Jan 27, 2026

The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Pakistani Lengha (Before, During & After the Event)

Caring for Your Pakistani Lengha: A Complete Guide

Investing in a beautiful Pakistani lengha is more than just a fashion choice—it's an investment in craftsmanship, culture, and memories. Whether it's for your wedding, a family celebration, or another special occasion, your lengha represents hours of skilled embroidery, premium fabrics, and intricate detailing.

With proper care, your lengha can remain a treasured piece for decades, perhaps even being passed down to the next generation. However, without the right care, that same outfit can deteriorate in just a season.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your Pakistani lengha—before, during, and after your special event.

Part 1: Before the Event

When Your Lengha Arrives

The care process begins the moment your lengha arrives. Here’s what you should do right away:

1. Unpack Immediately

When your lengha arrives, don’t leave it in the packaging for days. Take the following steps as soon as it arrives:

Open the package carefully—avoid using scissors near the fabric.
Remove all tissue paper and plastic wrapping.
Inspect each piece (skirt, blouse, dupatta) for any shipping damage.
Make sure all hooks, buttons, and embellishments are secure.

2. Let It Breathe

Your lengha has been folded and packaged for shipping, so it’s important to give it some space to air out. Here's what to do:

Hang it in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours.
Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Allow any packaging odors to dissipate naturally.

3. Photograph Everything

Take photos of your lengha upon arrival. Close-ups of the embroidery, the overall piece, and any labels will serve two purposes:

Documenting the item in case you need to report any issues.
Providing a reference for how it should look after cleaning or storage.

Removing Creases (The Right Way)

Shipping creases are common, but it's essential to remove them properly without damaging the fabric. Here’s how:

Option 1: Steaming (Recommended)

A garment steamer is the safest way to remove creases from embroidered fabrics. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Hang the garment on a sturdy padded hanger.
Fill your steamer with distilled water to avoid mineral deposits.
Start steaming from the bottom and work your way upward.
Hold the steamer 6-8 inches away from the fabric and move in smooth, continuous motions. Don’t focus on one spot.
For embroidered areas, steam from the reverse side when possible.
Let each section dry before moving on.

Important: Always test the steamer on an inconspicuous area first—some embellishments (especially glued-on stones) can be affected by steam.

Option 2: Professional Pressing

If your piece has heavy embroidery or if you’re uncertain, consider taking it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in South Asian garments. Be sure to tell them:

The fabric type (silk, velvet, organza, etc.).
That it has hand embroidery.
You only need pressing, not cleaning.

What NOT to Do

Never iron directly on embroidery—it will flatten and damage the work.
Don’t use a regular iron on velvet—it will crush the pile permanently.
Avoid high heat on silk—it can scorch or watermark.
Don’t spray water directly on the fabric—it can leave marks.

Pre-Event Storage (Short-Term)

Between the arrival of your lengha and the actual event (whether days or weeks), it's crucial to store it properly. Follow these steps:

Hang it if possible: Use a padded hanger in a cool, dry closet.
Cover it: Use a breathable garment bag (cotton or muslin, not plastic).
Separate the pieces: Don’t pile the blouse and dupatta on top of the skirt.
Keep away from light: Especially if your closet has windows.
Avoid compression: Don’t squeeze it between other clothes.

The Day Before the Event

Here’s a final preparation check you can do the day before the event:

Try on the complete outfit one more time.
Check all hooks, buttons, and closures to ensure everything is secure.
Steam out any new creases.
Lay out all accessories (jewelry, shoes, clutch).
Pack an emergency kit (see "During the Event" section).
Plan how you’ll transport the outfit if you’re getting ready somewhere else.

Part 2: During the Event

Getting Dressed

How you dress in your lengha matters, so take a little extra care. Here's a guide:

Before Dressing

Do makeup and hair first: This helps avoid makeup transfer onto the fabric.
Wear a slip or petticoat: This protects the lengha from body oils and sweat.
Be careful with deodorant: Apply and let it dry completely before dressing.
Remove jewelry temporarily: Bangles and rings can snag the embroidery.

