Care Guide For Your Habesha Dress: Preserving the Beauty of Our Heritage
Traditional Ethiopian clothing is more than just fashion — it’s a celebration of heritage. Every Habesha dress carries a story passed down through generations. Woven with purpose, meaning, and artistic brilliance, it reflects a living tradition that continues to inspire and connect communities across time.
Whether worn for weddings, holidays, or everyday pride, the Habesha dress (Habesha kemis) deserves thoughtful care. Preserving it means preserving our legacy.
Here’s your complete guide to keeping this cultural treasure as timeless as the heritage it represents.
Washing: Gentle Hands for Delicate Threads
Traditional Habesha dresses are made from soft, breathable shemma cotton and adorned with intricate tibeb (woven borders). These delicate details require mindful cleaning:
- Always hand wash in cold or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water; it may shrink or fade the cotton.,
- Use mild, natural soap. Harsh chemicals and bleach can damage the fibers and tibeb.
- Gently swirl the garment in water. Do not scrub or twist.
- For stains, gently spot clean using a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Drying: Let Nature Do the Work
- Air dry in the shade, not under direct sunlight. The sun can cause colors to fade and the fabric to weaken over time.
- Never wring out the fabric. Instead, lay the dress flat between clean towels to press out water.
- Hang the dress on a padded hanger or lay it flat to dry.
Ironing: A Gentle Touch to Keep It Graceful: Creases can be removed without damaging the dress if done carefully:
- Iron while the dress is still slightly damp.
- Use a low to medium heat setting.
- Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the tibeb to protect its colors and texture.
- Always iron inside-out for extra protection, especially with bright or metallic tibeb.
Storage: Preserve It Like an Heirloom: Proper storage is essential to maintain your dress’s beauty:
- Hang on padded or wide hangers to prevent shoulder distortion.
- Store in a cloth garment bag to keep dust out while allowing the fabric to breathe.
- Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture and may lead to mold or mildew.
- Keep away from jewelry or rough accessories that could snag the tibeb.
Every habesha dress is a story woven in tradition, and how you care for it becomes part of that story. We believe preserving your Ethiopian traditional clothing is just as important as wearing it . It is not just fashion , it’s heritage. Whether you're buying your first Habesha kemis or passing one down, treat it with the same pride it was made with. Because you protect the threads, you protect the culture.
If you're interested in exploring more traditional styles, you can find additional details here: https://www.ethiopian.store