Care that keeps it looking new

01The golden rules

• Always check the care label first — it is specific to your piece.
• Wash in cold water with a mild detergent; avoid bleach and harsh stain removers.
• Wash dark and bright colours separately for the first few washes, and don’t soak them.
• Turn garments inside out to protect prints and surface texture.
• Dry in the shade; direct sun fades colour. Avoid tumble drying.
• Iron on the reverse side at the lowest suitable heat.

02Care symbols at a glance

03Cotton, mul & printed fabrics

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash in cold water.
• Printed cotton and mul pieces: wash inside out and separately for the first few washes so the print stays crisp.
• Iron on medium heat on the reverse side; a slightly damp garment presses best.

04Linen & linen blends

• Hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water.
• Linen creases naturally — that relaxed look is part of its charm.
• For a crisp finish, iron while slightly damp on medium heat, or use a steamer.

05Rayon kurtis & viscose

• Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Rayon is weaker when wet, so handle gently.
• Do not wring or twist — press out water with a towel.
• Dry on a hanger in the shade and iron on low to medium heat on the reverse.

06Satin kaftans & silk blends

• Hand wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent, or dry clean to keep the sheen.
• Never wring; roll in a towel to remove water and dry on a padded hanger in the shade.
• Iron on the lowest heat on the reverse side, or use a steamer. Tassels, latkans and lace should be dried flat.

07Pleated, textured & sheer fabrics

• Pleated skirts and tops: hand wash gently in cold water, then hang to dry so the pleats fall back into place. Never wring or twist.
• Textured and woven fabrics: wash inside out on a gentle cycle to protect the surface texture.
• Sheer sleeves and overlays: hand wash only, and keep them away from hooks, zips and jewellery that can snag.
• Steam instead of ironing. If you must iron, use the lowest heat with a pressing cloth and never press directly on pleats.

08Unstitched suit fabric

• Give lightweight cotton suit fabric a gentle cold-water soak and dry it in the shade before stitching, so any shrinkage happens before it is cut.
• Wash the dupatta separately the first time, especially deep shades and lace borders.
• Iron on medium heat on the reverse side before handing it to your tailor. Read our Unstitched Suit Guide for more.

09Lycra palazzos & stretch fabrics

• Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or hand wash, ideally inside out.
• Avoid hot water, tumble drying and high-heat ironing — heat weakens the stretch.
• Dry flat or on a line in the shade so the waistband and pockets keep their shape.

10Embroidered, lace & embellished pieces

• Dry clean for best results, especially for heavy embroidery and lace.
• If washing, turn inside out and hand wash gently; never scrub or wring the embellished area.
• Iron on the reverse with a pressing cloth, and avoid ironing over sequins or beads.

11Handling stains

Act quickly: blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth and a little cold water. Test any stain remover on a hidden area first. For oil, makeup or stubborn stains on satin, lace or embroidered fabric, take it to a professional dry cleaner.

12Storing & travelling

• Hang shirts, jackets and satin kaftans; fold stretch and lycra pieces so they don’t lose shape.
• Store co-ord pieces together so you always have the full set ready.
• Keep clothes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid plastic covers for long periods — fabric needs to breathe.
• Roll pieces when packing to reduce creases, and steam them when you arrive.