How to Make Your Habesha Kemis Last Longer: Washing & Care Tips

Habesha Kemis is more than just clothing, it is a cultural treasure. Woven from soft shemma fabric and often decorated with intricate embroidery (known as tibeb), these dresses carry both beauty and heritage in every thread. Whether crafted from Menen, Fetil, or Titrtir fabric, Habesha dresses are delicate by nature and require extra care to preserve their elegance.

For many, especially those in the diaspora, owning a Habesha Kemis is a significant investment. These dresses are almost always handmade, involving hours of skilled labor by artisans. The cost is not only in the craftsmanship but also in the logistics. When Habesha dresses are exported abroad, additional expenses like international shipping, customs taxes, and overhead costs make them more expensive for customers living outside Ethiopia. That’s why it is so important to know how to care for your Habesha dress properly so that your investment lasts for years and you can enjoy the beauty of Ethiopian tradition every time you wear it.

At Habesha Fashion, we work hard to minimize costs at every stage without compromising quality. By doing so, we bring a wide selection of Ethiopian traditional dresses to our customers at the most affordable prices possible. We know that our customers spend their hard-earned money on these special garments, and we want to help them keep their dresses looking as beautiful as the day they arrived.

Below are essential care tips to ensure your Ethiopian traditional dress remains vibrant and timeless. 

Washing Tips 🧺

  • Dry cleaning is recommended: Professional dry cleaning is the safer option, as it helps prevent the colors in the embroidery from bleeding onto the fabric of the dress.
  • Hand wash only if necessary: Use cold water and mild detergent to protect the fabric and embroidery.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach or strong detergents can damage threads and fabric.
  • Wash separately: Especially for new dresses, to prevent color bleeding onto other clothes.

Drying Tips 🌬️

  • Air dry only: Hang or lay flat in a shaded area to prevent fading. Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Avoid wringing: Gently squeeze out water to protect both the fabric and delicate embroidery.

Ironing & Steaming 🔥

  • Steaming is recommended: It keeps the fabric smooth without harming delicate embroidery.
  • If ironing is necessary: Use medium heat and place a cloth over embroidered areas to protect the threads.

Storage & Folding Tips 🧵

  • Store properly: Hang dresses in breathable garment bags to prevent creases.
  • Fold carefully: Fold half of the dress (the skirt part) inside out to avoid stains or marks on the visible side.

Extra Tips 💡

  • Spot clean small stains immediately to prevent permanent marks.
  • Be gentle with accessories or jewelry while wearing the dress, they can snag delicate embroidery.

Why Care Matters ❤️

Every Habesha Kemis tells a story of heritage, artistry, and pride. These dresses are not mass-produced; they are carefully handmade, each stitch crafted with intention. When you purchase one, you are not only buying a dress, you are supporting artisans, keeping traditions alive, and connecting with Ethiopian culture no matter where you live.

Because of the effort, expense, and love that go into each piece, it’s worth taking the time to care for your Habesha dress properly. With these simple steps, you can ensure your Ethiopian clothing remains as stunning and meaningful as the first time you wore it, ready to be cherished for many special occasions to come.

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