Yo, bridal squad! Remember my cousin’s epic red lehenga from her 2023 wedding? She stored it wrong, and the zari faded faster than her honeymoon tan total heartbreak. But with India’s bridal wear market booming to USD 89.74 billion in 2025, investing in care keeps that glam alive for heirlooms or resales. Experts at Shreekama stress professional handling for longevity. Let’s chat real tips to preserve your lehenga’s sparkle – from cleaning hacks to storage smarts.
Cleaning 101: Gentle is Key
Don’t DIY wash it’s a no-go for delicate fabrics. Pro dry cleaning removes stains without harming zari or sequins, as Rianta’s guide advises. My friend spot-cleaned a coffee spill with mild soap on her georgette lehenga; worked like a charm, but always test first. Research shows improper washing causes 40% of fabric damage in embellished garments.
Zari and Embellishment Care
Zari work? Handle with kid gloves. Shreekama experts recommend steaming over ironing to avoid melting threads. For sequins, flip inside-out before cleaning. A pal’s heavy lehenga stayed pristine after pro treatment no loose bits after two wears.
Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh
Post-event, air it out for hours to banish odors, then store flat or folded no hanging, warns Pure Elegance. Use breathable muslin bags in cool, dark spots; avoids yellowing from sunlight. Manyavar suggests rotating every few months to prevent creases. My aunt’s lehenga? Wrapped in acid-free tissue, it’s still vibrant after years.
Moth and Moisture Defense
Silica packets or cedar blocks fend off bugs natural and effective, per Womans Plaza. In humid climes, dehumidifiers cut mold risk by 50%. Real story: A bride’s stored lehenga survived monsoon thanks to this ideas.
Long-Term Love: Maintenance Musts
Inspect yearly for repairs fix loose threads early. Banu Designs notes starting with quality fabrics like silk blends extends life. For resale, preserved lehengas fetch 30-50% original value. Laalzari pros wrap in muslin for extra shield.
Your lehenga’s not just an outfit it’s memories. Treat it right, and it’ll sparkle for generations. Got a care hack? Spill below!