A Complete Guide to Preserving the Beauty of Your Aari, Zardozi, and Handcrafted Garments
Hand-embroidered outfits are more than just garments — they are pieces of art. Whether it’s a bridal lehenga adorned with intricate Aari work, a hand-embroidered blouse, or a delicately crafted kurti, these outfits reflect time, skill, tradition, and craftsmanship. In India especially, embroidery techniques like Aari, Zardozi, Resham, and mirror work are deeply rooted in culture and fashion heritage.
However, many women invest in beautiful embroidered outfits but unknowingly damage them due to improper washing, storage, or maintenance. Unlike regular clothes, Aari and hand-embroidered outfits require special care. A single wrong wash cycle or harsh detergent can ruin months of detailed craftsmanship.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to take care of Aari & hand-embroidered outfits properly, including washing techniques, stain removal, storage solutions, maintenance tips, and long-term preservation methods.
Before we dive into care instructions, let’s understand what makes these outfits delicate.
Aari embroidery is done using a hooked needle (Aari needle) and is known for chain stitch patterns. It is commonly seen on:
Bridal lehengas
Blouses
Dupattas
Designer sarees
Festive kurtis
It often includes embellishments like:
Sequins
Beads
Stones
Pearls
Zari threads
Because of these elements, the fabric becomes heavy and delicate at the same time.
Hand embroidery refers to designs stitched manually using needles and threads. Unlike machine embroidery, hand embroidery:
Is more intricate
Has unique detailing
Uses delicate threads
Often includes metallic zari
These garments require gentle handling to maintain their beauty.
Prevents thread breakage
Maintains shine of zari and stones
Avoids fabric tearing
Extends garment life
Protects your investment
Especially if you are someone involved in embroidery workshops or custom outfit designing, maintaining your samples and client outfits properly builds your brand reputation.
Hand-embroidered garments should not be washed after every wear unless necessary. Overwashing weakens:
Threads
Zari
Adhesives holding stones
Instead:
Air the outfit after use
Spot clean if required
For heavy Aari or bridal outfits:
Choose professional dry cleaning
Inform the cleaner about delicate embroidery
Ask for mild chemical treatment
This is especially important for silk, velvet, and georgette fabrics.
If your outfit has light embroidery:
Fill a bucket with cold water
Add mild liquid detergent (no harsh powder)
Turn the garment inside out
Soak for 5–10 minutes only
Gently press — do not rub
Rinse with cold water
Do not wring
⚠️ Never:
Use hot water
Use washing machine
Scrub embroidery
Even in “gentle mode,” the spinning motion:
Breaks threads
Loosens beads
Damages zari
Always avoid washing machines for hand-embroidered outfits.
Improper drying can damage embroidery permanently.
Lay flat on a towel
Roll gently to remove excess water
Dry in shade
Avoid direct sunlight
Direct sunlight:
Fades thread color
Dulls zari shine
Weakens fabric
Ironing embroidered garments incorrectly can flatten designs or melt embellishments.
Turn garment inside out
Place cotton/muslin cloth over it
Use low heat setting
Avoid direct ironing on stones
Prefer steam iron at safe distance
For heavy bridal lehengas, use professional pressing services.
Stains are scary on embroidered garments — but acting quickly helps.
Treat stain immediately
Do not rub embroidery
Sprinkle talcum powder
Leave for 2–3 hours
Brush gently
Dab with micellar water (test patch first)
Mix mild detergent in cold water
Dab gently
⚠️ Always do a patch test before applying any product.
