How to Care for Lawn Suits So They Last All Summer

Lawn is the fabric most of us live in from April to September, and it is also the fabric most of us ruin first. Thin cotton weave, bright dyes and daily wear are a hard combination. The good news is that almost all lawn damage comes from three avoidable habits.

Wash cold, and wash separately the first time

The first wash is where colour is lost. Wash a new suit on its own in cold water — hot water opens the weave and lets dye escape. Adding half a cup of plain salt to the first wash helps set darker prints. After that, wash lawn with similar colours only.

Dry in shade, never in direct sun

Direct sunlight is the single biggest cause of faded lawn. Hang suits inside out in a shaded, airy spot. A shirt that dries in two hours in the shade will keep its print far longer than one that dries in forty minutes on a sunny roof.

Iron on the reverse, while slightly damp

Lawn creases easily and scorches easily. Iron on the reverse side at a medium cotton setting while the fabric still holds a little moisture. For embroidered panels, place a thin cotton cloth over the work and press — never run a hot plate directly over thread or sequins.

Storing between seasons

Wash everything before storing, because body oils and perfume residue turn yellow over months. Fold rather than hang — hangers stretch the shoulders of light fabric. Keep suits in cotton bags, not plastic, so the fabric can breathe, and tuck in a few cloves or a neem leaf sachet instead of naphthalene balls, which leave a smell that is hard to remove.

A note on unstitched versus stitched

If you buy unstitched, wash the fabric once before stitching. Lawn shrinks a little on its first wash, and shrinkage after tailoring is what turns a well-fitted shirt into a tight one.

Treat lawn gently and a good suit will look new for three or four seasons instead of one.