Model wearing embroidered taupe net formal set with silver embellishments by Alishba Kashif Studio

How to Care for Embroidered Clothes at Home

 

How to Care for Embroidered Clothes at Home

Because the pieces you love deserve to last.

Embroidered clothing is an investment — in craft, in heritage, and in the hours of skilled handwork that go into every thread. Whether you own a heavily embellished formal piece or a delicately worked everyday set, the way you care for it at home determines how long it holds its beauty.

Here is everything you need to know.

Before You Do Anything — Read the Label

Always check the care label first. At Alishba Kashif Studio, our pieces are crafted from premium fabrics including chiffon, organza, raw silk, and net — each with specific care requirements. When in doubt, dry clean.

Washing Embroidered Clothes at Home

For lightly embroidered pieces that are hand-wash safe:

  • Use cold water only — hot water loosens threads and causes colors to bleed

  • Choose a mild detergent formulated for delicates — never regular washing powder

  • Do not scrub the embroidered areas — gently swirl the fabric in water

  • Never wring — press water out gently by laying the garment flat and rolling it in a clean towel

  • For heavily embroidered or zardozi work, do not wash at home — take it to a trusted dry cleaner

Machine washing is never recommended for embroidered formal wear, regardless of the cycle setting.

Drying

  • Always dry flat in shade — never hang embroidered pieces as the weight of the embroidery pulls and distorts the fabric

  • Keep away from direct sunlight which fades color and weakens threads over time

  • Allow to dry completely before storing — even slight dampness causes mildew on silk and organza

Ironing and Steaming

  • Never iron directly on embroidery — always place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric

  • Use a low heat setting

  • Steaming is the safest option for removing creases from embroidered pieces — hold the steamer a few inches away and let the steam do the work

  • For heavily worked pieces like our Noir Muse collection, we recommend professional pressing only

Storage

This is where most people go wrong.

  • Store embroidered clothes in breathable cotton or muslin covers — never plastic bags, which trap moisture

  • Fold carefully with acid-free tissue paper between layers to protect embellishments from snagging

  • Store flat where possible — hanging causes delicate fabrics to stretch

  • Keep in a cool, dry, dark space away from humidity

  • For long-term storage, add neem leaves or cedar blocks to deter moths naturally — avoid mothballs which leave a persistent odor and can damage fabric

Dealing with Stains

Act immediately — the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.

  • Blot, never rub — rubbing spreads the stain and damages embroidery threads

  • For oil-based stains, apply a small amount of talcum powder to absorb the oil before blotting

  • For everything else, take the piece to a dry cleaner as soon as possible and tell them exactly what caused the stain

  • Never apply stain remover directly to embroidered areas

When to Always Dry Clean

  • Heavily embroidered formal wear

  • Zardozi, zari, or gota work

  • Any piece with mirrors, beads, or sequins

  • Raw silk and pure organza

  • Anything you are unsure about

A Final Note

The embroidery on an Alishba Kashif Studio piece is not printed or machine-made. It is worked by hand, stitch by stitch, by artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. Treating these pieces with care is not just about preserving clothing — it is about honoring the work that went into making it.

Stored and cared for well, a great embroidered piece does not just last — it becomes something you pass on.

Shop the current collection at www.alishbakashifstudio.com

 

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