How to Care for Your Natural Indigo-Dyed Garments

How to Care for Your Natural Indigo-Dyed Garments

Natural indigo dyeing is an ancient art, passed down through generations in the vibrant region of Bagru, India. The deep, rich blue hues created by indigo are not only beautiful but also rooted in tradition, with each garment carrying a story of craftsmanship and culture. Whether you’ve recently acquired a piece from Bagru from our new collection or you’re looking to preserve a treasured item, proper care is essential to maintain the integrity of your indigo-dyed textiles.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the best practices for caring for your natural indigo-dyed garments, ensuring they stay vibrant and last for years to come.

1. Wash With Care
One of the most important aspects of maintaining your indigo-dyed garments is washing. Natural indigo is more delicate than synthetic dyes, so it’s essential to treat it with a little extra love.

First wash: When you first receive your indigo-dyed garment, give it a gentle wash in cold water, either by hand or in a machine on a delicate cycle. This helps to remove any excess dye that may still be on the fabric.
  
Frequency: You don’t need to wash indigo-dyed garments after every wear. Overwashing can lead to fading, so only wash them when necessary.

Avoid hot water: Always use cold or lukewarm water to wash your indigo garments. Hot water can cause the dye to bleed or fade.

Hand wash if possible: If you can, wash your garment by hand in a gentle, natural detergent. If you’re using a washing machine, place your garment inside a mesh laundry bag to minimise friction and damage. Stating the obvious but please wash with other dark colours to avoid cross contamination.

2. Drying Your Garment
The drying process is just as important as washing when it comes to maintaining the colour and quality of your indigo-dyed garments.

Avoid direct sunlight: While it's tempting to dry your garment outside in the sun, the UV rays can cause fading. Instead, lay your garment flat on a clean, dry surface in a shaded area or hang it in a place with indirect light.

No wringing: Never wring out an indigo-dyed garment as this can distort the fabric and damage the dye. Gently press out excess water with a clean towel, then allow it to air dry.

3. Storage Tips
When you’re not wearing your indigo garment, proper storage will help keep it looking its best.

Keep away from direct sunlight: Just like with drying, direct sunlight can lead to fading over time. Store your garments in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Avoid plastic bags: Instead, store your indigo-dyed garments in breathable cotton bags or on hangers with padded straps to avoid any pressure marks or creases. Each piece from Dilli Grey comes in a plain navy cotton bag which you can use for storage too.

Rotate wear: If you have multiple indigo garments, rotate them to avoid too much wear on any single piece.

4. Dealing with Stains
If you spill something on your indigo garment, act quickly to avoid permanent stains.

Blot, don’t rub: Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible. Do not rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

Gentle stain treatment: For more stubborn stains, apply a small amount of natural detergent or a mild stain remover, and gently work it into the fabric. Always test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first.

5. Preserving the Blue
Over time, your indigo garment will naturally soften and the colour may fade slightly. This is part of the charm of indigo—its beauty evolves with wear. However, if you want to prolong the rich blue colour, follow these tips:

Cold water rinses: After each wash, rinse your garment in cold water to help set the dye.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from bleach or strong chemical detergents, which can strip the dye. Opt for gentle, natural laundry detergents whenever possible.

6. Enjoy the Patina of Time
One of the unique aspects of indigo dyeing is how the fabric evolves over time. As you wear and care for your indigo-dyed garment, it will develop a patina—a beautiful, worn-in look that tells the story of your life with the piece. The color may shift, become softer, or develop subtle creases where the fabric has folded or creased over time. This is a testament to the authenticity of your garment and the centuries-old craft behind it.

Final Thoughts - 
Your indigo-dyed garment from Bagru is more than just clothing—it's a piece of history, a work of art, and a symbol of skilled craftsmanship. By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your garment remains a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come, all while preserving the integrity of the natural indigo dye that gives it such a unique character.

The beauty of indigo lies in its ability to transform over time, and by treating your garment with care, you allow it to age gracefully, just like the traditions from which it was born.

I hope you will love your Dilli Grey indigo pieces for many years to come 

x

Vickie