How to Care for, Store & Preserve Your Sharara Set A Complete Guide to Making Your Sharara Last for Years | By VrtRaha

Front of a model standing wearing a Sharara

A Sharara Is Not Just an Outfit, It’s an Heirloom

A Sharara is more than fabric stitched into flared perfection. It carries celebrations, rituals, laughter, photographs, and memories folded into its seams. Whether it’s a heavily embroidered bridal Sharara, a festive sharara set for weddings, or a minimal sharara worn for intimate gatherings, one thing remains constant: it deserves proper care.

Unlike everyday ethnic wear, a Sharara demands mindful handling. Rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, delicate embellishments, and dramatic volume make it both stunning and sensitive. Without the right care, even the most luxurious Sharara can lose its charm.

In this comprehensive guide by VrtRaha, we’ll explore how to care for, store, and preserve your Sharara set so it looks just as breathtaking years later as it did the first time you wore it.

Understanding Your Sharara Before Caring for It

Before diving into washing or storage, the first step in Sharara care is understanding what your outfit is made of.

Common Fabrics Used in Sharara Sets

Different Sharara fabrics require different handling techniques.

  • Silk Sharara: Rich, luxurious, but sensitive to moisture and friction

  • Georgette Sharara: Lightweight, flowy, prone to snagging

  • Chiffon Sharara: Extremely delicate and sheer

  • Velvet Sharara: Heavy, luxurious, and prone to crushing

  • Cotton Sharara: Breathable but can fade if washed incorrectly

  • Organza Sharara: Structured yet fragile

Knowing your fabric determines whether you dry clean, hand wash, or spot clean your Sharara.

How to Clean Your Sharara the Right Way

1. Always Check the Embellishments First

A Sharara often includes:

  • Zari embroidery

  • Sequins

  • Beadwork

  • Mirror work

  • Thread embroidery

These elements react differently to water, detergent, and friction. If your Sharara is heavily embellished, avoid home washing completely.

2. Dry Cleaning: The Safest Option for Most Sharara Sets

For:

  • Bridal Sharara sets

  • Heavy wedding Sharara

  • Designer Sharara with intricate handwork

Professional dry cleaning is non-negotiable.

Tips for dry cleaning your Sharara:

  • Inform the cleaner about stains, if any

  • Ask for eco-friendly dry cleaning

  • Avoid frequent dry cleaning unless necessary

Over-cleaning can weaken fibers and dull embroidery.

3. Hand Washing a Sharara (Only If Appropriate)

For lightweight, minimally embroidered Sharara sets:

Do this:

  • Use cold water

  • Use a mild, liquid detergent

  • Turn the Sharara inside out

  • Wash gently without wringing

Never do this:

  • No brushing

  • No soaking

  • No machine washing

Once washed, lay flat to dry in shade.

4. Spot Cleaning for Small Stains

Sometimes your Sharara doesn’t need a full wash.

  • Dab stains gently with a soft cloth

  • Use diluted detergent or rose water

  • Test on an inner seam first

This method helps preserve embroidery and fabric texture.

How to Dry Your Sharara Without Damage

Drying is where most Sharara damage happens.

Golden Rules of Drying a Sharara

  • Never dry in direct sunlight

  • Avoid hanging heavy Sharara pants when wet

  • Lay flat on a towel for even drying

  • Reshape the flares while damp

Sunlight can fade colors, especially jewel tones like maroon, emerald, navy, and royal blue.

Ironing & Steaming Your Sharara Safely

Should You Iron a Sharara?

Direct ironing is risky, especially for embroidered Sharara sets.

Best Practices for Sharara Ironing

  • Use steam instead of direct heat

  • Place a cotton cloth between iron and fabric

  • Avoid ironing over embroidery

  • Steam from the reverse side

For velvet or organza Sharara, steaming is the safest option.

How to Store Your Sharara Set Properly

Storage is the secret to long-term Sharara preservation.

