We often spend thousands on a beautiful Maheshwari-Bagru or Chanderi-Bagru saree, only to ruin its shape by hanging it on a plastic hanger in the back of the closet. While hanging seems like a great way to prevent wrinkles, for silk-cotton blends and delicate block prints, it is a recipe for disaster.
Here are the storage secrets that will keep your Bagru collection looking brand new for decades.
The Gravity Trap
Silk and cotton have different “stretch” factors. When a saree is hung vertically for months, gravity pulls on the fibers. Because the silk threads are often finer, they can “stretch” more than the cotton, leading to a distorted drape. You may find that the saree becomes longer at the ends or that the borders begin to ripple and wave.
The Right Way: The “Fold and Breathe” Method
- Cotton Muslin Bags: Never store your Bagru sarees in plastic bags or polyester covers. Natural dyes need to “breathe.” Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew and a “musty” smell that is hard to remove. Use old cotton pillowcases or dedicated muslin saree bags.
- The 3-Month Refold: This is the most important secret. Every 3 to 4 months, take your sarees out, unfold them completely, and refold them along different lines. This prevents the fabric from “breaking” or tearing along the sharp edges of permanent creases.
- Neem Leaves and Silica: To keep silverfish and moths away, place dried neem leaves or small cedarwood blocks in your wardrobe. Avoid direct contact between mothballs (naphthalene) and the fabric, as the chemicals can react with natural vegetable dyes.
