Have you ever felt like your once-beautiful kebaya is now fading, the fabric is tearing easily, or the details are falling off one by one? Even though you thought you washed and stored it carefully? Hold on—don’t blame the quality just yet. You might actually be doing small things that are unknowingly damaging your kebaya little by little. In this article, we’ll reveal the essential secrets to keeping your kebaya looking fresh, fragrant, and just as stunning as the first time you wore it. And spoiler alert: there’s one habit that’s often overlooked but has seriously damaging effects!
- Don’t Wash Kebaya in a Washing Machine
One common mistake is putting your kebaya in the washing machine. Delicate fabrics like brocade and satin can easily get damaged, and small details like sequins or lace can come loose. It’s better to hand wash your kebaya using mild soap—just soak and gently shake it without scrubbing. For cotton kebaya, gentle rubbing is okay. But for fully beaded kebaya, dry cleaning is best.
- Watch Your Detergent
Use detergent specifically designed for delicate clothing that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach. Strong detergents can dull the colors and ruin the fabric texture.
- Dry in the Shade
Bright sunlight can fade your kebaya, especially if it’s made from natural dyes or has vibrant colors. Instead, dry it in a shaded area with good air circulation.
- Iron with Care
Use low to medium heat when ironing your kebaya. Place a cotton cloth on top before ironing to protect it from direct heat. For extra safety, use a steam iron to avoid fabric damage.
- Don’t Fold Your Kebaya
Store your kebaya by hanging it on a soft hanger—don’t fold it. For extra protection, use a breathable garment cover to keep out dust and humidity.
- Spraying Perfume Directly on Kebaya
This is the one habit that people do all the time—and it’s fatal! It may seem harmless, right? But perfumes that contain alcohol can quickly dull your kebaya, especially if sprayed directly on brocade, satin, or beaded areas. The fabric becomes fragile and the colors fade fast!
Easy fix: spray perfume on your body (or on the inside of your clothes) before putting on your kebaya. That way, you’ll still smell great without ruining your favorite outfit.
PIB College: A Campus That Celebrates Cultural Beauty
Not many campuses vibe like PIB College when it comes to celebrating Indonesian culture. Here, students don’t just learn about the tourism and digital business industries—they’re also guided to appreciate and uphold local traditions. One way is through the freedom to wear kebaya.
Even better, PIB College often hosts heritage-themed events where students can go all out in their traditional outfits—from mini fashion shows, themed gatherings, to aesthetic photoshoots at stunning campus spots perfect for your next OOTD. Just imagine a photo in the ricefield classroom or VIP café lab in your favorite kebaya—totally Instagrammable!
Join PIB College and Be Part of the Modern Cultural Movement!
If you’re looking for a college that not only equips you with professional skills but also encourages you to stay proud of your culture, PIB College is the place! Here, dreams are made possible—including the dream to look stylish in kebaya without being labeled old-fashioned.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now at pro.pib.ac.id and be part of the generation that stays stylish without leaving culture behind!
Written by: Stephanie Gunawan