Indian ethnic wear represents a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. A wedding sherwani, a Banarasi saree, or a hand-embroidered lehenga carries memories and craftsmanship that deserve proper care. Yet many people are unsure how to look after these garments, leading to preventable damage from improper storage, cleaning, and handling. This guide, drawing on our four decades of experience at Venisons, covers everything you need to know about keeping your Indian ethnic wear in pristine condition for years to come.

Understanding Your Fabrics

The first step in caring for any garment is understanding what it is made of. Different fabrics have different needs.

Pure Silk

Silk is the foundation fabric of Indian occasion wear. It is strong, lustrous, and drapes beautifully, but it is also sensitive to moisture, sunlight, and chemicals. Pure silk garments, including Banarasi sarees, silk sherwanis, and Kanjeevaram sarees, require the most careful handling.

Velvet

Velvet attracts dust and lint and is prone to crushing. The pile (the raised surface) can become permanently flattened if stored improperly. Velvet sherwanis and jackets need particular attention during storage.

Georgette and Chiffon

These lightweight fabrics are delicate and can snag easily. They are less prone to creasing than silk but require gentle handling and protection from sharp jewellery and embellishments during wear.

Brocade and Jacquard

These structured fabrics are relatively hardy but can be heavy, especially with zari work. The metallic threads in brocade and jacquard can tarnish over time if exposed to moisture or certain chemicals.

Cleaning Indian Ethnic Wear

When to Dry Clean

Dry cleaning is the safest option for most Indian ethnic garments, particularly:

Any garment with zari (metallic thread) work
Sherwanis and bandhgala suits
Heavily embroidered pieces
Banarasi and Kanjeevaram sarees
Velvet garments
Lehengas with heavy embellishment

Important: Always choose a dry cleaner experienced with Indian garments. Standard high-street dry cleaners may not understand the specific requirements of zari work, stone embellishments, or delicate embroidery. Ask whether they have handled Indian ethnic wear before and whether they can guarantee the safety of embellishments.

When Hand Washing Is Acceptable

Some lighter garments can be hand washed with care:

Cotton and linen kurtas without heavy embroidery
Unembellished cotton sarees
Cotton salwar suits
Casual churidar and pyjama trousers

Hand Washing Tips

Use cold water only. Hot water can shrink natural fibres and cause colours to bleed.
Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and fabric softeners.
Do not wring or twist the garment. Gently squeeze excess water out or roll it in a clean towel.
Dry flat or on a padded hanger in shade. Never expose silk or embroidered garments to direct sunlight, which causes fading and weakens fibres.
Iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Better still, use a garment steamer.

Stain Treatment

For minor stains on silk or embroidered garments, do not attempt home remedies. Take the garment to a specialist cleaner as soon as possible. For cotton garments, blot (do not rub) the stain with cold water and mild soap immediately, then wash as normal.

Storing Indian Ethnic Wear

General Storage Principles

Avoid plastic: Never store Indian garments in plastic bags or covers. Plastic traps moisture, which can cause mildew, yellowing, and damage to metallic threads. Use breathable cotton muslin bags or acid-free tissue paper instead.
Keep it cool and dry: Store garments in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight. Humidity is the enemy of silk and metallic embroidery.
Refold regularly: Every three to four months, take your stored garments out and refold them along different crease lines. This prevents permanent fold marks, which are especially visible on silk.

Storing Sherwanis and Suits

Hang sherwanis and bandhgala suits on padded or broad-shouldered hangers to maintain the shoulder shape. Cover with a breathable garment bag. If hanging space is limited, fold the garment with acid-free tissue paper between the folds and store in a cotton bag.

Storing Sarees

Sarees should be stored flat or rolled rather than hung, as the weight of the fabric can cause stretching over time. Wrap each saree individually in muslin cloth. For sarees with heavy zari, place a sheet of acid-free tissue between the folds to prevent the metallic threads from rubbing against the silk and causing abrasion.

Storing Lehengas

Separate the skirt, choli, and dupatta and store each piece individually. The skirt should be folded carefully with tissue paper between layers to protect embroidery. Hang the choli on a padded hanger. The dupatta can be folded or rolled.

Protecting Embroidery and Embellishments

Embroidered garments need extra care:

Never fold directly on embroidery. Place tissue paper over embroidered areas before folding to prevent the work from being pressed flat or catching on other surfaces.
Turn garments inside out before placing them in garment bags to protect the outer embroidery from friction.
Store stone and crystal work carefully. Garments with stone or kundan embellishments should be stored face-up with tissue paper between layers to prevent stones from scratching adjacent fabric.
Check for loose threads and stones after each wear. A small repair now prevents a larger problem later.

Seasonal Care

Moth Prevention

Moths are the greatest threat to stored Indian garments, particularly silk. Protect your wardrobe with these natural methods:

Place dried neem leaves in your storage area. Neem is a natural moth repellent.
Cedar wood blocks or rings deter moths without the chemical smell of traditional mothballs.
Lavender sachets serve a dual purpose: they repel moths and keep garments smelling fresh.
Avoid using naphthalene mothballs directly on garments, as they can leave a persistent chemical odour and may discolour light-coloured fabrics.

Airing

Take stored garments out at least once or twice a year and air them in a shaded, well-ventilated area. This prevents musty odours and allows you to inspect for any signs of moth damage, mildew, or deterioration.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some issues require professional attention:

Significant stains on silk or embroidered garments
Damaged zari or embroidery that needs repair
Garments that have yellowed in storage
Alterations needed after weight changes

At Venisons, our team can advise on care for garments purchased from us and recommend trusted specialists for repairs and restoration. Visit us at 134-136 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4TH, or reach us through venisons.com.

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Caring for Your Indian Ethnic Wear: Storage, Cleaning, and Maintenance