More than just an article of apparel, a designer sherwani is a representation of style, custom, and artistry. Whether it’s your wedding outfit, a festive attire, or a piece worn for an important event, your sherwani holds sentimental and monetary value. Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure it retains its charm and elegance for years. At Priyanka Jain, we understand the importance of preserving your treasured designer pieces, and we’ve compiled this guide to help you care for your sherwani like a pro. With these tips, you’ll ensure your sherwani remains as pristine and regal as the day you wore it.
Why Proper Maintenance is Crucial for Your Sherwani
Sherwanis are frequently made from pricey materials like satin, velvet, silk, or brocade and embellished with elaborate zari, beading, embroidery, or other designs. These delicate materials and embellishments require special attention to prevent damage, discoloration, or wear over time. By adopting the right maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your sherwani, keep its colors vibrant, and preserve the intricate detailing.
- Cleaning Your Sherwani: Dos and Don’ts
Cleaning your sherwani is the first step toward maintaining its longevity. Unlike regular garments, sherwanis require specialized cleaning due to their delicate fabrics and embellishments.
Dos:
- Spot Clean Immediately: If you notice a stain, address it promptly using a clean, damp cloth. Gently dab the stain; do not rub, as this may harm the fabric or decorations.
- Dry Clean Only: Always opt for professional dry cleaning, preferably at a cleaner experienced with designer or ethnic garments. Inform the cleaner about the type of fabric and any delicate embroidery so they can handle it appropriately.
- Air it Out After Wear: After wearing your sherwani, hang it in a well-ventilated area to eliminate odors and allow any perspiration to dry out naturally.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Washing at Home: Never wash your sherwani in a washing machine or by hand, as this can ruin the fabric and decorations.
- Say No to Bleach or Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can discolor the fabric and damage the embellishments.
- Proper Storage for Longevity
Storing your designer sherwani correctly is as important as cleaning it. Improper storage may result in fading, wrinkles, or even irreversible harm.
Use a Padded Hanger:
Avoid using thin or wire hangers, as they can stretch or distort the shoulders of your sherwani. Opt for a padded hanger that supports the garment’s weight and shape.
Cover with a Cotton Garment Bag:
Over time, mildew or discoloration may result from plastic bags' ability to retain moisture. Instead, use a breathable cotton garment bag to protect your sherwani from dust, light, and humidity.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place:
Make sure the storage area is dry, cold, and out of direct sunlight. Long-term exposure to sunshine can fade materials, while dampness can harm ornaments and textiles.
Avoid Folding:
Avoid folding your sherwani if at all possible since this might cause creases and harm the delicate stitching. If you must fold it, use acid-free tissue paper to cushion the folds and prevent damage.
- Handling the Intricate Embellishments
The embellishments on your sherwani—whether they’re beads, zari, sequins, or embroidery—are often the most delicate and vulnerable to damage. Handle these elements with care to preserve their beauty.
- Avoid Rough Surfaces: When wearing or storing your sherwani, keep it away from rough surfaces that can snag the embroidery or beadwork.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your sherwani periodically for loose threads, beads, or sequins. If you notice any damage, consult a professional tailor or designer to repair it immediately.
- Minimize Contact with Jewelry: Be mindful of wearing heavy jewelry near your sherwani, as necklaces or bracelets can snag the fabric or embellishments.
- Protecting Against Odors and Stains
Sherwanis, especially those worn for weddings or festive occasions, can often be subjected to food spills, sweat, or strong perfumes. Here’s how you can protect your garment from stains and odors:
- Wear an Undergarment: A light inner vest or kurta underneath your sherwani can help absorb sweat, protecting the inner lining from staining.
- Be Cautious with Food and Drinks: When attending events, be mindful of eating and drinking while wearing your sherwani to avoid spills.
- Avoid Direct Application of Perfumes: Spray colognes or perfumes onto your body, not directly onto the sherwani, as alcohol in perfumes can discolor fabrics over time.
- Pressing and Ironing Your Sherwani
To maintain the crisp and polished appearance of your sherwani, proper pressing is essential.
- Steam, Don’t Iron: Use a garment steamer instead of an iron to remove wrinkles. Steam is gentler on delicate fabrics and won’t damage embroidery.
- Use a Pressing Cloth: If ironing is necessary, place a pressing cloth or a clean cotton fabric between the iron and the sherwani to protect it from heat damage.
- Low Heat Setting: Always use a low heat setting when dealing with luxurious fabrics like silk or satin.
- Post-Event Care: Cleaning and Inspection
After wearing your sherwani, it’s essential to take the time to clean and inspect it before storing it.
- Dry Clean After Every Use: Even if your sherwani looks clean, professional dry cleaning is recommended to remove invisible stains like sweat or body oils.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the fabric, lining, and embellishments for any damage. Minor problems can be kept from getting worse with early remedies.
- Air it Out Before Storing: Allow your sherwani to breathe for a day before putting it back into storage. This helps eliminate any lingering odors.
- Special Care for Different Fabrics
Different fabrics require unique care methods. Here are a few specific tips:
- Silk Sherwanis: Store silk sherwanis in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct contact with water and always opt for professional cleaning.
- Velvet Sherwanis: Use a soft brush to remove dust from velvet sherwanis. Steam to remove wrinkles, but avoid ironing directly.
- Brocade Sherwanis: Keep brocade fabrics away from moisture and avoid folding them for long periods.
Conclusion
A designer sherwani is an investment that holds both emotional and material value. With proper care and maintenance, you can preserve its elegance and craftsmanship for years, allowing you to cherish it as a timeless piece of your wardrobe. At Priyanka Jain, we believe that every designer outfit deserves the attention and respect it commands. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your sherwani remains as stunning as the day you wore it.