Putting On the Lengha

Step into the skirt rather than pulling it over your head.
Avoid touching embroidered areas with hands that have lotion or oils.
Have someone help with back closures to avoid straining the fabric.
Drape the dupatta last, after everything else is in place.

Your Emergency Kit

Pack these essentials in your clutch or give them to a trusted friend:

Safety pins (various sizes): For quick fixes.
Mini sewing kit: Needle and thread matching your outfit color.
Fashion tape: Double-sided tape for keeping everything in place.
Stain remover pen: Tide-to-Go or similar (test first!).
Baby wipes: For quick clean-ups (unscented).
Blotting papers: To remove oil without disturbing your makeup.
Extra earring backs: If you’re wearing heavy earrings.
Hem tape: For emergency hem repairs.
Pain relief: Heavy outfits can cause back strain.

Protecting Your Lengha During the Event

When Eating

Tuck a napkin into your neckline to protect the blouse.
Be mindful of your dupatta—keep it away from food.
Avoid leaning over plates—ask someone to pass dishes to you.
Be extra careful with oily foods and drinks.

When Sitting

Smooth the skirt beneath you before sitting to prevent it from bunching.
Avoid sitting on rough surfaces that could snag the embroidery.
If possible, place a shawl or cloth on the chair before sitting.

When Dancing

Pin your dupatta securely—it's the most likely piece to get stepped on.
Be mindful of your skirt length and the surrounding dancers.
Avoid carrying drinks onto the dance floor.

Common Accidents (and Quick Fixes)

Problem	Quick Fix
Food spill	Blot (don’t rub!) with cold water. Deal with it later.
Drink spill	Blot immediately with a napkin. Use club soda for wine.
Henna transfer	Don’t touch it until it’s dry—rubbing makes it worse. Brush off when dried.
Loose hook	Use a safety pin from the inside. Sew it properly later.
Fallen hem	Use fashion tape or hem tape for a temporary fix.
Loose stone/bead	Keep it safe in a small bag, reattach later.

Part 3: After the Event

Immediate Post-Event Care

What you do in the first 24 hours is crucial to maintaining your lengha’s beauty. Here’s how to handle it:

As Soon As You Get Home

Remove the outfit carefully: Don’t pull or tug—unfasten all closures.
Hang it immediately: Don’t leave it in a heap on the floor.
Let it air out: In a well-ventilated space, away from direct light.
Inspect for stains: Mark any problem areas with a small safety pin nearby.
Check for damage: Loose beads, snagged threads, or torn seams.

Dealing with Stains

Don’t attempt major stain removal at home, as this can damage your embroidered garment. Instead:

Blot (never rub) excess liquid immediately.
Let any solid residue dry completely, then gently brush off.
Take the garment to a specialist dry cleaner within 48 hours.

Cleaning Your Lengha

If It’s Not Visibly Dirty: Simply air it out for 24-48 hours and gently brush off any dust or debris. If It Needs Cleaning: Always take it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in embroidered garments.

Light Cleaning at Home (Low-Embroidery Pieces Only)

For pieces with minimal embroidery (like a simple dupatta), hand wash using cool water and a gentle detergent.

Long-Term Storage

Proper storage is key to preserving your lengha’s beauty for years to come. Here's how:

Use acid-free tissue paper and a breathable garment bag.
Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
For heavy skirts, lay the garment flat with tissue between folds.

Final Thoughts

A quality Pakistani lengha from Rangreza is not just an outfit—it's a cherished memory in the making. With proper care, it can remain beautiful for decades. Whether it’s for a wedding, family event, or as an heirloom, your lengha holds cultural significance, and the effort you put into its care will ensure it stays beautiful for generations to come.

Have questions about caring for your Rangreza outfit? Message us on WhatsApp—we’re always happy to help!