A Guide to Preserving Your Sarees for Generations

Pallavi Rohatgi
2025-11-21T12:26:36+05:30

A treasured saree is more than clothing. It is memory, legacy and artistry woven together. Whether it is a wedding Kanjivaram, a real zari Banarasi, or a delicate handloom classic you hope to pass down, the way you care for it decides how beautifully it ages.

Here is a simple guide to ensure your sarees stay just as radiant as the day you welcomed them home.

1. Treat Kanjivarams and Real Zari Sarees with Extra Love

Kanjivarams and pure zari Banarasis are woven with dense, luxurious silk that naturally holds impressions. Each fold you make leaves a memory. Over time, these folds turn into permanent lines that are difficult to remove. Trying to press them out requires intense heat, which weakens the silk and dulls the zari.

Instead, keep these sarees rolled. Take a soft muslin cloth, wrap the saree gently and store it in a cool, dry place. Rolling protects the zari from creasing and helps the silk retain its natural lustre. Avoid plastic covers at all costs because they trap moisture and can tarnish the zari.

A little space and a little breathable fabric go a long way in keeping your heirloom sarees timeless.

Also Read: The Wedding Checklist: Your Guide to Dressing, Styling, and Gifting This Wedding Season

2. Extra Care Tips for Banarasis

Banarasis, especially those with intricate kadwa weaving, are delicate artworks. Here is how to care for them so their motifs remain crisp and vivid.

Air them occasionally. Once every few months, unfold the saree fully and let it breathe indoors. This prevents moisture build up.

Refold along different lines. If you must fold the saree, change the folds each time to avoid deep creases settling in permanently.

Keep it away from perfumes and deodorants. The alcohol content can dull the zari and stain the silk over time.

Always dry clean them at trusted places only. Handwoven silk reacts strongly to chemicals and rough handling.

A Banarasi that is cared for softly becomes a keepsake you can proudly hand down.

3. Thoughtful Care for Other Weaves

Every weave has its own temperament. Understanding their nature helps them last beautifully.

Chanderi

Chanderi is featherlight and prone to snagging.

Store it separately in soft muslin covers to avoid rubbing against heavier sarees.

Never hang a Chanderi for long periods because it can stretch the fabric.

Keep it away from sharp jewellery that can pull the threads.

Tussar Silk

Tussar has a rich, textured body and absorbs moisture easily.

Add a few neem leaves or dried lavender to your storage to keep it fresh.

Refold it every few months.

Avoid pressing it on high heat because it can lose its natural texture and shine.

4. Universal Saree Care Tips You Should Always Follow

Regardless of the weave, a few practices keep every saree looking its finest.

Avoid ironing directly on zari. Place a thin cotton cloth on top and use minimal heat.

Never store sarees immediately after wearing them. Allow them to rest for a few hours so any body moisture evaporates.

Keep them away from humidity. Silk and zari thrive best in cool, airy spaces.

Rotate their storage. Let each saree change its position every few months so no fabric stays under pressure for too long.

Use breathable muslin, not synthetic covers.

5. Let Your Wardrobe Become an Heirloom Chest

Preserving sarees is a gentle ritual. A few mindful steps ensure that your Kanjivarams remain radiant, your Banarasis remain regal and your lighter weaves stay crisp and graceful.

And that is how a wardrobe becomes a treasure chest. The more care you gift these pieces, the more stories they will hold for the next generation.

If you would like to explore heirloom-worthy weaves crafted with the same devotion as your care, discover the WeaverStory collection.