Introduction
Sarees are cherished garments, often holding significant sentimental and cultural value. Whether they are part of a family heirloom, a treasured gift, or a favorite attire for special occasions, sarees need proper care and storage.
A saree cover is an essential accessory that helps protect and maintain the longevity of your sarees, ensuring they remain beautiful for years to come. This guide covers everything you need to know about saree covers, including their types, benefits, and tips for selecting the right one.
Why Use a Saree Cover?
A saree cover serves as a protective layer for your sarees, shielding them from dust, moisture, and damage. Here are the key reasons why using a saree cover is important:
1. Protection from Dust and Dirt
- Dust-Free Storage: Sarees, especially delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon, are susceptible to dust and dirt accumulation. A saree cover keeps them clean and fresh, even when stored for long periods.
- Avoid Stains: Dust can cause stains over time, especially on lighter-colored sarees. Using a saree cover prevents this issue.
2. Prevention of Moisture and Mold
- Moisture Barrier: Humidity can be detrimental to sarees, particularly those made from silk or other delicate fabrics. A good saree cover provides a moisture-resistant barrier, preventing mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
- Long-Term Storage: For sarees that are worn infrequently or stored for special occasions, a saree cover ensures that they remain in pristine condition, free from any moisture-related damage.
3. Protection from Fading
- UV Protection: Exposure to sunlight can cause sarees to fade over time, especially vibrant, richly-colored ones. Saree covers block out harmful UV rays, preserving the colors and vibrancy of the fabric.
4. Organization and Accessibility
- Neat Storage: A saree cover helps keep your wardrobe organized. It allows you to store multiple sarees neatly and in a space-efficient manner.
- Easy Identification: Some saree covers come with transparent windows, making it easy to identify the saree inside without having to open each cover.
Types of Saree Covers
Saree covers come in a variety of materials, designs, and styles to suit different needs. Here are some common types of saree covers available:
1. Plastic Saree Covers
- Material: Made from durable plastic, these covers are transparent, allowing you to see the saree inside without opening it.
- Benefits: They are affordable, moisture-resistant, and ideal for protecting sarees from dust and dirt. However, they may not be as breathable, so long-term use should be combined with proper ventilation.
- Ideal For: Everyday sarees or those that are worn regularly.
2. Fabric Saree Covers
- Material: Typically made from non-woven fabric, cotton, or satin, these covers offer a breathable and soft option for delicate sarees.
- Benefits: Fabric saree covers are ideal for long-term storage as they allow air circulation while protecting the saree from dust and moisture. They are gentle on delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and georgette.
- Ideal For: Expensive, heirloom, or silk sarees that require careful handling.
3. Zippered Saree Covers
- Design: These saree covers come with a zip closure for added convenience and security. The zip ensures the saree is fully enclosed and protected.
- Benefits: Zippered covers provide easy access and prevent the saree from slipping out or getting exposed to dust. They are available in both plastic and fabric options.
- Ideal For: Those who prefer easy access to their sarees and want to ensure maximum protection.
4. Transparent Saree Covers
- Design: Made from clear plastic or with transparent panels, these covers allow you to easily identify the saree inside.
- Benefits: They are useful for organizing multiple sarees in one place, without having to open each cover to find the desired saree.
- Ideal For: Those who own multiple sarees and want quick and easy identification.
5. Box Style Saree Covers
- Design: These covers are designed in the shape of boxes or pouches, offering extra structure to the storage process.
- Benefits: Box-style saree covers prevent the saree from creasing and maintain its shape. They are ideal for storing sarees with heavy embroidery or embellishments that require extra care.
- Ideal For: Heavily embroidered sarees or sarees with delicate work that should not be folded tightly.
How to Choose the Right Saree Cover
Selecting the right saree cover depends on various factors, such as the type of saree, the frequency of use, and the storage conditions. Here are some tips to help you choose the best saree cover:
1. Material
- For expensive and delicate sarees, opt for breathable fabric covers like cotton or satin to avoid damage from moisture and lack of air circulation.
- For sarees that are worn frequently or stored for short periods, plastic or zippered covers may suffice.
2. Size and Capacity
- Ensure the saree cover is large enough to accommodate your saree without crumpling or folding it too tightly.
- If you have multiple sarees, consider purchasing larger covers or sets of covers to store them together neatly.
3. Closure Type
- Zippered covers offer a more secure closure, preventing dust or moisture from seeping in.
- Velcro or flap covers are also available but may not provide the same level of protection as zippers.
4. Additional Features
- Transparent Windows: Choose covers with transparent panels for easy identification of sarees.
- Handles: Some covers come with handles for easy carrying, especially useful for travel or moving sarees from one location to another.
How to Properly Store Sarees in a Cover
To maximize the protection offered by your saree cover, follow these steps for proper storage:
1. Clean the Saree Before Storing
- Make sure the saree is clean and free from any stains or moisture before placing it in the cover. Any dirt or moisture left on the saree can cause damage over time.
2. Fold the Saree Carefully
- Fold the saree neatly, avoiding harsh creases. If possible, fold it along its natural lines or in a way that reduces pressure on delicate areas like embroidery or zari work.
3. Use a Dry Cloth for Extra Protection
- Place a soft, dry cloth between the folds of the saree to prevent friction and further protect delicate fabrics.
4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
- Ensure the storage area is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause fading and damage to the saree over time.
Conclusion
A saree cover is an essential investment for anyone looking to protect and preserve their sarees. Whether it’s a treasured silk saree or a simple cotton one, the right cover can help maintain its beauty and extend its life. By choosing the appropriate material, size, and design, you can ensure that your sarees remain in pristine condition for years to come. Proper storage with saree covers not only keeps them organized but also protects them from dust, moisture, and fading, making them ready to wear whenever the occasion arises.
