How should velvet garments be cared for? Washing, storage, and ironing guide.

Velvet requires the most careful handling of any fabric in Indian ethnic wear — improper care permanently crushes the pile and ruins the garment:

Cleaning:

• Dry cleaning is strongly preferred for all velvet garments — especially embroidered velvet
• If hand washing is necessary (non-embroidered, machine velvet): cold water only, very gentle, minimal agitation — never rub the pile
• Never machine wash velvet — the agitation crushes the pile permanently

Drying:

• Never wring velvet — gently roll in a towel to absorb water
• Hang to dry away from direct sunlight — lay flat if the garment is heavy
• Allow to dry naturally — tumble drying crushes pile

Ironing and steaming:

• Never iron velvet directly — the iron crushes the pile creating permanent flat marks
• Use a garment steamer — hold 2–3 cm away from fabric surface, gentle steam
• If iron is the only option: place velvet face-down on a velvet pressing board or another velvet piece — iron the back only

Storage: Hang — never fold. Folding velvet creates permanent crease marks in the pile.