The Conscious Wardrobe by Sutirang

Handloom fabrics are living textiles - woven by hand, dyed with natural pigments, and finished without the industrial shortcuts that make mass-market clothes so disposable. That also means they reward a little extra care. Whether you've just brought home a khadi cotton kurta or an eri silk dress from Sutirang, here's everything you need to know to keep it looking beautiful for years.

Why Handloom Fabrics Need Gentle Care

Unlike synthetic blends, handloom cotton and eri silk are natural fibres with an open weave structure. They breathe beautifully, regulate temperature, and soften with every wash - but they can shrink, bleed colour, or lose their drape if treated harshly. The good news: caring for them is simple once you know the rules.

Caring for Khadi Cotton

Khadi cotton is hand-spun and hand-woven, giving it a slightly textured, breathable quality that synthetic fabrics can't replicate. Here's how to keep it at its best:

• Wash in cold water - always. Hot water causes khadi to shrink and can set stains permanently.
• Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid the regular spin cycle.
• Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent - or a small amount of baby shampoo. Avoid enzyme-based detergents that break down natural fibres.
• Do not wring or twist. Gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry in the shade.
• Iron on medium heat while slightly damp for a crisp finish. Steam ironing works beautifully on khadi.
• First wash tip: Soak in cold salted water for 20 minutes before the first wash to set the colour and prevent bleeding.

Caring for Eri Silk

Eri silk - also called Ahimsa silk because it is produced without harming the silkworm - has a matte, cottony texture that sets it apart from conventional silk. It's more forgiving than mulberry silk but still deserves gentle handling.

• Hand wash only in cool water with a silk-specific or very mild detergent.
• Never soak for more than 5 minutes - prolonged soaking weakens the fibre.
• Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear.
• Roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture - never wring.
• Dry flat in the shade. Direct sunlight fades natural dyes and weakens silk fibres over time.
• Iron on the lowest silk setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
• Store folded in a breathable cotton bag, away from direct light and moisture.

Caring for Handblock Prints

Our floral print, bird print, and leaf print dresses are block-printed by hand using natural or azo-free dyes. To keep the prints vivid:

• Always wash inside out.
• Avoid soaking in detergent for extended periods.
• Do not use bleach or optical brighteners.
• Iron on the reverse side to protect the print surface.

General Storage Tips

• Store handloom garments folded rather than hung - hanging can distort the weave over time.
• Place a small sachet of dried lavender or neem leaves in your wardrobe to deter moths naturally.
• Air your garments after each wear before folding them away - this extends the time between washes and preserves the fabric.

The Reward of Mindful Care

Handloom garments are designed to last decades, not seasons. With the right care, your maxi dress or shirt dress from Sutirang will soften, settle, and become more uniquely yours with every wear. That's the beauty of slow fashion - it gets better with time.

Browse our full range of handloom and handblock-printed dresses in the Sutirang All Collection.