Sarees are an important part of Indian fashion and culture. They are elegant and beautiful, carrying a rich heritage and a treasure trove of memories. They look good in every season, becoming the best everyday or occasional wear. However, monsoon is a challenging time for sarees.
The rains are harsh on intricate designs and delicate fabrics, causing fading and damage. Especially for handloom Jamdani sarees, which get stained easily. To help you preserve the beauty of your sarees during monsoon, we have compiled tips on saree care. So, if you want to know how you can keep your sarees pristine for years to come, read on!
Tips to Protect Your Precious Handloom Sarees During Monsoon
Before You Step Out
You might love how a Bengal handloom Jamdani saree feels and looks, but during monsoon, put them aside. Or check the weather forecast whenever you plan to step out in a saree. Unless you’re going to be indoors, choose less damage-prone fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, or synthetic blends.
Heavy silk sarees need to be avoided during intense rainfall. They are more prone to water damage. Damp sarees are also susceptible to mildew and mould growth.
Store it Right
Love to wear your lal par sada Jamdani saree during the hotter months? Well, before you stash it away until Durga Pujo, make sure you wash and iron it correctly. Store it in a dry, cool place. Don’t store it in a plastic cover or bag since they trap moisture and can damage the saree. Instead, store your handloom beauties in muslin or cotton covers to let the fabric breathe.
Stay away from newspapers. While it seems like a common solution, the chances of the newspaper ink transferring to your saree are also high.
Stepping Out in the Rain
If it’s unavoidable, step out in the rain in your saree with the best umbrella. Invest in a wide, good-quality umbrella to protect yourself and your saree from rain. If your handloom Jamdani saree gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or towel. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric. This can damage the delicate fibres.
When you return home, immediately begin the drying process. Hang the saree on a padded, wide hanger to prevent wrinkles. To maintain the saree’s shape, avoid using thin wire handers. These can destroy or leave marks on the fabric.
The Drying Process
Don’t dry your saree in the direct sunlight. Doing so can cause the colour to fade and the fabric to weaken. When air-drying your saree indoors, choose a well-ventilated area that’s away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Don’t use a clothesline to dry your Jamdani blouses either. Lay them flat on a dry, clean towel to avoid leaving creases.
Removal and Cleaning
Imagine getting a stain on your beloved Jamdani saree blouse design! Especially if you get them from Katha: A Tale of Weaves. To save yourself the heartbreak, carefully blot the stained area with a sponge or soft cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution. Don’t rub too hard because that damages the fabric.
If the stain is too tough, it’s time to contact a professional dry cleaner. And if they specialise in saree cleaning, even better. Remember, the threads used by famous saree shops in Kolkata are delicate and natural. They will react negatively to frequent washing and strong detergents. If you wash your precious Jamdani or Baluchari sarees at home, you might cause the fabric and threads to lose their shine. So, have faith in the pros!
Also, we strongly suggest dry cleaning every 2 to 3 wears, or sooner if the saree has been exposed to a lot of pollutants, stains, or perspiration.
Further Steps to Take
If you carelessly pile many sarees together, fabric rubbing or colour transfer is inevitable. This happens a lot when you place a bright-coloured saree over a light one. To avoid this problem, slide a butter paper or soft tissue between each saree. This is particularly critical if you wore a brand-new, naturally dyed saree in the rain. Even after a wash, colour leakage is possible.
You might remember your grandmothers and mothers taking the sarees out before winter to “air them out”. Yes, they knew what they were doing. And we suggest you do the same! Just make sure to lay them flat in a shaded area for a day. This keeps the fabric healthy. It also prevents that old, close-wardrobe odour from developing.
A handloom Jamdani or Baluchari from the best saree shop in Kolkata isn’t just an investment. It’s a piece of fabric that preserves history, becoming a future heirloom. By caring for your saree, you also preserve the craftsmanship, customs, and culture it embodies. So, make sure your sarees continue to shine for years to come! Give them the right attention this monsoon.
