Love demands labour to be made, and so do your beloved silk sarees. Crafting them requires wholehearted dedication, love and calm handling. Likewise, after you’ve bought them, taking care of them is equally essential for them to retain their ‘first-day glam’. Because let’s be real! Silk sarees can be pretty high maintenance. Make your silk sarees transcend generations with just a bit of care.
What are the Popular Types of Silks?
The type of silk the designer or weaver selects to make a pure silk saree is crucial. Let us now know about the highly sought-after types of silks for making silk sarees.
1. Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk is possibly the most dynamic and versatile among all — it transcends beyond sarees and fits well in every clothing! It is globally loved due to its luxury feel, unparalleled quality, and durability. It stands apart as a fantastic option when one wants to invest in a classy piece of clothing. Mostly found in wedding sarees and runway walk attires, mulberry silk makes the best banarasi silk sarees.
2. Tussar Silk
Tussar silk is very exotic, they are one of a kind and are made from wild silkworms. They have a distinct texture, which gives an earthy appeal to the sarees. They need extra care to retain these textures. These sarees are worn mostly in spaces which highlight ethnicity and pride in one’s own culture.
3. Chiffon and Georgette
Chiffon and Georgette’s sarees are the princess silks. They are very gentle and soft. The sarees made out of them are best known for their lightweightness and easy-to-wear benefits. Special care is required while cleaning these sarees.
Fundamental Tips for Maintaining and Preserving Silk Saree Collection
Storage
Storage for these pure silk sarees is highly crucial.
- You need to keep them away from direct sunlight, or else the color might fade.
- Moreover, store them in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture.
- Use storage bags with breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin to keep your sarees dust-free.
- Do not pile up all the silk sarees one after the other; keep a muslin cloth divider between them to keep their essence intact.
- Always look away from plastic covers for saree storage as they trap moisture and are terrible for preserving your silk sarees.
- Keep naphthalene balls in your storage almirah near the sarees.
Cleaning
- Silk sarees online usually come with a manual of instructions. Refer to it while cleaning
- The manufacturer usually prefers when the silk sarees are dry cleaned, as it does not damage the fabric.
- Tying dye pens (with mild detergent) can help clean the spots if minor stains occur.
Ironing
Similar to washing or scrubbing with chemical detergents, ironing on high settings might burn the fabric. Even if the burn is not apparent, the high heat will reduce the lifetime and quality of the pure silk saree.
Always use a damp pressing cloth between the iron and the saree to avoid direct metal contact.
Avoid Perfumes and Deodorants
Perfumes, deodorants or fragrant fabric conditioners can bring about serious discolouration in the sarees. Thus it is advisable to dry the sarees completely (not under direct sun, in shade) and then only drape it or store it.
Handling with Care
- Avoid wearing or carrying any accessory that has sharp edges, it might damage the saree.
- Do not use too many safety pins on the saree fabrics.
- Walk gracefully, but with a bit of care so the fabric does not snag or nic.
- If stored for more than 6 months, bring it out and expose it to air for at least 15 minutes.
- Also check if there is any insect damage to the fabric.
- Fold in neat pleats.
