How to store lehenga with cancan without crushing the flare

The simplest way to store a lehenga with can-can is to detach the can-can if you can, store the skirt flat on its own, and keep the can-can loosely in a large cotton bag where nothing presses on it. At House of Daisy on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, our made-to-order skirts have a detachable can-can for exactly this reason. If yours is stitched in, there is still a gentle way to keep the flare.

Plan a lehenga that stores easily

What is can-can, and why is it hard to store?

Can-can is the stiff net layer under a lehenga skirt that holds it out in a full, round shape. Its stiffness is what makes it tricky. Pressed flat under weight, it creases and can lose its spring. Squeezed into a small space, it folds into sharp lines that show through the skirt the next time you wear it. And because it is usually synthetic net, it does not breathe well, so a damp can-can can hold smells.

Should I detach the can-can before storing?

If it is detachable, yes. It is the single most useful thing you can do.

• The skirt becomes lighter and folds flat with tissue, like any other heavy skirt.
• The can-can can be stored on its own terms: loose, round and uncrushed.
• Each can be aired separately, and the lining of the skirt gets more air.

Before you detach it, notice how it fastens, with hooks, buttons or a drawstring, so you can put it back the same way. A quick photo on your phone helps.

How do I store the can-can on its own?

1. Air it for a day so any sweat or damp leaves the net.
2. Gently gather it into a loose ring, the way it naturally falls, rather than folding it flat.
3. Place it in a large cotton bag or a box big enough that the net is not squashed.
4. Keep it on the top shelf, with nothing on top.

What if the can-can is stitched into the skirt?

Then think of the skirt and can-can as one round shape.

• Store it in the widest space you have. A large flat box, a trunk or a deep shelf.
• Fold it as few times as possible. Two loose folds are better than four tight ones.
• Pad every fold with rolled tissue. This keeps the net from creasing into a sharp line.
• Keep the embroidery protected. Tissue against the embroidered side, and a cotton wrap around everything.
• Do not stack anything on top, not even a light dupatta.

How do I bring the flare back after storage?

Take the skirt out a day before you need it. Shake it out gently and let it sit open over a bed or stand, so the can-can can relax. Most of the shape returns on its own. Do not iron can-can net directly; it can melt or go shiny. If a crease in the skirt itself needs attention, take it to a careful steam-press service and point out the embroidery. If the can-can has gone limp after years, it can often be replaced.

Can House of Daisy help with my lehenga's can-can?

If you bought your lehenga from us, bring it to the showroom or WhatsApp us, and we will advise you. We alter and resize lehengas we sold, at the showroom. Read more about fittings and alterations. We do not clean, steam or press in-house.

Can my new lehenga be made with a detachable can-can?

Yes. On our made-to-order lehengas, the can-can is detachable, and on request we also design the lehenga to be worn again: a detachable dupatta, a blouse that works on its own, and a skirt you can wear without the bridal layers. You choose fabric, colour, neckline, sleeves and embroidery one by one, approve the sketch, and see an embroidery sample before the whole piece is made. Pieces we make to order are made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier. Order at least 8 weeks before the wedding. For ideas, see our bridal lehengas.

Our showroom is Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram, open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM.

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Questions brides ask

Can I store my lehenga with the can-can attached?

You can, but give it the widest space you have, fold it as little as possible and pad every fold with tissue.

Will my can-can lose its shape in storage?

It can if it is crushed for a long time. Stored loose, it usually springs back after a day of hanging open.

Can I iron the can-can?

No. Can-can net can melt or turn shiny under an iron. Let it relax on its own.

Is the can-can detachable on House of Daisy made-to-order lehengas?

Yes, on our made-to-order lehengas the can-can is detachable.

Cancan wala lehenga kaise rakhein?

Ho sake toh cancan alag kar dijiye. Skirt flat rakhiye aur cancan ko ek bade cotton bag mein dheela rakhiye, upar kuch mat rakhiye.