preventing them may not be as difficult as it appears. A basic understanding of fabric care can go a long way toward keeping those cherished pieces of clothing.
Khari, Gold Block, and Foil prints, for example, have a short shelf life and fade away after 5-8 washes. Taking care of pricey fabrics necessitates a small investment as well. Here’s a short fabric by fabric guide:
- Cotton: Cotton is like that best friend that takes you grocery shopping and provides you a shoulder to cry on when you need it. Cotton is lightweight, breathable, and long-lasting. However, if you want to rely on them, you must take care of them as well. Cotton tags have a tendency to bleed, which is exacerbated when washed in hot water, so it's best to hand wash cotton clothing in cold water. It's a good idea to dip Cotton in saltwater before stitching to keep the colour of your cloth bright. Cotton shrinks when dried in direct sunshine, so avoid doing so.
- Chanderi: The fabric, like its name, is a little fancy. It's light and airy, with a sheer, shimmering texture. As a result, a beautiful cloth like this will necessitate significant maintenance. Pure Chanderi fabrics can be costly, and they should only be dry cleaned. Poly Chanderi can be washed in the washing machine. While foil print Chanderi is durable and tough, it is not recommended to use a washing brush on the foil motifs since the motifs may come off.
- Chiffon: It is a fabric that is very light, sheer, and delicate. It has a tendency to bleed and fray, so it must be handled with caution. Chiffon should be washed in cold water because it bleeds easily. Basic home washing is sufficient for Viscose Chiffon; however, the yarns of the fabric are highly delicate and can quickly break if squeezed, twisted, or turned. Machine washing is recommended for poly Chiffon.
- Georgette: Chiffon's twin sister is Georgette. Georgette is similar to chiffon in that it is lightweight and sheer, but it is slightly thicker. Because the materials have comparable qualities, their care instructions will be similar as well. Georgette should be cleaned by hand in cold water using a gentle detergent. Sun-drying should be avoided in preference of air-drying.
- Crepe: Crepe is a one-of-a-kind fabric, with a wrinkled, gritty feel that appeals to many people. The fabric is light and airy, with a flowy quality to it. Silk Crepe, the high-maintenance variety of this fabric, demands a lot of attention and should only be dry-washed. Polyester Crepe, on the other hand, is very easy to care for and only requires a machine or hand wash.
- Linen: Summers in India and linen are a match made in heaven. It's an ancient cloth that's extremely breathable and doesn't cling to your skin. It's also one of the most environmentally friendly and long-lasting fabrics. However, it is no secret that linen is a little pricey, and that caring for it necessitates some expenditure. Linen should be dry cleaned only; normal washing can harm the fabric.
- Silk: Silk has been used as a symbol of royalty for millennia. Not to add that it has traditionally held a renowned position in the fabric industry. Its graceful and lustrous nature is what attracts people to it. Silk is a luxury fabric that requires special attention. It should always be dry cleaned because it is a pricey cloth. Silks need to be dry cleaned because water reduces the natural luster of the fabric and reduces its richness over time. Dry cleaning keeps the luster and richness of the fabric intact. Also all silks need to be taken out periodically to be aired and folded to avoid the yarn from breaking on the creases.
Now that we've persuaded you that taking care of your ethnic clothing and fabric will make them your best friend, do not hesitate to buy fancy fabrics.