When we speak of silk sarees, adjectives like exquisite, traditional, and luxurious immediately come to mind. Silk sarees have been cherished by women across generations and have been the most favourite organic fabric in the Indian subcontinent throughout history. Wild silk threads have been traced in the Indus Valley Civilization (2450-2000 BC), as per the Archaeological evidence.
A hand woven silk saree is a labour of love, from the early stage of harvesting the cocoons, to reeling the threads, and the final process of weaving the intricate patterns using a combination of warp and weft mixing silk with gold and silver threads, the whole process takes years of painstaking experience to perfect. Yet the art that had once mesmerized even royalty is slowly dying.
Be it a festival, a family hangout, or a visit to a temple, a Silk Saree is the primary choice for every lady. Whether it’s the lustre of Bishnupuri silk or the matte charm of a pure Tussar saree, it brings elegance and gives a remarkable appearance after being draped.
Silk sarees require some maintenance to make them look pristine after years of use. When maintained properly, these sarees can be handed down from one generation to the next (from mothers to daughters and granddaughters) to be savoured and be pampered wearing them. Today, we will learn about the many ways to maintain a silk saree. Let’s grab a cup of coffee and dive deep into the enchanting world of pure silk sarees!
It Will Never Lose the Luster: Alluring Tips to Maintain a Silk Saree
The lucrative silk fabric originated in China around 3630 BCE and has become a prominent fabric in India. The silk saree looks fantastic after being worn, but it needs proper care. So, let us share with you the secrets of maintaining a silk saree.
Love Your Saree As You Love Yourself
Silk sarees should be loved and cared for as self-love. Whether it is a Murshidabad silk saree or a Muga Tussar, a graceful drape will make a positive difference in your appearance. The way you pamper yourself, you should take care of your Silk saree.
Avoid pulling or tugging your saree too hard, as it can cause loose threads over time. Using a cotton blouse is the best way to protect your silk saree from sweat spots.
So, showcase your love for your Silk saree by wearing it nicely.
Washing Rules
When it comes to washing your Silk saree, handle it gently. The way you heed even the minor details while bathing your baby, take care of your saree as well. Do not wash your Silk saree in a washing machine. Washing machines can harm the delicate fibres of your saree and may lead to a colour change.
Hand washing with lukewarm water and a mild detergent is the ideal solution to keep the grace of your saree intact for a long time. After washing your Silk gently, rinse the detergent with cold water. Avoid rubbing or wringing the saree after washing.
How to Dry Your Silk Saree
Drying your saree is also an art and quite essential to let the Silk Saree stay for longer years. Hanging the Silk saree in direct sunlight can fade its colour and damage it. Lay the saree flat on a clean and dry towel, and roll the towel to get the excess water absorbed. Then, hang the saree under the shade.
Silk Saree should be dried in the air. Direct sunlight can reduce the life of your saree.
Iron Silk Saree Carefully
While ironing the silk saree, remaining extra cautious is necessary. Using an iron with a low heat setting is essential. A high setting of iron may burn your Silk Saree. Placing a thin cloth over the saree while ironing will prevent it from direct heat.
Conclusion
Being attentive to these tiny details helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of the Silk Saree. Storing the saree gently by wrapping it in a soft cotton cloth in a cool and dry place is a bonus tip you should consider.
Sarmistha Mukherjee is the founder of Sarmistha Creations and a Director of Panagance Fashion Private Limited. With a deep-rooted passion for India’s rich textile heritage and a vision to blend tradition with conscious fashion, she has built this startup that celebrates the artistry of handwoven sarees, ethical craftsmanship, and the elegance of timeless drapes. A strong advocate for women-led entrepreneurship and artisan empowerment, Sarmistha works closely with weavers and craftsmen across India, particularly from Bengal, to preserve and promote their legacy. Through her work, she continues to bring the stories of India’s looms to the global stage — one saree at a time.