Hand-dyed and hand-printed clothing carries the marks of process: a small shift in colour, the rhythm of a repeated motif, or the soft irregularity that gives a textile life. Gentle care helps preserve that character while allowing the garment to become part of your everyday wardrobe.
Begin with the care label
Different fibres, dyes and embellishments need different treatment, so the garment's own care label should always come first. When professional dry cleaning is advised, follow that direction. For pieces suitable for hand washing, use cool water and a mild cleanser.
Wash colours separately
Some handcrafted and deeply coloured textiles can release excess dye during early washes. Wash them separately and avoid long soaking. Turn the garment inside out, move it gently through the water and do not scrub printed areas against themselves.
Avoid twisting and wringing
Wet fabric is heavier and more vulnerable to distortion. Press water out gently instead of twisting. You can place the piece on a clean towel, roll it loosely and press to remove extra moisture before reshaping it.
Dry in the shade
Strong direct sunlight can fade colour over time. Dry the garment in a shaded, well-ventilated place and keep it away from stained clips or rough surfaces. Support delicate pieces so their weight does not pull the shoulder or neckline out of shape.
Iron thoughtfully
Use the temperature recommended for the fibre. Turning the garment inside out protects the face of the fabric and print. A clean cotton cloth placed between the iron and the garment can offer extra protection for delicate surfaces.
Store clean and dry
Make sure the piece is completely dry before putting it away. Fold delicate garments rather than leaving them on narrow hangers, and keep jewellery, hooks and rough fastenings from catching the weave. Breathable storage is preferable to tightly sealed plastic for regular use.
Expect natural variation
Uniformity is not the aim of work shaped by hand. Minor differences between pieces, or a gentle evolution of colour with wear, can be part of the textile's story. Care is about longevity, not freezing a garment in time.
Discover expressive textiles in Kala: The Kalamkari Edition and the nature-led Prakriti collection.