Premium ethnic wear is an investment — and like all investments, it rewards those who look after it. Whether you've just received a beautifully embroidered suit set or a flowing Farshi Salwar ensemble, the right care routine will keep it looking as stunning as the day it arrived.
1. Always Read the Care Label First
Every piece at Ruha Elan comes with care instructions specific to its fabric and embellishments. Before you do anything else, check the label. When in doubt, always choose the gentler option.
2. Washing: Hand Wash is Almost Always Best
For embroidered, embellished, or delicate ethnic wear, machine washing is a risk not worth taking. Here's the golden rule by fabric:
- Georgette & Chiffon — Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Never wring — gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry.
- Cotton & Linen — Can tolerate a gentle machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle. Turn inside out to protect prints and embroidery.
- Satin & Velvet — Dry clean only. These fabrics are unforgiving of water damage and heat.
- Heavily Embroidered Pieces — Always dry clean. Water can loosen threads, cause beads to fall, and distort the embroidery.
Pro tip: Use a mesh laundry bag if you must machine wash — it protects delicate fabrics and embellishments from snagging.
3. Drying: Never Wring, Never Direct Sunlight
- Gently press water out — never twist or wring delicate fabrics.
- Dry in shade. Direct sunlight fades colours, especially in printed and dyed fabrics.
- Lay flat or hang on a padded hanger to maintain the shape of the garment.
- Avoid drying on metal hangers — they can leave rust marks on damp fabric.
4. Ironing: Low Heat and Always Inside Out
- Georgette & Chiffon — Iron on the lowest setting, inside out, with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Cotton — Can handle medium heat. Iron while slightly damp for best results.
- Embroidered areas — Never iron directly over embroidery. Place a thin cotton cloth over the embroidery and iron gently around it.
- Velvet — Never iron. Steam gently from a distance to remove creases.
5. Storage: How You Store It Matters
- Fold, don't hang heavy embroidered pieces — the weight of embellishments can stretch the fabric over time.
- Use muslin or cotton covers rather than plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- Add a neem sachet or cedar block to your wardrobe to deter moths and insects.
- Wrap delicate pieces in acid-free tissue paper to prevent colour transfer and creasing.
6. Dealing with Stains
Act fast — the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
- Blot, don't rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages fabric fibres.
- For oil-based stains, sprinkle a little talcum powder, let it absorb, then brush off gently before taking it to a dry cleaner.
- For water-based stains on delicate fabrics, blot with a clean damp cloth and take to a professional as soon as possible.
- When in doubt, take it to a trusted dry cleaner rather than attempting home treatment on embroidered or embellished pieces.
7. After Every Wear
- Air your garment before storing — even if it doesn't need washing, airing removes body heat and moisture.
- Check for loose threads or missing embellishments after each wear and address them before they worsen.
- A light steam (not direct iron) can refresh a garment between wears without washing.
Invest in the Care, Preserve the Beauty
Premium ethnic wear, when cared for properly, lasts for years — even decades. At Ruha Elan, every piece is crafted to stand the test of time. Give it the care it deserves, and it will reward you with every wear.