Authentic hand-embroidered Chikankari will always have slight variations and imperfections, unlike the perfectly uniform finish of machine embroidery. If you look at the reverse side of our garments, you will see French knots, loose threads, and manual finishing that are the hallmarks of true artisanal craftsmanship. We pride ourselves on working directly with local artisans in Lucknow to bring you 100% authentic, hand-stitched pieces.

Because Chikankari involves delicate hand-embroidery, we highly recommend dry cleaning for the first wash, especially for fabrics like silk, georgette, or chanderi. For subsequent washes on everyday cotton or modal fabrics, gentle hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is best. Never wring or twist the embroidered areas, and always dry the garment in the shade to prevent the fabric and thread colors from fading.

This depends entirely on the fabric you choose. Lighter, sheer fabrics like georgette, chiffon, and fine cotton (mulmul) generally require a matching slip or inner for opacity. Thicker fabrics like heavy cotton, modal, or rayon usually do not require one. We always specify in the product description whether a slip is recommended or included with your purchase.

Because every single piece of our Chikankari collection is hand-embroidered by artisans, no two garments are exactly identical. You might notice very minor variations in the embroidery motifs, stitch tension, or dye color. These are not defects; rather, they are the beautiful, unique signatures of handmade art that make your garment strictly one-of-a-kind.

Pure cotton fabrics have a natural tendency to shrink slightly (about 2-5%) after the first wash. We usually account for this in our stitching, but we always recommend checking our detailed size chart before purchasing. If you prefer a relaxed, comfortable fit or are between sizes, we suggest sizing up, especially for non-stretch woven fabrics.