A well-made embroidered suit can last for years, and most of what decides that happens at home: how it is washed, dried, ironed and stored. The good news is that it takes only a few simple habits. This guide covers the fabrics and finishes we use most, including Schiffli embroidery, thread work, Chanderi silk and muslin.
Always check the care label first. Some pieces, especially those with heavy embellishment or silk, are marked dry clean only. When in doubt, choose dry cleaning for the first wash.
Before the first wash
- Test for colour. Dab a hidden seam with a damp white cloth. If colour comes off, wash that piece on its own.
- Wash dark and bright colours separately for the first few washes.
- Turn it inside out to protect the embroidery and print.
How to hand wash an embroidered suit
- Fill a bucket with cold water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and strong powders.
- Soak the garment, inside out, for no more than 10 minutes.
- Swish it gently. Do not scrub or rub the embroidered areas.
- Rinse in clean cold water until no soap remains.
- Press the water out gently between your palms or roll it in a towel. Never wring or twist.
Caring for Schiffli embroidery
Schiffli is a fine embroidery made on a Schiffli machine, often with small cut-work and eyelet details that give a lace-like look. Because those details are delicate, treat Schiffli pieces like the most delicate item in your wardrobe: hand wash in cold water, keep them inside out, and avoid hanging them wet, since the weight of water can stretch the open work. Dry them flat on a towel. Our Schiffli cotton suit is a good example of this kind of work.
Caring for thread work and hand embroidery
Thread work can snag on zips, hooks and jewellery. Wash these pieces on their own, and remove any loose threads by snipping them rather than pulling. If a thread comes loose, a tailor can usually secure it in minutes.
Caring for Chanderi silk
Chanderi is a light, sheer fabric with a soft sheen, traditionally woven in the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, usually from silk, cotton or a silk-cotton blend. Dry cleaning is the safest choice, especially for the first wash and for pieces with zari. If the label allows hand washing, use cold water and a mild detergent made for silk, wash quickly and dry flat in the shade. See our Chanderi silk suit.
Caring for muslin
Muslin is soft and fluid, so it creases easily but recovers quickly. Hand wash cold, dry in the shade, and steam rather than iron if you can. A steamer brings back the drape without flattening the fabric.
Drying: always in the shade
Strong Indian sun fades colours fast, especially bright prints and dyes. Dry embroidered and printed suits inside out, in the shade or indoors. Dry heavy or delicate pieces flat so they keep their shape. Avoid the tumble dryer.
Ironing embroidered suits
- Iron on the reverse side, never directly on the embroidery.
- Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Use a low to medium setting for silk, muslin and blends.
- Lay the embroidered area face down on a folded towel so the stitches are not flattened.
Storing between seasons
Store clean, fully dry garments folded with a layer of soft cotton or muslin cloth between the folds. Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture. Add neem leaves or cedar blocks to keep insects away, and refold heavy pieces every few months so the creases do not set.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine wash an embroidered suit?
Hand washing is safest. If the label allows a machine, use a laundry bag, a delicate cycle and cold water, and turn the garment inside out.
How do I stop my suit from fading?
Wash in cold water with a mild detergent, wash colours separately, and always dry in the shade, inside out.
How do I remove creases from a muslin or Chanderi suit?
Steam is the gentlest option. Otherwise, iron on the reverse on a low setting with a pressing cloth.
Looking for something new to care for? Explore our party suits and casual suits.