How to Wash and Care for Lawn, Chiffon, Khaddar and Silk Clothes
Colour bleeding, shrinking and dull embroidery are avoidable. Fabric-by-fabric care for the clothes Pakistani wardrobes are full of.
By Ali Hamza · · Updated
Good fabric lasts for years if it is washed the right way. Most damage happens in the first two washes.
Lawn and cotton
- First wash alone, in cold water, with a cup of salt or white vinegar to set the dye. Bright reds and dark blues bleed most.
- Turn embroidered shirts inside out.
- Mild detergent, no bleach, short spin.
- Dry in the shade — Pakistani summer sun fades lawn quickly.
- Iron on the reverse side while slightly damp.
Chiffon, georgette and organza
- Hand wash in cold water or use dry cleaning for heavily embellished pieces.
- Never wring; roll in a towel to remove water.
- Iron on low heat with a cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
Khaddar, karandi and winter fabrics
- Cold or lukewarm water; hot water shrinks khaddar.
- Wash with similar colours; karandi pills if washed with rough fabrics.
- Dry flat or on a wide hanger so the shirt keeps its shape.
Silk and raw silk
- Dry clean for formal and bridal silk.
- For light silk kurtas: hand wash quickly in cold water with a silk-safe shampoo, no soaking.
- Store away from direct light; silk yellows in the sun.
Embroidery, gota and sequins
- Spot-clean when possible.
- Wash inside out in a mesh laundry bag.
- Store folded with tissue paper between embroidered panels so they do not snag.
Storage
Fold heavy formal wear instead of hanging it (hangers stretch the shoulders), keep naphthalene or neem leaves in the cupboard, and air the clothes every few months.
Before you buy, check the fabric line on each product — lawn, unstitched and formal listings on Stylica all state it. Our lawn buying guide explains how to judge fabric quality from photos.