How to Care for Embroidered Indian Ethnic Wear: The Complete Guide
A handcrafted ethnic garment is an investment — in craft, in time, and in the artisan who made it. With the right care, a well-embroidered kurta or Nehru jacket can last decades and be passed to the next generation. With the wrong care, it can be damaged in a single wash. Here is how to look after your Paarshin pieces, by embroidery type.
The Universal Rules
Before getting into specifics: never machine wash any embroidered ethnic garment. The mechanical action of a washing machine will destroy embroidery threads, displace mirrors, distort raised work, and shrink fabrics that are not designed for water exposure. Never wring any embroidered garment — always press water out gently if you must hand wash. And never expose embroidered garments to direct sunlight for extended periods — the UV light degrades both dye and thread over time.
Zardosi and Metallic Embroidery
Zardosi garments must always be dry cleaned. The metallic threads of zardosi are real metal and will tarnish if exposed to moisture and air over time. Always specify the type of embroidery when sending for dry cleaning — a good dry cleaner will use appropriate solvents that clean the fabric without attacking the metalwork. Store zardosi garments flat or on padded, wide-shoulder hangers to prevent the weight of the embroidery from distorting the fabric. Keep in an airtight garment bag in a cool, dry place.
Mirror Work (Shisha Embroidery)
Mirror work garments require dry cleaning only. The mirrors are held in place by embroidery thread — agitation in water can loosen the thread and cause mirrors to fall out. Store folded in soft tissue paper rather than hanging — the weight of the mirrors on a hanging garment can stretch the fabric over time. Never iron directly over mirror work; if the garment needs steaming, hold the steamer at least six inches away and let the steam settle the fabric without contact.
Chikankari
Chikankari is technically the most delicate of India's embroidery forms. Never wring or machine wash. The fine cotton thread of chikankari can be hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent, but only if the fabric itself is cotton or fine linen. Silk-based chikankari garments must be dry cleaned. Do not scrub — press the garment gently and rinse thoroughly. Dry flat in the shade. Steam, don't iron.
Aari Work and Sequins
Aari-embroidered garments should be dry cleaned. The hooked chain stitch of aari work can unravel if snagged on a rough surface — store aari pieces away from anything that could catch the chain. Sequins, which are often combined with aari work, can be damaged by heat — never iron directly on sequins and be cautious with steaming too.
Pressing and Steaming
The general rule: steam over iron, always. A steam iron held several inches away from the fabric surface will release wrinkles without the pressure and heat that can flatten raised embroidery, scorch metallic thread, or distort structured silhouettes like an Achkan or Nehru jacket. Never iron directly on any embroidered section of any garment. Always iron or steam on the reverse side when possible.
Storage Between Seasons
Store all embroidered ethnic wear in breathable cloth or muslin bags — never plastic, which traps humidity and promotes mould. Fold heavy embroidered pieces (sherwanis, achkans, heavily zardosi-worked jackets) rather than hanging, to prevent the weight of the embroidery from distorting the garment over time. Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Add a small sachet of neem leaves or cedar to deter moths without the harshness of synthetic mothballs, which can damage fabric and thread over extended exposure.
For any care questions about your specific Paarshin piece, contact us at orders@paarsh.in and our team will advise you directly.