Kerala traditional off-white sari – Latest trends and caring tips

If you check wardrobe of a Kerala woman, you can find at least one traditional Kerala off-white/cream sari with yellow silk or colourful borders. Earlier only golden borders were available. But now trends have changed a lot. Now different border designs and body designs are available in Kerala saris. Two-piece Neriyathum Mundum is a variant of Off-white sari. Also read: How to change traditional Kerala saris to party wear?

See the trend and remain traditional

Plain off-white sari with golden border is the traditional Kerala sari. It is simple, royal and suits every Malayali woman. But when it comes to trend, such traditional designs are considered old and out dated, at least for younger generation girls. Designs are added to silk borders to give an elegant look to saris, and this idea is currently trending. You can try with both golden and silver borders.

In saris with simple silk border, polka dots, checks, motifs etc are added to off-white sari body. Such Kerala saris are currently trending. Sari blouse is also colourful. Mix and match colours and plain shades are equally beautiful. You can also add sequences and beads to neck portions and hands.

10 Tips to wash traditional Kerala saris

1. If you own a Kerala sari with expensive original silk border, it’s advisable to dry wash at least three times before washing with normal water.

2. Use only cold water to wash Kerala silk saris.

3. Never mix Kerala saris with other clothes while washing. There are more changes for Kerala sari to get colours of other clothes while washing. Hence try to avoid such risks.

4. Use a drop of shampoo while washing Kerala saris. Otherwise use some mild soap and avoid detergents. If you add a drop of lemon juice with mild shampoo for washing sari, saris turn softer.

5. Never soak your sari overtime in water. Also hand wash is preferable than machine wash to increase durability. Sari won’t get damaged easily.

6. While washing, use a toothbrush to remove stains and extra dirt stick on to your sari.

7. If your sari has excess glue and is sticky, immerse in lukewarm salt water for 15 minutes and wash it later. Add a little salt only.

8. To remove stain from saris, apply a little white toothpaste in stained portions and allow it to dry. Later gently rub it using a brush. Stains will be removed.

9. Always dry your Kerala sari under shades only. When sunlight is intense, your sari fades and threads also come out of cloth. But never dry sari in closed room. It may cause fungal infection and bad smell.

10. While ironing sari, never directly place iron box on silk borders. Spread newspapers on sari, and then iron it.

Also read: How to make use of old saris?

Read a few articles on recycling old things. Here is the page link. Click on the images in the gallery to read