Weave by weave
Every Urban Adda piece leaves with a care card written for its exact cloth. The notes below are the atelier’s general counsel for the weaves we work in most.
- Banarasi & zari
- Dry clean only, and only with a zari specialist; ordinary solvents dull real metal thread. Re-fold along new lines each season so creases never set in the same place. Store wrapped in muslin, never plastic, and give the weave air twice a year, away from direct sun.
- Velvet
- Never fold velvet; the pile remembers. Hang on a padded hanger with room around it, steam gently from the reverse to lift any crush, and keep it from damp, as silk velvet drinks moisture and holds it.
- Organza & tulle
- Hang with space on either side so the body of the fabric stays full. If pressing is unavoidable, use a cool iron through a cotton cloth; direct heat glasses the surface. Keep jewellery, hooks and rough surfaces at a distance; a snag in tulle rarely forgives.
- Chiffon
- Dry clean, then steam lightly from the reverse before wear. Store rolled or on a padded hanger, never pegged or clipped, as chiffon holds the bite marks. Hand-dyed chiffons should live away from sunlight; the colour is alive and will mellow.
- Chanderi
- A gentle dry clean keeps the sheen; iron on low from the reverse while very slightly damp. Chanderi loves air; do not seal it in boxes for months at a time. A soft shake and an afternoon in shade restores its fall.
When in doubt
Before any cleaner touches your piece, especially one carrying zardozi, mirror work or metal thread, write to the atelier. We keep a list of specialists across India whom we trust with our own work, and we will point you to the nearest.