Caring for Your Clothes

A beautifully made garment deserves to last - and with a little care, it will. Fine fabrics and hand embroidery are more delicate than everyday clothes, but caring for them is mostly common sense once you know the principles. Here is how to protect your investment.

Silk

Silk should be kept away from direct sunlight (which fades it) and moisture, and is best dry-cleaned rather than machine-washed. Store it folded loosely with acid-free tissue, or on a padded hanger, and let it breathe - avoid sealing silk in plastic long-term, which can trap moisture. Perfume and deodorant can stain silk, so dress first, scent after.

Embroidered garments

Heavy embroidery - zardozi, bead and stone work - should be stored flat where possible, not crushed under other garments, and turned inside out if hung, to protect the work. Cover embellished pieces in a breathable cloth garment bag (muslin is ideal), never long-term plastic. Have them professionally cleaned; ordinary washing can pull threads and dull the work.

Velvet

Velvet's pile should not be crushed or stored folded under weight, which leaves permanent marks. Hang it or store it loosely, and have it professionally cleaned. Steam gently (never press hard) to revive the pile.

Cotton and everyday wear

Cotton is the easy one - washable and hard-wearing - though fine mulmul and handlooms prefer gentle washing and low heat to keep their softness and shape. Iron cotton while slightly damp for a crisp finish.

General principles

• Air, don't seal. Fine garments need to breathe; long-term plastic traps damp and yellows fabric.
• Store clean. Stains set over time and attract insects - clean before storing, not after.
• Rotate and refold. Refold saris and stoles occasionally so creases don't become permanent along the same line.
• Deal with stains gently and fast - blot, don't rub, and let a professional handle anything on silk or embroidery.

When in doubt, go professional

For silk, embroidery and anything precious, professional cleaning is genuinely worth it. Our trusted partner The Swiss Laundry specialises in delicate garments - a safe pair of hands for pieces that matter.

And if it needs altering

Bodies and tastes change; a well-made garment can be altered or restyled rather than retired. See our alterations & refitting, or saree-to-dress conversion to give an old favourite new life.

This guide reflects widely-accepted garment-care principles and our own experience with fine fabrics. For a specific precious or unusual piece, ask a professional cleaner before treating it yourself. Corrections welcome.