Printed

Print styles you will see on unstitched suits

Printed suits cover a wide range of looks. Florals are the most common, from tiny ditsy buds to large painterly blooms. Geometric and abstract prints suit a modern, work-friendly style, while stripes and checks look neat and are easy to match with plain dupattas. Block-inspired and traditional motifs give a handcrafted feel.

The fabric changes the effect. A print on light cotton looks crisp, on lawn it looks soft and summery, and on khaddar it looks bolder and more textured. For detailed, photo-like artwork and colour gradients, see digital print suits, which use a different printing method.

If you want summer fabric, lawn printed suits sit under the Lawn category. Check the product photos for print scale, because big motifs can overwhelm a small frame. Look at a photo of the whole shirt, not just a close-up, to judge how the print sits on the body. Smaller repeats are safer.

Print quality, fabric and cost

The price of printed suits depends on the base fabric, the quality of the print, the piece count and the brand. A printed 2-piece usually costs less than a 3-piece with a matching dupatta, and a suit with extra embroidered patches costs more than a pure print. Designer labels generally price above high-street brands.

To compare fairly:

• Check the piece count first.
• Compare the base fabric, such as cotton, lawn or khaddar.
• Check whether the dupatta and trouser are printed too.
• Note the metres supplied.

If you want more detail, embroidered suits cost more, and the sale page lists discounted suits. Prices differ between brands for similar prints, so compare several.

How to choose a good printed suit

Look closely at the print quality. A good print is sharp, even and consistent across the fabric, with no blurred edges or patches. Dark colours should look rich rather than flat, and colours should not bleed into each other.

Think about wear. Busy prints hide stains and creases, so they suit daily life, while large light-coloured prints show marks more easily. Small repeating designs are the most forgiving when you stitch.

Check the dupatta. A printed dupatta can match the shirt or contrast with it, and plain dupattas let the shirt stand out. Remember that directional prints, such as flowers that point upward, need careful cutting.

Finally, consider the season. Light prints on lawn or cambric suit summer, mid-weight cotton works in spring, and printed khaddar suits winter, as our winter suits page explains. A plain solid-dyed shirt is an alternative if you prefer a calm look. Check the photo against your usual shade.

Stitching and caring for printed suits

Ask your tailor to pre-wash or steam the fabric before cutting, because cotton prints can shrink on the first wash. Leave a little extra length. For directional prints, ask for every piece to be cut the same way, and for large motifs ask for them to be centred on the front.

Wash printed suits inside out in cool water with a mild detergent, and wash dark and bright colours separately for the first few washes, since dye can bleed. Avoid soaking and bleach.

Dry in the shade, because strong sun fades prints. Iron on the reverse side at a setting suited to the fabric, and avoid ironing directly over a heavy print. Avoid hot tumble drying, which dulls colours and shrinks cotton.

Store the suit folded in a dry cupboard, and check the brand's care label, since finishes differ. A stiff new print usually softens after the very first wash.