After the Shaadi Season: Velvet Lehenga Care 101

The Importance of Properly Maintaining Your Velvet Lehenga for Women

That velvet lehenga is more than just a garment—it's a treasure trove of precious memories. From the ceremonial rituals to the saat pheras, from couple portraits to family photos, from the first dance to the final vidaai—your lehenga has been your faithful companion through it all. Years later, just one glimpse of its lush folds will transport you right back to the most special day of your life.

But for your velvet lehenga to survive as a stunning heirloom, it needs your love and attention. Velvet is a delicate fabric that can lose its lustre and form if not cared for correctly. A little effort in cleaning, storing, and maintaining your bridal velvet lehenga for women will go a long way in preserving its grace and grandeur for generations.

Understanding the Material: Velvet Lehenga

Before we dive into the care tips, let's first understand what makes a velvet lehenga so exquisite yet so delicate. Velvet is a plush fabric characterised by a dense pile of evenly cut fibres that have a smooth, soft feel. While traditionally made from silk, velvet can also be woven from cotton, linen, wool, or synthetic fibres.

The luxurious texture of velvet is created through a unique weaving process using a special loom. This involves weaving two layers of fabric simultaneously, with the pile threads interlacing both layers. The fabric is then cut down the middle, creating two separate pieces with a distinctive velvet pile. It's this complex process that gives velvet its coveted sheen and sumptuous drape.

However, the same raised pile that looks so appealing also makes velvet prone to damage. The fibres can get crushed or matted with pressure, while the dense weave can trap dirt and odours. Velvet is also sensitive to moisture, heat, and friction. All the more reason to handle your velvet lehenga for women with utmost care!

Cleaning Your Velvet Lehenga

The first step to maintaining wedding outfits is to get them thoroughly cleaned after the celebrations. But before you head to your local dry cleaner, remember that velvet requires specialised care.

• Opt for a reputable professional service with experience in handling designer lehengas and delicate fabrics. Check their reviews and ask about their velvet cleaning process and velvet care tips.
• If your lehenga has heavy embellishments, embroidery, or multiple fabric types, it's best to take it to the boutique you purchased it from. They'll have the best know-how for maintaining wedding outfits.
• For minor stains, you can try spot cleaning at home using a soft, dry cloth. Gently brush in the direction of the pile. Avoid using water or cleaning products, as they can damage the fabric.
• Never wash or soak your velvet lehenga in water. The moisture can leave water spots, cause the fabric to lose shape, and ruin any embroidery or embellishments.
• Silk velvet should only be dry cleaned to maintain its sheen and texture. Check the care label on your lehenga for instructions.

Storing Your Velvet Lehenga

Now that your lehenga is clean and refreshed, it's time to put it away carefully till its next outing. Proper storage is key to keeping the fabric smooth and lustrous for years.

• Always store your velvet lehenga for women in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Humidity and high temperatures can cause the pile to flatten.
• Avoid hanging your lehenga, as it can alter the drape and stretch the fabric out of shape. The weight of the skirt can also cause the waistband to sag and deform.
• Instead, fold your lehenga lengthwise with a layer of muslin or acid-free tissue paper between the folds. This protects the fabric and prevents creasing.
• Place your folded lehenga in a breathable garment bag made of cotton or muslin. Avoid plastic or PVC bags as they can trap moisture and cause discolouration.
• If you must use a hanger, opt for wide, padded ones that can support the weight of the lehenga. Cover the ensemble with a cloth garment bag for protection.
• Store your lehenga flat in an airtight container. You can even use an old suitcase lined with fabric. Avoid cardboard boxes as they are acidic.
• One of the best velvet care tips is to use silica gel pouches to control excess moisture in the storage container. Tuck a few naphthalene balls to keep insects and odours away.
• Air out your velvet lehenga once every few months to maintain ventilation. Gently brush the pile in a single direction using a soft garment brush.

Preventing Damage to Your Velvet Lehenga

A few precautions while wearing and maintaining wedding outfits can minimise the chances of damage and keep them looking wedding-ready:

• Avoid spraying perfume, deodorants, or makeup directly on the lehenga, as they can stain. Apply them before getting dressed.
• Be mindful of your movements while sitting, dancing, or walking in the lehenga. The friction can crush or polish the pile.
• Limit the lehenga's contact with rough surfaces like walls, furniture, or jewellery. The snags can pull the pile and cause bare patches.
• Use a helping hand while navigating stairs, getting in and out of cars, or managing the restroom. You don't want to accidentally step on the lehenga.
• Remove any spills, stains, or dirt immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Blot the area; don't rub. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
• Allow for plenty of breaks between wears to let the fabric recover its shape and lustre. Velvet is best reserved for special occasions.