Silk does not wear out on a shelf. It gives way along the folds, and the folds are where you put it.
What actually destroys them
The fold itself. Fibres weaken where they are creased, and a saree folded the same way for ten years will split along those lines.
Humidity, which brings mould and the brown spots that come with it.
Light, which fades dyes unevenly — the exposed edge of a folded saree fades first and most visibly.
Zari tarnish, which is metal doing what metal does in damp air.
Insects, in anything with wool or in a cupboard with food nearby.
What to do instead
- Refold along different lines every few months. This is the single most valuable habit in this category.
- Wrap in clean cotton or muslin, not plastic. Natural fibres need to breathe, and sealed plastic holds moisture against them.
- Away from direct light, and away from an outside wall.
- Neem leaves or cloves rather than naphthalene against the fabric — and nothing in direct contact with zari.
- Air them once or twice a year, in shade rather than sun.
The transit exception
The packing guide says to use a sealed plastic bag, and that is right for three days in a courier's van. It is wrong for three years in a cupboard. The two situations want opposite things.
What it costs
Cotton bags and ten minutes twice a year. It is the cheapest conservation on this entire list and the most often skipped.
Questions people ask
Should heavy zari sarees hang or lie flat?
Flat, refolded periodically. Hanging stretches the fabric under the weight of the work.
Does dry-cleaning every year help?
No. Clean when needed; each clean is wear.
What about the monsoon?
Air the cupboard, check for damp, and keep silica nearby but not touching the fabric.