The Best Way to Store and Care for Your Heavy Designer Ethnic Wear

A cherished designer saree is more than just an outfit; it’s an heirloom in the making. The intricate gota work, the glimmer of cutdana, and the rich lustre of premium silk are all details worth preserving. But with such beauty comes the responsibility of care. 

To ensure your treasured designer ethnic wear pieces last a lifetime, here is our guide to protecting the unique materials and artistry found in your Roopkala collection.

Protecting Cutdana on Dola Silk

Dola silk sarees such as our Pearl White Dola Silk Saree is a delicate balance of soft silk and sharp, intricate embellishments. The primary risk here is the Cutdana, Sequin, and Pearl work snagging on the fabric itself, causing pulls or tears.

• Care Tip: When folding, this saree must be interleaved with newspaper, acid-free tissue paper, or unbleached muslin cloth. Place a sheet of tissue between every fold to create a buffer, preventing the sharp edges of the cutdana from catching on the silk.

• Storage: Never hang this saree. Store it flat in a muslin bag (not plastic) to allow the Dola Silk to breathe.

Preserving the Beauty of Tissue Silk

Tissue silk sarees are the epitome of grace, like our Golden Tissue Silk Saree, which is prized for its exquisite shimmer and almost weightless, fluid drape. The primary challenge here is its incredibly delicate fabric, which can easily tear or shred under the added weight of intricate embellishments.

• Care Tip: Avoid hangers at all costs. The fabric's own weight, combined with the embellishments, will cause it to tear at the shoulder.

• Storage: Fold this saree very loosely with minimal creases and store it flat. To prevent tarnishing, store this stylish latest designer party wear saree in a dark, dry place and avoid naphthalene balls, which can chemically react with the threads.

Handling Bandhej Georgette

Bandhej Georgette sarees embody a perfect blend of ethnic tradition and modern sophistication. Our Purple Noor Bandhej Georgette Saree is a beautiful blend of traditional craft and modern elegance. The primary risks here are two-fold: the Bandhej dyes, which can stain if not handled correctly, and the delicate georgette fabric snagging on its own Gota work and pearl-detailed border.

• Care Tip: Before its first store, ensure the saree is only ever dry-cleaned by a specialist who understands how to handle Bandhej to prevent colour bleeding.

• Storage: Never hang georgette; it will stretch and lose its shape. Fold it neatly, ensuring it is folded inwards (protected by a tissue or paper) to avoid snagging the soft fabric.

Maintaining the Crispness of Organza

Organza fabric is undoubtedly an ideal choice for festive occasions, weddings, and celebrations, and handling it properly is a must. Sarees like our Mystic Merlot Shimmer Organza Saree get their ethereal charm from their light, crisp texture and delicate Zari weave stripes. The primary challenge here is preserving this crisp "body" without creating permanent, sharp creases that can weaken the fabric and dull its shimmer.

• Care Tip: To prevent permanent creasing, the best way to store organza is by rolling it around and covering it in paper. If you must fold it, keep the folds very light, loose, and buffered with tissue.

• Storage: The Zari and Gota works are delicate and can oxidise. Store the rolled or folded saree in a dark, dry place in a muslin cloth to allow air circulation and prevent the threads from tarnishing.

Guarding the Artistry of Weave Silk

Weave silk sarees are timeless, such as our Cosmic Forest Weave Silk Saree, which is a piece of wearable art, defined by its rich premium silk and complex woven motifs. The primary risk here is damage to the intricate weave itself, as a single pulled thread can snag and disrupt the beautiful deer and peacock patterns.

• Care Tip: After wearing, check for any small snags or pulled threads in the weave. Before storing, air it thoroughly to remove any moisture.

• Storage: Store this saree away from any light, as silk is prone to fading. Every six months, take it out and refold it along different lines. This technique prevents permanent creases from forming and weakening the silk fibres along a single line.

Your Roopkala sarees are timeless investments, crafted with passion and precision. By giving them the special care they deserve, you can ensure that their beauty and grandeur do not fade. You preserve a memory, a craft, and a timeless piece of art that can be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

Add another timeless piece to your collection with Roopkala. Explore the latest saree collections online or in-store at Marine Lines or at our saree store in Thane.