How to Wash and Care for Lawn, Linen and Khaddar Suits
2 June 2026 · 6 min read
Most fabric damage happens at home, not in the shop. Five habits keep a suit looking new for years.
A well-printed lawn suit can survive fifty washes or fade badly in five. The difference is almost never the fabric — it is water temperature, detergent, and where the suit dries. Here is a routine that works for all three of the fabrics in a typical Pakistani wardrobe.
Before stitching
- 1.Soak the shirt and trouser fabric separately in cold water with a teaspoon of salt for fifteen minutes. Salt helps set reactive dyes.
- 2.Rinse until the water runs clear. Some initial colour release is normal and is not a defect.
- 3.Dry flat in shade. Never wring printed lawn — press the water out between towels.
- 4.Press on medium heat while very slightly damp, then send for stitching.
The regular wash
| Fabric | Water | Method | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doria print lawn | Cold | Hand wash or gentle cycle, inside out | Shade, on a hanger |
| Linen tana doria | Cold to lukewarm | Gentle cycle, low spin | Shade, flat |
| Printed khaddar | Cold | Hand wash for the first three washes | Shade, flat |
Detergent and what to avoid
- Use a mild liquid detergent. Powder granules can sit in the weave and bleach spots on dark prints.
- Never use chlorine bleach on printed fabric, including as a stain treatment.
- Skip fabric softener on lawn — it coats the fibres and reduces breathability, which is the whole reason you bought lawn.
- Wash darks and lights separately for the first three cycles.
Ironing and dupattas
Iron lawn and khaddar on the reverse side at medium heat. For linen, iron while damp on medium-high; fully dry linen resists creasing out. Chiffon or fine lawn dupattas should be pressed through a cotton cloth on the lowest setting — direct contact will glaze the surface permanently.
Storage between seasons
Store clean, fully dry and folded with the print facing inward. Use cotton bags rather than plastic, which traps humidity and yellows white grounds. A neem leaf or a cedar block deters insects without the smell that mothballs leave in cotton. Refold khaddar once mid-season so permanent crease lines do not set along the same fold.
Cold water, mild liquid detergent, shade drying. Three habits, and a suit outlives the trend it was bought in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine wash a lawn suit?
Yes, on a gentle cold cycle with the garment turned inside out and a low spin. Hand washing is still better for the first two or three washes.
How do I stop a printed suit from fading?
Wash in cold water, avoid bleach and softener, dry in full shade, and store away from direct sunlight. Sun exposure while drying is the single largest cause of fading in Pakistan.
What removes a stain from khaddar safely?
Blot immediately with cold water, then treat with a drop of mild liquid detergent worked in gently with a finger. Avoid rubbing, which lifts the brushed surface.