Caring for an heirloom lehenga

A bridal lehenga is made to last. With a few habits it can be worn again, altered for a daughter, or simply kept as it is. These are the ones that matter most.

After the wedding

Let the lehenga air in the shade for several hours before you put it away. Perfume, perspiration and the day's humidity linger in cloth, and sealing them in is what causes marks later.

Clean it once, carefully

Dry clean only, and choose the cleaner with care. Ask whether they have handled metallic embroidery, and show them the garment. Tell them it has zari, so they do not use a harsh solvent. Do not clean it every time you wear it. Once after the wedding is usually enough.

Store it flat, or rolled

Folding a heavy skirt in the same place for years weakens the cloth along the crease. Lay it flat in a wide drawer, or roll it loosely with acid-free tissue and the embroidery facing outward. Wrap it in muslin or soft cotton, never plastic.

Keep it dry

Damp is the enemy of metal thread, which can tarnish. Store the lehenga away from outside walls and bathrooms, and in a cupboard that breathes. Put a few cotton sachets of dried herbs near it rather than strong chemicals.

Re-fold, and check

Every few months, open the garment and refold it along different lines. Look for loose threads and note them. A small repair is simple when it is caught early.

Rewear and alter

If you want to wear it again, or hand it down, bring it to a tailor who understands embroidery. Alterations to length and fit are possible. Moving heavy work is a job for a specialist.

Read the craft library for every craft, or the page on zardozi and dabka and nakshi.