Fabric & Care: A Practical Guide for Pakistani Women’s Clothing
Simple, fabric-specific steps for everyday wear and festive outfits. Easy on the eyes and easy to follow.
Before You Wash: Quick Checks
- Read the care label if there is one. Follow it first.
- Do a color-bleed test. Dip a corner in cool water with a drop of mild detergent. If water changes color, hand-wash separately.
- Turn garments inside out to protect prints, embroidery, tassels, and gota.
- Close zips and tie strings so they do not snag delicate fabric.
Fabric by Fabric
Lawn and Cotton
Wash: Hand wash or machine gentle cycle in cool water with a mild liquid detergent. Avoid strong powders and bleach.
Dry: Reshape and dry flat or on a hanger in shade. Direct sun can fade bright colors.
Iron: Medium heat on the reverse while slightly damp. Use steam for creases.
Notes: Soak for 5–10 minutes only to protect prints.
Cambric and Poplin
Wash: Gentle machine cycle in cool to lukewarm water.
Dry: Line dry in shade to keep the fabric crisp.
Iron: Medium to high heat on reverse. Use steam if needed.
Khaddar and Winter Cotton
Wash: Hand wash in cool water. Do not wring hard.
Dry: Lay flat or line dry in shade. Avoid tumble drying.
Iron: Medium heat with steam.
Notes: Expect slight shrinkage on the first wash. Pre-soak in cold water for 10 minutes to minimize it.
Linen and Linen Blends
Wash: Hand wash or gentle machine cycle in cool water.
Dry: Hang in shade. Remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles.
Iron: Medium heat with steam on reverse.
Notes: Avoid overloading the machine to prevent creases.
Chiffon, Georgette, and Organza
Wash: Hand wash in cold water with a silk-safe or wool-safe detergent. Swish gently. Do not rub.
Dry: Lay flat on a towel or hang in shade. Never wring.
Iron: Low heat on reverse or use a steamer.
Notes: Keep away from rough surfaces to avoid snags.
Silk and Silk Blends
Wash: Prefer dry cleaning, especially for dark or richly dyed pieces. If hand washing, use cold water and a silk-safe detergent. Do not soak.
Dry: Lay flat in shade. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Iron: Low heat on reverse with a pressing cloth, or steam lightly.
Notes: Apply perfume and deodorant before dressing and let it dry.
Net and Tulle
Wash: Spot clean or very quick hand wash in cold water. No twisting.
Dry: Lay flat in shade.
Iron: Do not press directly. Use a steamer from a distance.
Velvet
Wash: Dry clean for best results.
Dry: Air out after wearing before storing.
Iron: Never iron. Steam from the underside to lift the pile.
Brocade and Jacquard
Wash: Dry clean recommended. If hand washing, use cold water, minimal motion, and a mild detergent.
Dry: Lay flat in shade.
Iron: Low to medium on reverse with a pressing cloth.
Embroidery, Beads, and Gota
- Turn inside out and place in a mesh bag if machine washing on gentle.
- Prefer hand wash in cold water. Pat dry with a towel. Do not wring.
- For heavy work, dry clean to protect stones and thread.
- Store flat or on padded hangers to avoid stretching the fabric.
Color and Print Care
- Wash similar colors together, especially reds, pinks, and indigos.
- Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the first cold rinse to help set color for cottons and lawns.
- Avoid bleach and optical brighteners on printed fabric.
Stain First Aid
- Oil or ghee: Sprinkle talcum powder or cornflour. Wait 15 minutes. Brush off and spot clean with a drop of liquid detergent in cold water.
- Tea or chai: Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain. Dab with mild detergent. Avoid hot water.
- Makeup: Use micellar water on a cotton pad. Test on an inside seam first.
- Deodorant marks: Wipe gently with a damp cloth and a little white vinegar, then rinse.
Drying Tips
- Shade is best. Sun can fade dark and bright tones.
- Reshape hems and sleeves while damp so they dry neat.
- Do not hang heavy wet outfits from the shoulders. Dry them flat to prevent stretching.
Ironing and Steaming
- Always test heat on an inside corner first.
- Use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics and embroidery.
- A handheld steamer is safest for chiffon, net, organza, and embellished pieces.
Dupatta Care
- Chiffon/Net/Organza: Hand wash cold, lay flat, and steam lightly.
- Cotton/Lawn: Gentle wash, hang in shade. Iron on reverse.
- Silk/Velvet/Brocade: Dry clean.
Storage and Seasonal Rotation
- Clean garments before storage. Stains set over time.
- Fold and store in breathable cotton garment bags. Avoid plastic for long periods.
- For silk, chiffon, and net, use tissue paper between folds.
- Add cedar blocks or whole cloves in a breathable pouch to deter insects.
- Keep heavy formals flat to protect the shape and embellishments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the machine. Fabrics rub and pill.
- Long soaking for bright prints. Colors can bleed.
- Hanging delicate wet garments. They can stretch.
- Ironing directly on sequins, prints, or zari. Use a cloth or steam.
Quick Reference Table
| Fabric | Wash | Dry | Iron/Steam | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn/Cotton | Gentle, cool | Shade, hang | Medium on reverse | Daily wear |
| Cambric/Poplin | Gentle, cool-warm | Shade | Medium-high on reverse | Workwear |
| Khaddar | Hand, cool | Shade, flat | Medium with steam | Winter |
| Linen Blend | Gentle, cool | Shade | Medium with steam | Summer |
| Chiffon/Georgette/Organza | Hand, cold | Flat or hang in shade | Low heat or steam | Formals |
| Silk | Dry clean or hand, cold | Flat, shade | Low with cloth or steam | Festive |
| Net/Tulle | Spot or quick hand | Flat | Steam only | Dupattas |
| Velvet | Dry clean | Air and store | Steam underside | Winter/formals |
| Brocade/Jacquard | Dry clean | Flat, shade | Low-medium on reverse | Wedding wear |
When to Choose Dry Cleaning
- Multi-layer outfits with heavy embroidery.
- Dark silks, velvet, brocade, and blended formals.
- Pieces with complex trims, gota, mirrors, or stones.
