If you have received your first kaftan dress, you will discover that it is intricately crafted. Most kaftans have crystals and beads. If you are planning to wear it for a special occasion, you may be wondering how to keep it clean and maintain its vibrant colours.  

In this article, we will discuss how you should be taking care of your kaftans. Let’s get started.

What is your fabric?

First of all, you should know what fabric is used to create your kaftan dress. Usually, it is cotton, silk, wool, or cashmere. Make sure that the dry cleaners follow instructions in the label.

Special note about wool – pilling happens when fibres form into small balls. These can be removed manually with a comb or fuzz remover.

How do you wash a kaftan dress?

Generally, a kaftan dress should always be dry cleaned. Kaftan manufacturers recommend sending them to dry cleaners that use eco-friendly products.

However, if there are no dry cleaners nearby, the next best thing is to hand-wash them carefully. Using cold water and very mild detergent, move the garment around instead of rubbing it. After a few minutes, rinse it thoroughly in cold water.

Another thing, avoid wringing it dry to avoid creasing. All you have to do is to roll it in a dry towel.

Never put your kaftan dress in the dryer. It needs to be dried naturally in a shady area, but not in direct sunlight.  

Does it have sequins, crystals, or beads?

If yes, your kaftan dress needs to be hand-washed so that embellishments do not fall off or become deformed. But if they do, use fabric or craft glue to attach the crystals back. Sequins and beads, however, have to be sewn back by expert tailors.

How can I prevent damages from alterations?

The important thing is to have your kaftan dress altered by a trustworthy tailor. Find someone who has experience in delicate fabric sewing. Silk, for example, will be more difficult to adjust than cotton, wool, or cashmere.

Therefore, to avoid having to alter a kaftan dress, make sure that you buy the right size. Custom alterations tend to be more expensive.

How do you remove stains?

If the stains are due to blood or sweat, soak your kaftan dress in liquid detergent for at least thirty minutes. If the stains remain, try mixing soap with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and carefully rub on the stained area. Then, rinse it off manually.

Take note that perfumes and deodorants will also stain. Therefore, be careful not to use these before donning your kaftan dress.

How do you iron?

Keep it slightly damp, but do not spray water. Use the lowest settings and start ironing on the reverse side. A steamer is preferable to ironing. Better yet, hang your kaftan dress in the bathroom and turn on the heater to emit steam.

How do I store a kaftan dress?

If you are travelling with your kaftan dress, protect its sequins from snagging by placing them individually in a bag.

At home, store silk kaftans by hanging on padded hangers. If they tend to lose their shape, fold and store them in garment bags.Although a kaftan dress needs meticulous care, you will wear it with pride for many years.

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