Caring for Hand-Dyed Cotton: A Simple Guide

Hand-dyed and hand block printed cotton is different from mass-produced fabric, and it deserves a slightly different care routine. Here's how to keep your kameez sets, farshi sets, and dupattas looking their best.

Washing

Always hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Hot water and harsh detergents can cause natural dyes to fade faster than they should. Wash dark and light colors separately for the first few washes, since natural dyes can bleed slightly early on.

Drying

Dry your pieces in shade rather than direct sunlight. Sunlight is one of the fastest ways to fade a hand block print or hand-dyed bandhni pattern. Lay flat or hang in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Ironing

Iron on a low to medium setting, ideally with a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect the print. Avoid ironing directly over bandhni knots or gota patti detailing.

Storage

Store folded rather than on hangers to avoid stretching, especially for dupattas. Keep away from direct sunlight and in a dry space to prevent color transfer between garments.

With the right care, hand block printed and hand-dyed cotton pieces only get softer and more comfortable with time.