5 Tips to Store Your Chikankari Sharara Sets
Chikankari sharara sets are not just garments—they’re heirloom-worthy pieces that celebrate delicate craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Whether you've picked one up for a wedding, festive celebration, or a casual day out, you want your ensemble to stay fresh, vibrant, and damage-free for years to come.
But here’s the catch: storing them wrong can ruin the fabric, embroidery, and silhouette.
To make sure your beautiful outfit retains its charm, we’ve put together five essential storage tips. These are simple, practical steps you can follow at home, whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or a first-time buyer.
1. Clean Before You Store
One of the biggest mistakes people make is storing used clothes without cleaning them properly. Even if you’ve only worn your sharara set for a few hours, sweat, oils, perfumes, and dust can settle into the fabric.
Why it matters:
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These residues can discolor delicate Chikankari embroidery over time.
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Unwashed clothes are more likely to attract insects like moths.
What you should do:
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Hand-wash or dry clean, depending on the fabric. Cotton and georgette sets are generally hand-washable with mild detergent.
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Make sure the outfit is completely dry before putting it away to avoid mildew.
2. Avoid Hangers for Long-Term Storage
While hanging might seem like the best option to avoid wrinkles, it's not ideal for Chikankari shararas, especially the heavier ones.
Here’s why:
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Hangers can stretch the fabric and distort the shape of the sharara or the kurta over time.
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Embellishments and embroidery can get snagged or creased in awkward positions.
Instead:
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Fold the set carefully, placing tissue paper between the folds to avoid creasing the embroidery.
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Store it flat in a breathable fabric storage bag or a cotton cloth cover.
3. Say No to Plastic
That shiny plastic cover your set came in? Toss it—or better yet, reuse it for short-term travel, but don’t store your Chikankari outfit in it long-term.
The issue with plastic:
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It traps moisture, which can lead to fungus or a musty smell.
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It doesn’t let the fabric breathe, increasing the risk of yellowing or fading over time.
Pro tip:
Use muslin or cotton bags for storage. They allow airflow, keep dust away, and are gentle on your delicate fabrics.
4. Rotate and Refold Occasionally
Storing your sharara set for months without touching it? Not a good idea.
Why it’s important:
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Folding lines can become permanent creases.
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The same pressure on embroidered areas can cause fabric weakening.
Here’s what to do:
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Every 2–3 months, take your outfit out, air it for a few hours, and refold it differently to distribute the creases.
This practice is especially helpful for heavily embroidered or festive sharara sets you wear only once or twice a year.
5. Add Natural Fragrance & Pest Control
You don’t need chemical mothballs that leave your clothes smelling like a medicine cabinet. There are natural, fabric-safe ways to repel insects and keep your clothes fresh.
Options you’ll love:
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Cloves or neem leaves wrapped in muslin cloth.
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Cedar blocks or lavender sachets placed in the storage box.
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Activated charcoal pouches to absorb moisture and odors.
Not only do these keep insects at bay, but they also infuse your Chikankari sharara with a pleasant scent when you bring it out for the next wear.
Why Proper Storage is a Must for Chikankari
Chikankari is a hand-embroidery technique that involves delicate threadwork, often on soft fabrics like cotton, muslin, or georgette. This makes the material both luxurious and vulnerable.
Sharara sets, with their flared bottoms and often embellished kurtas or dupattas, can lose their elegance quickly if not stored the right way. Whether you're a collector of traditional wear or simply want your special occasion outfit to last, these tips will make a huge difference.
Looking for premium pieces worth preserving? Explore a stunning range of Chikankari sharara sets that blend tradition with contemporary style, perfect for any celebration.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your Chikankari sharara set isn’t complicated—it just requires a bit of thought and routine. By cleaning them properly, folding them the right way, using breathable storage solutions, and giving them a little love every few months, you ensure they remain as exquisite as the day you bought them.
Because when it comes to timeless ethnic fashion, how you store it is just as important as how you wear it.
Ready to Refresh Your Ethnic Wardrobe?
If you're looking to add more elegance to your closet, don't forget to check out Illica Designs’ curated sharara collection for beautifully crafted pieces you’ll love to wear and preserve.
What’s your go-to trick for storing ethnic wear? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
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