Caring for your bunad

A bunad, treated well, lasts generations. Here is how to look after yours.

Cleaning your bunad

A bunad is not everyday clothing, and it should not be cleaned like everyday clothing. The wool is fine, the embroidery is delicate, and the silver does not belong anywhere near water.

[GINA — how often do you recommend cleaning a bunad? After every wearing, every several wearings, only when visibly soiled? Spot cleaning versus a full cleaning? A short paragraph in your voice.]

[GINA — your specific guidance on cleaning the wool portions: hand washing, dry cleaning, do's and don'ts, what to avoid (heat, agitation, certain detergents). A few plain, accurate sentences.]

Embroidery and silver

[GINA — your guidance on the embroidery: how to protect it during cleaning, what to do if a thread loosens, when to seek a repair, when to leave it alone.]

The sølv is one of the most precious parts of a bunad, often passed between generations. Silver requires its own care — it tarnishes, it scratches, and it does not belong in the wash with the wool.

[GINA — your guidance on the silver: how often to polish, what to polish with, how to store between wearings, what NOT to do. This is one of the most-searched topics about bunad care and worth a careful answer.]

Storing your bunad

[GINA — storage advice: hanging versus folding, garment bags, cedar, climate, keeping it away from sunlight. The right way to put a bunad away between wearings, and between years.]

Repairs and heirlooms

Bunads are made to last, and they are made to be repaired. A loose seam, a missing button, an embroidered thread that has caught — none of these are reasons to retire a bunad. They are reasons to bring it to someone who knows the work.

[GINA — do you offer repairs and alterations yourself? If so, say so here. If you refer to someone else, say that instead.]

If you have inherited a bunad, do not assume it needs to be restored or modernized before it can be worn. Many old bunads are in better condition than they look, and the patina of a garment worn for fifty years is part of its character. If you are uncertain about the condition of an inherited bunad, send us photos — we are always glad to take a look.

Get In Touch