Pakistani embroidered clothing represents hours of skilled craftsmanship, from delicate thread work to intricate metallic embellishment. With the right care these pieces last for years — even generations. Here's everything you need to know, from everyday wear to treasured bridal pieces.

Care by embroidery type

Different techniques need different handling. This table covers the most common.

The golden rules

When in doubt, dry clean — it's always better to pay a little more for professional cleaning than to risk irreplaceable embroidery, especially on bridal and heirloom pieces. Check the care label first if there is one (many Pakistani outfits don't include one). Always test any spot-cleaning solution on a hidden area, waiting ten to fifteen minutes to check for colour bleeding or damage before going further. Never machine wash (it snags threads, crushes metallic work and loosens beads) and never tumble dry or use high heat (which melts embellishments, warps metallic threads and shrinks fabric unevenly).

Refreshing between wears

You don't need to clean an outfit after every wear. Air it out in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight for several hours to remove odours and let it recover its shape. Light steaming removes wrinkles — use a handheld steamer on low, six to eight inches away, working from the reverse side, and never steam directly over heavy metallic embroidery. For small marks, act quickly: blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth dampened with cold water, using a little mild detergent for stubborn spots, then air dry fully before storing.

Hand washing (lightly embroidered pieces only)

Only hand wash if the embroidery is simple thread work (like resham) with colourfast dyes — never pieces with metallic embroidery, heavy beading, mirrors or stonework. Fill a basin with cool water and a little mild, pH-neutral detergent, turn the garment inside out, submerge it and soak for no more than five to ten minutes. Swish gently without rubbing, twisting or wringing, then rinse in clean cool water until the soap is gone, adding a splash of white vinegar to the final rinse. Press the water out (never wring), roll in a towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight, reshaping while damp.

Professional cleaning

For most embroidered outfits, professional dry cleaning is the safest route. Look for a cleaner experienced with South Asian or bridal wear, who inspects garments before and after and hand-finishes delicate items. Point out any stains and what caused them, mention any loose embellishments, and ask them not to press directly on the embroidery. Embroidered and heavily embellished pieces cost more to clean than everyday clothing, and bridal lehengas the most — ask for a quote upfront rather than relying on a rough figure.

Storage

For pieces worn regularly, hang them on padded or wide wooden hangers in breathable cotton or muslin garment bags (not plastic), in a cool, dark wardrobe with space between garments. For long-term or bridal storage, clean thoroughly first, wrap in acid-free tissue, store heavy pieces flat in acid-free boxes rather than hanging, add silica gel to control moisture, keep somewhere climate-stable, and check every six months. Avoid plastic bags (they trap moisture and yellow fabric), direct sunlight, damp areas, folding on embroidered areas, and letting cedar or mothballs touch the fabric directly — lavender sachets nearby are a gentler choice.

Ironing and pressing

Always use the lowest heat, place a clean cotton pressing cloth between the iron and the garment, and iron on the reverse side wherever possible. Never press directly on embroidery, which the heat can crush or melt — use a steamer for embellished areas instead. Our steaming versus ironing guide goes into more detail.

Emergency stains and bridal care

For spills, blot immediately (never rub), dilute with a little cold water and see a professional soon; for oil, sprinkle cornflour or talcum powder, leave 30 minutes and brush off; for henna, don't wet it — let it dry, brush off the excess and take it to a cleaner. Our stain-removal guide covers each type. Bridal lehengas deserve extra care: clean within about two weeks of the wedding before stains set, invest in professional preservation, store in an acid-free preservation box somewhere climate-stable, and have it refolded every few years.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash my embroidered dupatta at home?

It depends on the embroidery. Light resham or thread work on cotton or chiffon may be hand-washable, but gota patti, zardozi or heavy borders should be dry cleaned. When in doubt, go professional.

How often should I dry clean my Pakistani suits?

After every two to three wears, or immediately if stained — and before long-term storage. Over-cleaning damages embroidery, so air pieces out between wears instead.

Is it safe to steam embroidered clothing?

Light steaming from a distance is generally safe, but avoid steaming directly over metallic work, mirrors or adhesive-backed embellishments, and steam from the reverse side where possible.

How do I prevent colour bleeding?

Use cold water, avoid long soaking, and test for colourfastness first. If you see any bleeding, stop immediately and take the piece to a professional.

Our pieces are made to last with proper care. Explore the 900+ colour library, check the size chart, or see our UK vs Pakistani size guide. Questions about your AÏNN piece? Get in touch.

Last updated: June 2026