A royal banarasi or silk saree is an heirloom, a mark of our heritage, and artistry woven with emotion. We take great care of these pieces of our culture, even when they are preserved in the warmth of our cupboards at home. If you are traveling for a wedding or celebration with one of these heritage handwoven sarees, then preserving their safety and charm becomes even more mindful. Travelling with these sarees requires a little extra care to keep their beauty and structure intact.
So, if you're planning a trip and sarees are part of your wardrobe lineup, here's your quick guide to packing them without damaging their weave, zari, or charm.
1. Roll, Don’t Fold (For Light and Medium Weaves)
Rolling instead of folding prevents harsh creases and helps preserve the fabric’s structure. This is especially ideal for georgette and chiffon blends. Lay the saree flat, pleat it neatly like you would before wearing, and roll it tightly like a yoga mat. You can then place each roll in a cotton or muslin cloth pouch to allow the fabric to breathe and stay wrinkle-free.
2. Use the Traditional Fold with a Twist (For Silks and Heavy Weaves)
Heavy sarees with zari or brocade shouldn’t be rolled, as this may damage the embellishments. Instead, fold along the zari lines, keeping the zari on the inside so it doesn’t rub against other surfaces. Place butter paper between folds to prevent the zari from sticking to itself, and pack it in silk/cotton saree bags or even pillowcases to protect from friction and humidity.
3. Use Ziplock Bags or Vacuum Pouches
Some people use vacuum bags to save space and for convenience, but remember to do this only for short travel durations. Avoid vacuum-packing silks and pure handlooms, as pressure can flatten and damage weaves. Instead, opt for ziplock bags or resealable pouches for light cottons or synthetics.
4. Avoid Direct Plastic Contact
Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew or discolouration. So, make sure you always wrap sarees in muslin cloth before placing them in plastic bags or suitcases.
5. Use Blouse Pieces as Padding
Instead of packing blouse pieces separately, use them cleverly to pad delicate sarees, especially around embroidery or embellishments. This reduces the chances of threads getting pulled or beads getting crushed.
6. Carry a Mini Steamer
Even with the best packing hacks, light creases are natural. Carry a small travel steamer for a quick refresh or hang the saree in your hotel bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam will help relax wrinkles.
7. Don’t Forget to Air Them Post-Trip
Once home, unpack and air your sarees before storing them back in your closet. Let them breathe for a few hours to release any trapped moisture and avoid that “packed for too long" smell.
Travelling with sarees doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few mindful steps, you can carry your woven beauties anywhere in the world crease-free!
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