TIPS & TRICKS: HOW TO WASH YOUR KAFTANS - THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CARE

Kaftans are more than just garments; they are expressions of style, comfort, and often, cultural artistry. At Kaftan Lagos, we craft our pieces with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality fabrics, ensuring they not only look exquisite but also stand the test of time. However, even the most luxurious kaftan requires proper care to maintain its pristine condition, vibrant colors, and graceful drape.

Washing your kaftan correctly is paramount. The "wash and wear" approach might work for some everyday items, but for your cherished kaftans, a little extra care goes a long way. This guide will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to wash your kaftans like a professional, preserving their beauty for years to come.

READ ALSO: 5 OCCASIONS TO WEAR A KAFTAN IN LAGOS IN 2025

The Golden Rule: ALWAYS Check the Care Label!

Before you even think about water or detergent, the absolute first step is to locate and read the care label sewn into your kaftan. This tiny tag is your kaftan's instruction manual, specific to its fabric composition and embellishments. Disregarding it is the fastest way to ruin your beloved garment.

Care labels provide crucial information on:

• Washing Temperature: Hot, warm, or cold water.

• Washing Method: Hand wash, machine wash (and cycle type), or dry clean only.

• Drying Instructions: Tumble dry (and temperature), line dry, or flat dry.

• Bleaching: Do not bleach symbol.

• Ironing: Ironing temperature and if it's allowed.

 

General Principles for Kaftan Washing

While the care label is king, a few general principles apply to most kaftans to minimize risk and maximize longevity:

1. Separate by Color: Always wash whites, lights, and darks separately. Kaftans, especially those with vibrant dyes, can bleed color, particularly during the first few washes.

2. Turn Inside Out: This protects the outer surface of the fabric, any delicate embellishments (like embroidery, beads, or prints), and prevents friction that can lead to pilling.

3. Use a Gentle Detergent: Opt for a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Harsh chemicals can strip natural fibers of their luster and damage delicate materials. For silk and wool, specific detergents are available that protect protein fibers.

4. Avoid Overloading the Machine: If machine washing, give your kaftan ample space to move freely. Overloading can lead to incomplete cleaning and excessive creasing.

5. Cool Water is Your Friend: When in doubt, washing with cold water is often the safest bet for most fabrics, as it minimizes shrinking, fading, and dye bleeding.

 

Washing Methods: Hand Wash vs. Machine Wash

The care label will dictate the preferred method, but here’s how to execute each correctly:

 

1. Hand Washing: The Safest Bet for Delicate Kaftans

Hand washing is generally recommended for kaftans made of silk, delicate blends, heavily embellished pieces, or those marked "hand wash only." It offers the most control and gentleness.

What you'll need:

• A clean basin, sink, or tub.

• Mild detergent (liquid is best for dissolving easily).

• Cool or lukewarm water.

• A clean, dry towel.

Steps:

1. Prepare the water: Fill your basin with cool or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent and agitate gently to dissolve it.

2. Submerge the kaftan: Carefully submerge your kaftan, turning it inside out first.

3. Gentle agitation: Gently swish the kaftan around in the soapy water for a few minutes. Focus on gently squeezing the soapy water through the fabric. Do not twist, wring, or scrub vigorously, as this can stretch or damage the fibers and embellishments.

4. Soak (optional): For mildly soiled kaftans, a short soak (5-10 minutes) can be beneficial, but avoid prolonged soaking, especially for vibrant colors.

5. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water. Refill the basin with clean, cool water and gently rinse the kaftan. Repeat this process until all detergent is gone and the water runs clear. Again, do not wring.

6. Remove excess water: Gently press the kaftan against the side of the basin or lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the kaftan up in the towel to absorb excess water. Press firmly, but do not twist.

 

2. Machine Washing: For More Robust Kaftans

Some kaftans, especially those made from durable cotton or certain blends, can be machine washed. However, always prioritize gentleness.

What you'll need:

• A mesh laundry bag (highly recommended).

• Mild detergent.

• Your washing machine.

Steps:

1. Prepare the kaftan: Turn the kaftan inside out. If it has any delicate embellishments or loose parts, place it inside a mesh laundry bag. This acts as a protective barrier against snagging and stretching.

2. Select the right cycle: Use the "Delicate", "Gentle", or "Hand Wash" cycle on your washing machine.

3. Choose water temperature: Opt for cold water to prevent fading and shrinking. If the care label specifically states warm water, you can use that, but cold is often safer.

4. Add detergent: Use the recommended amount of mild liquid detergent.

5. Low spin speed: Select the lowest spin speed available to minimize creasing and stress on the fabric. High spin speeds can stretch and distort delicate materials.

6. Load the machine: Avoid overloading the machine. Give the kaftan ample room to move freely.

 

Drying Your Kaftans: The Gentle Approach is Key

Drying is just as crucial as washing. Harsh drying methods can cause shrinkage, damage embellishments, and dull colors.

1. Avoid Tumble Drying (Mostly): For most kaftans, especially those made of silk, linen, or with delicate embellishments, avoid tumble drying altogether. The high heat and tumbling action can cause irreversible damage, including shrinkage, fading, and fabric distortion. If the label explicitly permits tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting and remove the kaftan while still slightly damp.

2. Line Dry / Air Dry: This is the most recommended method for almost all kaftans.

   • Hang on a padded hanger: For best results, hang your kaftan on a sturdy, padded hanger (not a thin wire hanger that can cause shoulder bumps). Ensure it's hung in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

   • Flat dry: For very heavy or delicate kaftans (e.g., heavily embellished pieces that might stretch when hung), lay the kaftan flat on a clean, dry surface or a mesh drying rack. Reshape it gently as it dries.

3. Reshape While Damp: As your kaftan dries, gently smooth out any wrinkles and reshape the garment to its original form.

 

Special Considerations for Embellished Kaftans

Many Kaftan Lagos originals feature exquisite embroidery, beading, or other embellishments. These require extra vigilance:

• Hand wash is strongly preferred.

• Turn inside out before washing.

• Use a mesh laundry bag if machine washing (gentle cycle only!).

• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing embellishments.

• Do not wring or twist.

• Air dry flat or on a padded hanger, ensuring embellishments are not creased or snagged.

• Ironing: As discussed in our previous post, iron around embellishments or on the reverse side with a pressing cloth. Steaming is often the safest option for wrinkle removal.

 

The Kaftan Lagos Difference: Longevity Through Care

Choosing a Kaftan Lagos piece is an investment in enduring style and quality. By taking a few extra moments to follow these washing and care tips, you are not just cleaning a garment; you are preserving its craftsmanship, enhancing its lifespan, and ensuring it continues to bring you joy and confidence with every wear.

Embrace these practices, and your kaftan will remain a testament to timeless elegance, reflecting the care you put into both your wardrobe and yourself.

 

Connect with Kaftan Lagos:

• Website: KaftanLagos.com

• Instagram: @KaftanLagos

• Contact: +2347033344404