A hand-embroidered Mexican dress or blouse is not a fast fashion purchase. It is a handcrafted piece made by a skilled artisan, often using natural fabrics and threads that require a little extra care to stay looking their best. The good news is that caring for these pieces is simple -- you just need to know the basics.
Washing Embroidered Clothing
Hand wash when possible. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle liquid soap or delicate laundry detergent. Submerge the garment and gently agitate the water with your hands. Do not scrub, wring, or twist the fabric -- this can distort the embroidery threads and stretch the fabric.
Machine wash on delicate if needed. If you use a washing machine, select the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Always turn the garment inside out first to protect the embroidery from friction. Place it in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
Never use bleach. Bleach will damage both the natural cotton fabric and the embroidery threads, causing colors to fade and fibers to weaken.
Drying Embroidered Clothing
Lay flat or hang to dry. The safest way to dry embroidered clothing is to lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it on a padded hanger. This preserves the shape of the garment and prevents the embroidery from stretching under its own weight.
Never put in the dryer. High heat can shrink natural cotton fabrics and cause embroidery threads to pucker or distort. Air drying is always the right choice for these pieces.
Dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade the vibrant colors in hand-embroidered pieces over time. Dry your clothing in a shaded area or indoors.
Ironing Embroidered Clothing
If your piece needs ironing, always iron on the reverse side of the fabric. Place a clean pressing cloth between the iron and the garment to protect both the fabric and the embroidery. Use a low to medium heat setting -- avoid high heat on natural cotton and embroidered areas.
Never iron directly over embroidery. The heat can flatten and damage the three-dimensional quality of hand-stitched designs.
Caring for Manta Fabric Specifically
Many of our pieces are made from manta, a 100% natural unbleached cotton that gets softer and more comfortable with every wash. A few things to know about manta:
- It may shrink slightly on the first wash -- this is normal and part of the natural fiber behavior
- It breathes beautifully, which makes it ideal for South Texas heat
- The natural, unbleached color will stay consistent if you follow the care instructions above
- Over time, manta develops a beautiful lived-in softness that makes each piece even more comfortable
Storing Your Embroidered Pieces
Store embroidered clothing folded or hung in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid cramming pieces into tight spaces where the embroidery can get crushed. If storing for a long period, loosely wrap in acid-free tissue paper to protect the threads.
Caring for Leather Bags
Our leather bags and accessories are genuine leather and require their own care routine. Wipe down with a soft dry cloth after each use. Condition the leather every few months with a quality leather conditioner to keep it supple. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid getting it wet.
Questions About Your Piece?
Every garment is a little different, and we are always happy to give specific care advice for a piece you purchased from us. Visit us in Corpus Christi or reach out through our website and we will help you keep your artisan pieces looking beautiful for years to come.