Shipping, Returns & The Sujatam Guarantee
A Personal Commitment to Your Heirloom
At Sujatam, we do not just trade in textiles; we are Guardians and Revivalists of a vanishing art. When you choose a Sujatam creation, you are investing in a piece of cultural history that has been curated by Sujata’s 16 years of handloom conservation and engineered by Somenath’s commitment to bespoke perfection.
We believe that true luxury lies in the human touch. The subtle variations in our weaves are not 'flaws'—they are the Artisan’s Signature. Every uneven thread and every unique color bleed is proof that your garment was hand-forged, not factory-made.
Our promise is simple: Uncompromising Purity. From our 5,000 sq. ft. Gariahat Atelier to our network of 6,000 master weavers, we ensure that the piece you receive is as authentic as the heritage it represents. If a product does not meet our rigorous standards for Yarn Integrity, it simply does not leave our doors.
We strive for 100% color accuracy. However, due to the high-dynamic range of our pure silks and varying digital displays, a marginal variance of 0%–5% in shade is considered industry standard.
— Sujata & Somenath Mukherjee
Preserving the Heritage: The Sujatam Care Guide
Handloom is a living craft. Here is how to ensure your handcrafted piece remains a timeless heirloom.
The Nature of the Craft Sujatam products are created using traditional pit-looms and manual hand-embroidery. Because these are 100% natural fibers and artisanal dyes, the following are characteristics of authenticity, not defects:
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Texture: Slight irregularities in the weave (slubs) are the "birthmarks" of a hand-loomed fabric.
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Color: Natural and artisanal dyes may bleed slightly during the first few cleans.
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Zari: Authentic silver or gold-plated Zari may undergo natural oxidation over decades, giving it a vintage "antique" look.
Silk & Handloom Saree Care
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First Clean and Later on: Dry Clean Only. always use a reputable professional dry cleaner to "set" the artisanal dyes.
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Storage: * Never hang a silk saree on a metal hanger; it can cause "yarn stress" and permanent creases.
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Store in a breathable cotton muslin bag (never plastic).
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Refold your sarees every 3 months to prevent "splitting" along the fold lines.
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Airing: Once every 6 months, air your sarees in a shaded, well-ventilated room (never in direct sunlight, which fades natural silk proteins).
Bespoke Menswear & Embroidered Apparel
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Embroidery Protection: If your garment has Zardosi, Aari, or Kantha work, always store it "inside-out" to prevent the threads from snagging on other garments.
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Ironing: Never apply a hot iron directly to the embroidery or silk. Use a low-heat steam iron or place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the garment.
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Deodorants/Perfumes: Never spray perfume directly onto the fabric or Zari. The chemicals can cause permanent staining and darken the Zari work.
The Golden Rules of Handloom Care
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Rule 1: The Washing Standard
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Action: Never machine wash or soak.
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Protocol: Professional Dry Clean is the gold standard. For specific hand-washable fabrics, use only a mild, pH-neutral protein shampoo or soap nut (Reetha) water.
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Rule 2: The Drying Protocol
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Action: Never wring, twist, or tumble dry.
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Protocol: Lay the garment flat on a clean, light-colored towel in a shaded area. Direct sunlight is the enemy of natural silk proteins and artisanal dyes.
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Rule 3: The Stain Emergency
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Action: Do not rub or use bleach.
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Protocol: Gently blot the area with a clean, dry white tissue to absorb excess liquid. Take it to a professional dry cleaner immediately and identify the source of the stain.
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Rule 4: The Zari Protection
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Action: Prevent oxidation and darkening.
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Protocol: Wrap Zari-heavy borders or embroidery in acid-free tissue paper or soft muslin before storing. This prevents the metallic threads from reacting with atmospheric moisture.
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Rule 5: The Ironing Technique
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Action: Avoid direct heat contact.
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Protocol: Always iron on the reverse side using a cool setting, or use a "press cloth" (a thin cotton sheet) between the iron and your silk/embroidery.
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