1. Never Fold Your Sharara Like Regular Clothes

Sharara pants have volume and flare. Incorrect folding leads to:

  • Permanent creases

  • Crushed embroidery

  • Fabric stress

Correct Way to Fold a Sharara

  • Fold along natural pleats

  • Place tissue paper between folds

  • Avoid sharp creases

2. Use Breathable Garment Bags

Plastic is the enemy of luxury ethnic wear.

Choose:

  • Cotton garment bags

  • Muslin covers

  • Breathable fabric storage

Plastic traps moisture, leading to mildew and odor.

3. Store Each Piece Separately

A Sharara set usually includes:

  • Sharara pants

  • Kurta or short top

  • Dupatta

Store them separately to prevent color bleeding and embroidery snagging.

4. Avoid Hanging Heavy Sharara Sets

Hanging a heavy Sharara can:

  • Stretch the waistband

  • Distort the flare

  • Stress seams

If hanging is necessary:

  • Use padded hangers

  • Support the weight with clips

Preserving Embroidery, Zari & Mirror Work

Why Embroidery Needs Extra Care

Embroidery threads are delicate and react to:

  • Moisture

  • Heat

  • Friction

Tips to Preserve Sharara Embellishments

  • Store with silica gel or neem leaves

  • Avoid perfume contact

  • Air out once every 3–4 months

  • Never stack heavy outfits on top

This keeps the Sharara fresh and damage-free.

How to Protect Your Sharara from Yellowing

Yellowing is common in:

  • Ivory Sharara

  • White Sharara

  • Pastel Sharara

Causes of Yellowing

  • Moisture

  • Improper storage

  • Acidic tissue paper

Prevention Tips

  • Use acid-free tissue paper

  • Store in a cool, dry place

  • Avoid wooden cupboards without lining

Travel Tips: Carrying Your Sharara Without Wrinkles

How to Pack a Sharara for Travel

  • Wrap in tissue paper

  • Fold loosely

  • Place dupatta on top

  • Use garment cover if possible

For destination weddings, carry your Sharara in cabin luggage if it’s heavily embellished.

Seasonal Care for Your Sharara

Monsoon Care

  • Use moisture absorbers

  • Avoid closed damp cupboards

  • Air out frequently

Summer Care

  • Protect from sweat stains

  • Clean before storing

  • Keep away from direct heat

Winter Care

  • Avoid mothballs directly on fabric

  • Use natural repellents

How Often Should You Clean Your Sharara?

  • After heavy wear: Clean immediately

  • After light wear: Air out and spot clean

  • Before long-term storage: Always clean

Storing a dirty Sharara leads to permanent stains over time.

Sharara Preservation for Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store your Sharara for years:

  • Dry clean once

  • Wrap in muslin

  • Store flat

  • Check every 6 months

This is especially important for bridal Sharara sets meant to be passed down.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Sharara Sets

Avoid these at all costs:

  • Machine washing

  • Hanging wet Sharara pants

  • Spraying perfume directly

  • Using harsh detergents

  • Storing in plastic

Even one mistake can permanently damage the outfit.

Why Investing in Sharara Care Is Worth It

A Sharara is often:

  • Custom-stitched

  • Hand-embroidered

  • Emotionally significant

Proper care ensures:

  • Longevity

  • Timeless elegance

  • Sustainable fashion choices

At VrtRaha, we believe in mindful luxury. Preserving your Sharara is part of honoring craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Sharara Tell Stories for Years

A well-cared-for Sharara ages gracefully. It remembers weddings, festivals, and moments that matter. With the right care, storage, and preservation techniques, your Sharara doesn’t just survive time, it outshines it.

Whether you wear your Sharara once a year or once a lifetime, caring for it properly ensures it remains a piece worth revisiting.

Explore thoughtfully crafted Sharara sets at VrtRaha, where elegance is designed not just to be worn, but to be cherished.