A question for the wisdom of the internet

[kenjari]

I have a salwar suit from India that is made of cotton. However, the fabric of the top and the scarf is very stiff, as if heavily starched (crinoline-level stiffness). I have washed it in tepid water with a small amount of woolite, washed it in warm water with about a tablespoon of baking soda, and run it under very hot water, all to no avail. The fabric softens up when wet, but dries back to approximately the same level of stiffness. Any suggestions?