A Bharatanatyam costume is a significant investment. With the right care, it can last for years and look as vibrant as the day you bought it. Here is a complete guide to washing, drying, ironing, and storing your costume properly.
General Care Rules
- Never machine wash — always hand wash or dry clean
- Do not soak for more than 10 minutes
- Avoid wringing — gently squeeze out water
- Never dry in direct sunlight — colours will fade
- Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture
Washing by Fabric Type
| Fabric | Washing Method | Detergent | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Silk / Kanjivaram | Dry clean only | — | — |
| Art Silk | Gentle hand wash | Mild liquid detergent | Cold water only |
| China Silk | Gentle hand wash | Mild liquid detergent | Cold water only |
| Cotton Silk Blend | Hand wash | Mild detergent | Cold or lukewarm |
Step-by-Step Hand Washing
- Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent
- Gently submerge the costume and swish softly — do not scrub
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water until no soap remains
- Gently press (do not wring) to remove excess water
- Lay flat on a clean dry towel and roll to absorb moisture
- Hang in shade to dry — never in direct sunlight
Ironing Tips
- Always iron on the reverse side of the fabric
- Use a low heat / silk setting on your iron
- Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and costume
- Never iron directly on zari borders — it will damage the gold thread
- Iron the fans/pleats carefully to maintain their shape
Storage Tips
- Fold neatly and wrap in a clean muslin cloth (not plastic)
- Store in a saree box or cardboard box — never in airtight plastic bags
- Place 2–3 naphthalene balls wrapped in cloth to prevent insects
- Store flat or loosely rolled — avoid tight folding which creates permanent creases
- Air the costume every 3–4 months even if not in use
After Performance Care
- Air the costume immediately after performance — do not fold while sweaty
- Spot clean any stains immediately with a damp cloth
- Check all hooks, velcro, and strings after each performance and repair if needed
- Store the jewellery separately — never store jewellery pinned to the costume
When to Dry Clean
- Pure Silk / Kanjivaram — always dry clean
- Heavy embroidery or stone work — dry clean only
- Before Arangetram or major performance — dry clean for best results
- If unsure — always choose dry clean over hand wash
Shop our full range of Bharatanatyam costumes at Shiva Sai Collections.
0 comments