How to care for ethnic wear: velvet, georgette, sequins and prints

The right care keeps an outfit looking new for years — and the wrong wash can ruin it in one go. Start with the care label on every piece; this guide explains the reasoning behind it, fabric by fabric.

The golden rules

• Read the care label first. It always wins over general advice.
• Dry clean the first wash of silks, embellished pieces and anything with a deep colour.
• Cold water, gentle hands: hot water fades colour, shrinks cotton and loosens embellishment.
• Wash dark and bright colours separately, especially the first few times.
• Dry in the shade: direct sun fades prints and weakens fibres.
• Iron on the reverse, on low heat, never directly over sequins, mirrors or zari.

Fabric by fabric

Cotton and muslin are the easiest: hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water, dry in the shade and iron while slightly damp. Cotton can shrink a little in hot water or a dryer.

Rayon is soft and drapey but weaker when wet, so hand wash gently, don't wring it, and dry it flat or on a hanger.

Georgette and chiffon are delicate and snag easily: hand wash cold or dry clean, and keep them away from rough surfaces and jewellery clasps.

Silk, chanderi and muslin silk keep their sheen best with dry cleaning; if you hand wash, use cold water and a mild detergent.

Velvet should be dry cleaned. Never iron it flat — steam it from the reverse, and hang or store it so the pile isn't crushed.

Net and organza are crisp and light: dry clean or hand wash cold, and steam rather than iron.

Prints and embellishment

Digital and block prints last longest with cold, gentle washing, inside out, dried in the shade. Read more about how prints are made in our guide to digital printing.

Zari can tarnish with moisture and perfume, so dry clean it and keep it away from damp. Sequins and mirror work should be dry cleaned, never wrung, and ironed only from the reverse with a cloth in between. Embroidery is happiest dry cleaned; if you must hand wash, wash cold and press from the back on a soft towel.

Storing your outfits

• Store heavy and embellished pieces folded in a muslin or cotton cloth — not plastic, which traps moisture.
• Refold zari and heavily worked pieces every few months so the folds don't become permanent creases.
• Hang anarkalis on padded hangers to keep the flare crisp; fold heavy lehengas instead of hanging them for long periods.
• Keep perfume, deodorant and damp well away — spray perfume before you dress, not on the fabric.

Stains at a function

Blot, don't rub. Haldi, oil and lipstick all spread when rubbed, and hot water sets turmeric stains. Take the outfit to a dry cleaner as soon as you can and tell them exactly what the stain is — that's half the battle.