Best Ways to Store Indian Ethnic Wear
Indian ethnic wear, with its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and rich fabrics, holds a special place in our hearts and wardrobes. Whether it's a stunning saree, a regal lehenga, or a finely embroidered kurta, these pieces are more than just clothing. They reflect our culture and tradition. To ensure the longevity and beauty of your prized ethnic wear collection, it's crucial to store them with care. In this detailed guide, we'll explore the best ways to store and maintain Indian ethnic wear for women, ensuring that each piece continues to radiate its unique charm.
Clean Before Storage:
Before stowing away your ethnic wear, make sure it's clean and free from any stains. Most Indian outfits require delicate care, so consider professional dry cleaning for heavily embellished pieces. Stains left untreated can set over time, becoming more challenging to remove.
Categorize and Separate:
Women's ethnic wear encompasses a wide variety of styles, from sarees and lehengas to salwar suits and dupattas. Categorize your collection and store each type separately to prevent color bleeding and damage. Use garment bags, saree bags, and clear containers for better organization.
Invest in Quality Storage Accessories:
High-quality hangers, garment bags, and storage boxes play a crucial role in preserving the condition of your ethnic wear. Choose padded hangers for heavy outfits, breathable garment bags to allow air circulation, and acid-free tissue paper to protect delicate embroidery.
Care for Sarees:
Sarees, with their six to nine yards of fabric, require specific care. Avoid hanging heavy sarees for extended periods, as this can lead to stretching. The best way to store sarees is to fold them with layers of butter paper or muslin cloth to prevent creasing. Use padded hangers for lightweight sarees to maintain their shape.
Lehenga Love:
Lehengas, often worn on special occasions, need careful handling. The best way to store lehenga is to spacious garment bags, preferably with a zip closure, to protect against dust and pests. Avoid hanging lehengas for extended periods, as this can strain the fabric. Layer them with a muslin cloth to preserve the intricate embroidery.
Salwar Suits and Anarkali:
A combination of hangers and garment bags works well for salwar suits and Anarkali. Hang the kurta on padded hangers and fold the bottom garment neatly, placing them in garment bags. Ensure that the dupatta is stored separately to prevent snagging.
Mind the Embroidery:
Indian cultural clothing is elevated to a sophisticated level by exquisite needlework. Take care when storing to keep things like hooks and zippers away from the embroidery. To offer even more protection, wrap embroidered portions in soft tissue paper.
Avoid Plastic, Embrace Breathable Fabrics:
Plastic covers may seem like a quick solution, but they can trap moisture, leading to mildew and musty odors. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin to cover your garments. These materials offer protection without compromising air circulation.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place:
How your ethnic clothing is stored has an impact on how long it lasts. If you want to avoid color fading, pick a cool, dark location out of the sun. Warm or cold temperatures can harm the fabric, so keep it out of the attic and basement.
Protect Against Pests:
Lavender sachets, neem leaves, or cedar balls can act as natural deterrents against pests. Place them strategically in your storage area to protect your ethnic wear from unwanted visitors like moths. Avoid using mothballs, as they can leave a strong, unpleasant odor on your clothing.
Rotate Your Collection:
Give equal attention to all pieces in your ethnic wear collection by rotating them. This not only helps prevent permanent creases but also ensures that all your outfits receive proper care and maintenance.
