How to Maintain Your Kanjivaram Saree ?

An affection for the past and a nostalgia is what defines a saree. Embedded with deep lineage and symbolism, Saree represents pride and self-assurance. This yard of fabric is a gamut of emotions, craftsmanship, pre-historic art, rich heritage, civilizations and has always emerged as the most favorite outfit for the women of yore and for the women of today. Saree cleverly enhances and conceals the disposition of women. They were introduced to the world during the time of Rig Vedas and were used extensively.  Easy to slide in, easy to wear the whole day while doing other chores and very breathable, saree has always topped the charts.

India is best known for its admirable textiles and sarees such as Banarasi Sarees, Kanjivaram Sarees, Patola Sarees, Kalamkari sarees to name a few. WeaverStory's most loved outfit is the Kanjivaram. Known for its meticulous weaving and brilliant designs, these sarees are adorned with pride by the brides and by women for other festivities. Fabrics of treasure, these sarees are also classic souvenirs that can be passed to your future heirs besides evoking a sense of memory of the past for them to savour.

   

Kanjivarams are primarily made in a small-town Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu by skilled artisans who have preserved and continued this noteworthy weaving technique alive even today. These weaves are luxurious and offer finesse to the overall appeal of the constructed piece. Kanjivarams are worn by a majority of South Indian woman for special occasions and brings a nostalgia to them. They are usually recognized by eloquent features such as sheen gold borders, heavenly zari work, brilliant designs and beautiful motifs. A single such saree can weigh upto 2 kgs and takes a few weeks to make.

Now, the most important question arises is that how do we maintain this delicate saree. Kanjivaram Sarees age like a wine and become stronger with each passing day. They are also delicate and sensitive to moisture, hence as an owner, we are required to take a little care from our end as that we can persevere these sarees and even further pass on.

WeaverStory brings to you a few tricks and tips for you to follow -

STORAGE -

1. Card boxes, plastic bags or newspaper wraps are a poison for Kanjivarams. These should be abandoned at any cost.
2. Fold the sari properly retaining the older fold lines, and wrap it in a muslin cloth.
3. The saree must be stored in a dry and dark area. Heat and light falling on it should be avoided. Direct sunlight is very harmful for these sarees.
4. Avoid hanging the sarees in hangers. Instead stock them on a flat shelf, one over the other with a maximum count of 3-4 sarees. For heavier sarees, the stack count should be anywhere between 2-4.
5. Every two months, open the sarees, move them, air them, keep them open for a few hours, check for their creases, and stack them again, back to its storage place. This helps in healthy preserving of the fabric and ensures the fading doesn’t occur.
6. It is imperative that Kanjivarams are kept devoid of any moisture. Hence use silica gel sachets to soak up the condensation. Also avoid naphthalene balls or any kind of scent in the wardrobe.
7. When you buy sarees that have starch in them, they are a little stiff as compared to others. As the strength of the starch weakens, the sarees tend to become subtle. Therefore, it is beneficial to open these starch sarees once a month, shake off and fold it back. This will maintain its crispiness.
   

MAINTAINENCE -

1. WeaverStory recommends that you go for professional dry cleaning or dry washing after wearing the saree for two-three times at least. It totally depends on your usage.
2. We prohibit washing a Kanjivaram at home.
3. If you are required to iron the saree, we suggest you iron on the reverse side of it.
4. Take care of the saree as much as you can and avoid spilling of any kind of food, sauces or any liquid.

Pamper your Kanjivarams, for them to befittingly envelope you and your successors. Get ready to shop more from WeaverStory and bring home a delightful muster of Kanjivaram sarees. They are here to last.

Author - Shalika Singh