How to Care for Your Handmade Caftan

A handmade caftan is made to last for years — often to be passed down from mother to daughter. With a little care, the braid, the buttons and the embroidery will stay as beautiful as on the first day. Here is the advice of our artisans.

Washing

• Embroidered, beaded or velvet caftans and takchitas: dry cleaning only. Choose a dry cleaner used to delicate and embellished garments, and point out the beadwork.
• Simple crêpe caftans and djellabas: gentle hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is usually possible. Don’t twist or wring the fabric; press the water out gently.
• Never put a caftan with sfifa or aakad buttons in the washing machine or dryer — the braid can deform and the buttons can loosen.

When in doubt, test on a hidden area or ask us on WhatsApp before washing.

Drying

Dry flat or on a padded hanger, in the shade. Direct sun can fade bright colours, especially on crêpe and silk-like fabrics.

Ironing and steaming

Iron inside out, at low temperature, and never directly on embroidery, beads or sfifa. A steamer is ideal: it removes creases without crushing the braid. For velvet, use only steam, held at a distance.

Storing

• Hang your caftan on a wide, padded hanger to protect the shoulders.
• Remove the belt and store it separately, especially metal mdammas, which can mark the fabric.
• Protect it in a breathable cotton cover — avoid plastic, which traps humidity.
• Keep it away from light and add a natural anti-moth sachet (cedar or lavender).
• Heavily embroidered pieces can be stored folded flat with tissue paper, to avoid stretching.

Wearing

Spray perfume before putting on your caftan, not on it — alcohol can stain fabrics and dull beads. Be careful with bracelets and rings, which can catch on embroidery and sfifa.

Travelling with your caftan

For the flight home from Marrakech, fold your caftan with tissue paper between the layers and place it on top of your suitcase, or carry it in a garment bag. Hang it as soon as you arrive; creases will fall naturally or with a little steam.

Repairs

A loose button or a lifted piece of braid is easy to repair for an artisan. If you bought your piece from us, contact us — we are happy to advise you or to repair it on your next visit to Marrakech.

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