Fabric Guide
Wash and wear fabric guide
What it is, how it compares with cotton, how to pick a good one and how to look after it so it lasts.
By Shahzad Cloth House, Sialkot ·
What wash and wear is
Wash and wear is a blended suiting, usually polyester mixed with cotton or viscose, finished so that it resists creases. You wash it, hang it up and it is ready to wear with little or no ironing. That is why it is the fabric most of our gents customers come in for, for office days, travel and everyday shalwar kameez.
Wash and wear or cotton?
| Wash and wear | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Creases | Resists creases, keeps its press | Creases easily, needs ironing |
| Drying | Dries quickly | Slower to dry |
| In peak summer | Warmer, breathes less | Breathes better, softens with washing |
| Best for | Office, travel, all-day wear | Hot days and relaxed wear |
Many customers keep both: wash and wear for working days and cotton or linen for the hottest weeks of summer.
How to choose a good one
- Feel the weight. Lighter wash and wear is cooler in summer. A heavier one drapes better and suits autumn and winter.
- Check the finish. Some have a matte, cotton-like face and some a slight sheen. Matte looks more natural for daily wear.
- Hold whites up to the light. Light colours should not be see-through when worn.
- Crush a corner in your hand. A good wash and wear springs back without leaving sharp creases.
- Pick colours for the job. White, off-white, greys and soft blues are the everyday staples. Charcoal, navy and maroon stand out for Eid and weddings.
How to wash and iron it
- Wash in cool or warm water, not hot. Hot water can set creases into the fabric.
- Use a gentle spin, and don't wring it out.
- Hang it straight away and dry it in the shade. Strong sun can fade dark colours.
- If you iron, use a low to medium heat and iron on the reverse side, or through a cloth. Too much heat makes the fabric shine.
How much to buy
A typical adult shalwar kameez takes roughly 4 to 4.5 metres, depending on height and cut. Our guide to how much cloth a shalwar kameez needs covers every outfit, from a kurta to a family order.
Wash and wear at our shop
We keep wash and wear in stock all year at our shop in Sialkot, in whites, greys, blues and darker tones, and cut it to any length. See our gents suiting and wash and wear, or order online: tell us the colour and length on WhatsApp and we deliver anywhere in Pakistan. For staff or school orders in bulk, see uniform fabric.
