Guide
Saree care & draping
A good saree can last for generations. A little care keeps the colour bright, the silk supple and the zari shining.
Cleaning
- Silk, zari and embellished sarees: dry clean only. Water can dull silk, shrink it unevenly and tarnish metallic thread.
- Cotton and linen: hand wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent, at least for the first few washes. Rich dyes can bleed.
- Don't wring. Roll the saree in a towel to press the water out, then dry it flat or on a line in the shade. Direct sun fades colour.
- Wash or dry clean the stitched blouse the same way as the saree.
Dry-cleaning tips: choose a cleaner who is used to delicate silks. Point out any zari, embroidery or stones, and mention any stains along with what caused them. Ask them to steam or press the saree at low heat and to protect the zari while pressing.
Spills and stains
- Blot gently with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub, because rubbing pushes the stain deeper and roughens silk.
- Take silk to the dry cleaner as soon as you can. Fresh stains are much easier to remove.
- Spray perfume and hairspray before you drape, not onto the saree.
Storage
- Wrap each saree in a soft cotton or muslin cloth, or an old cotton saree. Avoid plastic bags because they trap moisture.
- Refold every 2–3 months along different lines. Folds left too long can weaken silk and crack zari.
- Store silk and zari sarees separately so the metallic threads don't snag other fabrics.
- Keep sarees in a cool, dry closet. Use cedar blocks or dried neem leaves wrapped in cloth to keep insects away, and never put mothballs directly on the fabric.
- Hang heavy silk sarees on padded hangers only for short periods. Long hanging can stretch them.
Ironing
- Iron silk on the reverse side, at a low "silk" setting.
- Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and any zari or embroidery.
- A handheld steamer is the gentlest way to remove creases before an event.
Draping basics
The most common style is the Nivi drape:
- Put on your blouse and a fitted petticoat (underskirt), plus the footwear you'll wear, so the length is right.
- Starting with the plain end, tuck the top edge of the saree into the petticoat at your right hip. Wrap it once around your waist so the hem just touches the floor.
- Make 5–7 even pleats, each about 5 inches wide. Hold them together and tuck them in just left of your navel, facing left.
- Take the rest of the saree around your back once more and bring it up under your right arm.
- Pleat or drape the decorated end (the pallu) over your left shoulder, then pin it to your blouse at the shoulder.
Need help choosing a drape for an occasion? Ask us, and we're happy to help.