What to Do When Your Salwar Suit Fabric Shrinks?
We've all been there – you wash your favorite salwar suit, only to discover that the fabric has shrunk, leaving you with a wardrobe dilemma. Before you consider saying goodbye to your beloved outfit, there are steps you can take to potentially restore it to its former glory. In this guide, we'll explore various methods and tips to help you deal with shrunken fabric and salvage your salwar suit.
Understanding Fabric Shrinkage:
Fabric shrinkage is a common occurrence, especially when dealing with natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk. Exposure to heat and moisture during washing can cause these fabrics to contract, resulting in a reduction in size. Synthetic fabrics can also shrink under certain conditions. It's essential to be aware of the fabric content of your salwar suit before attempting any restoration methods.
Gentle Stretching:
Stretching your salwar suit gently is one of the simplest ways to make it look longer again. Place a small amount of hair conditioner in a small bowl filled with warm water. Soak the clothes for around fifteen minutes to help the fibers relax. While it's still damp, carefully stretch the fabric, being careful to stretch the areas where it has contracted the most. If you want to make sure the suit doesn't shrink, let it air dry flat, taking care to form it as it dries.
Steam Treatment:
Fabric fibers can be effectively relaxed and shrinking can be minimized by using steam. If you have a hot shower running in the bathroom, hang your salwar suit there so the steam will seep into the fabric. As an alternative, you can target particular regions with a garment steamer. Once the fabric has been steamed, gently stretch it back to its normal size and let it air dry.
Cold Water Soak:
If your salwar suit has experienced minimal shrinkage, a cold water soak may help. Fill a basin with cold water and add a few tablespoons of baby shampoo. Submerge the garment for 30 minutes, then gently stretch the fabric while it's still wet. Lay it flat to dry, reshaping it to the desired size.
Professional Tailoring:
If the DIY methods prove unsuccessful or if your salwar suit has significant shrinkage, consider seeking the assistance of a professional tailor. A skilled tailor can assess the fabric, determine the best course of action, and make necessary alterations to restore the garment to its original size. While this option may involve a cost, it ensures a more precise and reliable outcome.
Preventive Measures for Future Washes:
When washing your salwar suits, take these precautions to avoid running into the same problem later. For washing instructions, always refer to the care label and use cold water and mild cycles. To safeguard delicate clothes, think about utilizing a laundry bag. Furthermore, letting your clothes air dry rather than using a tumble dryer might reduce the chance of shrinking.
Conclusion:
Although washing can be disheartening to discover that the fabric has shrunk, you can frequently save your salwar suit and wear it once more if you take the right precautions. Whether you opt for a DIY method like light stretching or the services of a professional tailor, moving swiftly and carefully might be quite advantageous. If you educate yourself about fabric shrinking and incorporate preventive measures into your laundry cycle, salwar suits can be kept in outstanding shape for many years to come.
