Fabric Care Guide: How to Wash and Store Brocade, Rayon and Printed Cotton

A beautiful fabric deserves to last. The right washing, ironing and storage habits can keep your brocade lehenga, rayon kurti or foil-print cotton looking new for years. Here is a practical care guide for the fabrics in our collection.

Before the first wash

• Read the label or product description for specific care instructions.
• Do a colour test: dab a hidden corner with a wet white cloth. If colour transfers, wash separately or dry clean.
• Pre-wash cotton before stitching to handle shrinkage before it affects the fit.

Brocade and Banarasi fabrics

• Dry cleaning is the safest option, especially for heavy zari.
• If you must wash at home, use cold water and a mild liquid detergent, swish gently and do not soak for long.
• Never wring or twist. Roll in a towel to remove water, then dry flat in the shade.
• Iron on the reverse side on low to medium heat with a cotton cloth on top.
• Keep perfume and deodorant away from zari to prevent tarnishing.

Rayon, sequin and mirror work

• Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, or use the delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.
• Rayon is weaker when wet, so do not wring or rub hard.
• For sequin and mirror work, turn the garment inside out before washing and ironing.
• Never iron directly on sequins; they can melt or lose shine. Use low heat on the reverse with a pressing cloth.
• Dry in the shade; strong sun can fade bright rayon colours.

Printed and foil-print cotton

• Cotton can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water.
• Turn printed garments inside out to protect the print.
• Foil prints need extra care: do not iron directly on the foil, avoid harsh detergents and do not tumble dry, or the foil can crack and peel.
• Dry inside out in the shade to keep colours bright.
• Iron cotton on medium heat while slightly damp for the crispest finish.

Storage tips for all fabrics

• Store in breathable cotton or muslin bags, not plastic, which traps moisture.
• Add neem leaves, cloves or naphthalene alternatives to keep insects away, wrapped so they do not touch the fabric.
• Refold heavy fabrics every few months to avoid permanent fold lines.
• Hang lightweight kurtis on padded hangers; fold heavy brocade lehengas to avoid stretching.
• Air out stored festive wear once a season, especially during the monsoon.

Quick reference

Looking for fabric that is as easy to love as it is to care for? Browse our full fabric collection.