The Art of Saree Sustenance

Your Guide to Caring for Your Sarees 

The year was 2002, and I was a young girl standing on the cusp of adulthood, navigating my way through my transition into becoming a young woman. I fondly recall the excitement of dipping my toes into the world of makeup and fashion, eager to express my newfound womanhood. However, I can't tell this story without mentioning the very essence of it all, the ultimate symbol of beauty and grace in my eyes, then and now - the saree.

Growing up, I was accustomed to seeing my grandmother adorn a saree every single day. I often wondered how she moved so comfortably and performed her household duties with such ease in those six long yards. As generations pass by, traditions often change. My mum, a corporate banker, wore one only on rare occasions - a pooja, a wedding, or ethnic day at the office. I'd always looked forward to the day when I would finally get to wrap myself in the beauty of the many rich fabrics I'd seen them wear. But up until that point, I'd been able to wear pavadas or kurtas to special occasions. Moreover, my family, especially my grandmother, never really encouraged me to wear one either, probably fearing that I was growing up too fast, and they wanted to preserve the child in me. I assumed that I'd have to wait until my school farewell to finally be able to wear one.

Then came the season of Onam. Being a Malayalee, Onam was a significant celebration in my household. From the pookalams to the delicious sadhyas, flowers, ornaments, visitors - the air was exciting, to say the least. I woke up early and went up to my grandmother's room to wish her. As I entered, I witnessed the most beautiful sight - three or four of the most gorgeous Kasavu sarees, crisp and white with stunning gold embroidery, each with thread work in an additional color, laid out on the bed, shining. My grandmother saw the sparkle in my eyes and immediately said, "Which one would you like to wear today?"

I had the widest smile on my face!

"But I don't have a blouse," I said.

"That's okay, you can wear one of my older ones," she replied immediately with a warm smile.

As she patiently draped me in one, she spoke about how she had bought them right after her wedding when she'd moved to Chennai from Kerala. I was stunned to know that these sarees were decades old and still looked brand new. Since then, I've taken the time to learn the secrets of preserving these fabrics from my grandmother so that they stand the test of time. And here I am, passing on this treasure trove of tips and tricks to you, so one day, you too may bring a smile to the face of a younger sister, niece, daughter, or even a granddaughter, just as my grandmother did to me.

*Tip 1:* Use them! One might assume that to keep a saree safe and brand new, one should probably not wear it at all, right? Wrong! According to my grandmum, it's important to air the fabrics and not keep them in airtight bags to prevent any musty odors, moisture buildup, or fabric creases. Also, what's the point of keeping your beautiful pieces locked up? Show them off!

*Tip 2:* Store them in breathable and clean cloth bags to prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and moisture, and make sure to store them in a cool place, away from sunlight.

*Tip 3:* Air them once in two to three months, use hangers if necessary. And then always fold them neatly.

*Tip 4:* Dry clean sarees to preserve their sheen and quality.

*Tip 5:* This might seem odd but works like a charm! Always steam iron the fabric to prevent damage to delicate zari or embroidery work.

*Tip 6:* Be cautious when handling delicate embroidery, Zari, or beadwork to prevent snags, pulls, and damage.

So, there you go! I hope these tips help you give your sarees the love they deserve. Remember, you're not just preserving a piece of clothing; you're preserving a piece of the stories you'll tell to the generations that follow you, as they wear them.