Fabric Care

Good fabric deserves good care.

When your parcel arrives: check first

Before washing, cutting or taking your fabric to a tailor:

  1. Open it in daylight.
  2. Check that you have every piece (for example, shirt, trouser and dupatta) and measure the length of each against the product page.
  3. Look at the colour, print and embroidery for flaws.
  4. If anything is wrong, message us before washing or cutting, with your order number and photos. See our Return & Exchange Policy. Once fabric is washed or cut, we cannot accept a return.

Should you wash it before stitching?

  • Pre-wash before stitching, natural first-wash shrinkage can happen, so wash before it is cut.
  • Do not wash: dry clean only for heavily embroidered, delicate or embellished fabrics.
  • Ask us first: if the product page does not say, message us before washing anything.

What to tell your tailor

  • The fabric is unstitched and has not been pre-washed.
  • Ask them to cut using the full length and to mind the direction of prints, stripes and embroidery.
  • Ask them not to iron directly on embroidery, sequins or embellishments; use the reverse side with a cloth.
  • Keep the offcuts. They are useful for repairs, piping and matching buttons

Care by fabric type

  • Cotton: Machine or gentle hand wash in cold water; use mild detergent and avoid prolonged soaking. Dry in shade where possible.
  • Lawn: Gentle machine or hand wash in cold water; avoid harsh detergents, excessive wringing, and direct sunlight.
  • Cambric: Gentle wash in cold or lukewarm water; avoid bleach and harsh scrubbing, and dry in shade.
  • Khaddar: Gentle hand wash or dry clean depending on the blend; avoid hot water and excessive wringing to minimise shrinkage.
  • Linen: Gentle cold wash or dry clean; avoid high heat and dry naturally in shade.
  • Viscose / Rayon: Gentle hand wash in cold water or dry clean; do not wring, twist, or tumble dry.
  • Silk: Dry clean is generally safest; if hand washing is recommended for the specific fabric, use cold water and a mild detergent without rubbing or wringing.
  • Chiffon: Gentle hand wash in cold water or dry clean; handle carefully and avoid wringing, rubbing, or pulling the fabric.
  • Georgette: Gentle hand wash in cold water or dry clean; avoid harsh detergents, wringing, and high heat.
  • Organza: Dry clean is generally recommended, especially for embroidered or embellished pieces; avoid rubbing and wringing.
  • Net / Tulle: Prefer gentle hand washing or dry cleaning depending on embellishment; never wring or scrub, and handle carefully to prevent snagging.
  • Jacquard: Dry clean or gentle hand wash according to the fabric composition; avoid hot water, strong detergents, and vigorous rubbing.
  • Velvet: Dry clean is generally safest; avoid washing, ironing directly on the pile, and prolonged exposure to moisture.
  • Chanderi: Gentle hand wash in cold water or dry clean; avoid wringing and direct sunlight.
  • Banarsi / Brocade: Dry clean is generally recommended, particularly for zari or metallic work; avoid soaking, rubbing, and direct heat.
  • Satin: Gentle hand wash in cold water or dry clean depending on composition; avoid wringing, high heat, and direct ironing.
  • Dobby / Textured fabrics: Gentle cold wash with mild detergent; avoid harsh scrubbing and excessive wringing.
  • Polyester / Synthetic blends: Gentle machine or hand wash according to the garment/fabric label; avoid excessive heat when washing or ironing.

Shawls

  • Wool: Dry clean or gentle cold hand wash depending on the blend; never wring, and dry flat away from direct sunlight.
  • Wool blends: Gentle cold hand wash or dry clean; reshape and dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight.
  • Pashmina / Cashmere: Dry clean is safest; if hand washing is specifically permitted, use cold water and mild wool detergent, then dry flat.
  • Viscose / Acrylic shawls: Gentle cold hand wash; avoid wringing and high heat, and dry flat or naturally in shade.
  • Silk shawls: Dry clean is generally safest; avoid soaking, rubbing, wringing, and direct sunlight.

Washing

  • Wash according to the care instructions for the individual fabric.
  • Use cool or lukewarm water unless otherwise specified.
  • Separate dark and light colours, particularly during the first few washes.
  • Use a mild detergent where appropriate.
  • Avoid harsh bleaching agents unless specifically recommended.
  • Do not soak fabrics for unnecessarily long periods.

Drying

  • Dry fabrics in the shade whenever possible.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially for darker colours, as this can gradually affect colour depth.
  • Do not store or fold fabric while it is damp.

Ironing

  • Iron according to the recommended temperature for the fabric.
  • When possible, iron on the reverse side of the fabric.
  • Steam can be used where suitable for the fabric.
  • Avoid excessive heat, particularly on delicate finishes or blends.

Storage

Keep your fabrics clean and completely dry before storing them.

Store them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from prolonged direct sunlight and moisture.

Store embroidered pieces folded with tissue or a soft cotton cloth between layers.

A Note on Colour

Slight colour variation can occur between the fabric you receive and how it appears on your screen due to photography, lighting and individual display settings.

Dark and richly colored fabrics may also naturally change in depth over time with repeated washing and exposure to sunlight. Proper care can help preserve their appearance.

If you are unsure about a shade, message us before ordering. We will send a photo/video in daylight.

What is natural, and what is a defect

Some things are part of the fabric and are not faults: slight texture or weave variation, small thread ends on embroidery, and slight colour differences between your screen and real life. A defect is something like a tear, a stain, a missing piece, or a length shorter than stated. If you are not sure, send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.

Still unsure?

Ask us before washing or altering anything.