Having a distinctive culture, makes Bali one of the most popular tourist destinations.  Balinese traditional clothings are displayed when tourists visit certain areas.  Like Batik, the Balinese traditional kebaya is also an Indonesian icon.

Over time, Balinese kebaya has transformed into a modern trend.  Many domestic and foreign designers have produced innovative fashion from Balinese kebaya.  So, what should be done to take good care of the kebayas?

Characteristics of Balinese Kebaya

The Balinese kebaya has several characteristics that distinguish it from the Javanese kebaya.  These characteristics can be seen from the material, style, and also the blend of fabrics.  The fabrics are often made from cool materials, such as brocade, cotton, rayon and more.  As for the motifs, they are mostly embroidery in the shape of flowers.

Therefore, it is essential to take good care of the kebayas.  Most kebayas also require special treatment when washing.  You have to be extra careful, especially with a sequin or brocade-detailed kebaya.  You certainly don’t want them to be damaged.

Tips on How to Wash Your Kebaya

The Balinese kebaya is currently in great demand.  Kebaya is able to enhance the appearance of anyone who wears it.  Since kebaya is very special, it needs extra care.  If you wash it the wrong way, it might shrink or fade.  Therefore, here are some tips for washing your own kebaya.

• Manually wash your kebaya— avoid washing it in a washing machine. This can cause damage to its original texture.
• Soak it in a soft detergent— 10-15 minutes is enough. This will remove body odor and stains on your kebaya.
• Avoid brushing it— if you need to remove stubborn stains, brush them gently with a small brush. Or, use lime juice to remove stubborn stains.
• Rinse using clean water— dip only and avoid using a large brush.
• Avoid using fabric softener— this is done so that the fabric fibers in the kebaya are not damaged and remain as they should be.
• Dry in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight— let it dry in a cool, shady place.
• Avoid squeezing when it’s wet— let it dry by itself.

Those are some handy tips on how to wash a kebaya properly.  Again, kebaya is unique and special, suitable to wear on any occasion.  In terms of models or materials used, more and more beautiful kebaya models are produced.

If you want to make your own kebaya, you need a variety of fabric materials.  From silk to cotton, and many more, visit bali-silk.com to help you find your perfect fabrics.