Eight fabrics every Pakistani wardrobe needs.
SummerLawn
Light, breathable and a Pakistani summer staple. Best when the day is genuinely hot.
Breathability ★★★★★
All-rounderCotton
Pakistan's own fibre. Comfortable from spring to early autumn, easy to wash.
Breathability ★★★★☆
PremiumLinen
Airy and crisp with natural texture. Great for office and premium casual looks.
Breathability ★★★★★
Autumn / WinterKhaddar
Textured and warmer — a strong choice for transitional and cool weather.
Warmth ★★★☆☆
WinterKarandi
Dense, slightly coarse weave with a beautiful drape. Winter daywear favourite.
Warmth ★★★★☆
FormalVelvet
Heavy, warm and visually rich — ideal for winter formal and wedding dressing.
Warmth ★★★★★
FestiveChiffon
Sheer and floaty. Perfect for dupattas and lightweight formal wear in warm weather.
Lightness ★★★★★
WinterPashmina
Fine, light and surprisingly warm. The heirloom shawl of the subcontinent.
Warmth ★★★★☆
The fabric cheat sheet.
| Fabric | Temperature | Breathability | Weight | Season | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn | 28°C+ | Very high | Light | Summer | Daily wear, university, casual | Wash gently; avoid harsh heat. |
| Cotton | 20–35°C | High | Light–medium | Spring/Summer | Daily, office, casual | Pre-shrink where needed; air dry. |
| Voile | 30°C+ | Very high | Very light | Summer | Humid days, home wear | Hand wash; line dry in shade. |
| Linen | 22–32°C | Very high | Light | Spring/Summer/Autumn | Office, premium casual | Expect natural wrinkles; steam or iron. |
| Cambric | 22–32°C | High | Light–medium | Spring/Autumn | Everyday kurtas | Machine wash cool. |
| Chiffon | 20–35°C | Medium | Very light | All (formal) | Dupattas, festive wear | Dry clean embellished pieces. |
| Khaddar | 10–22°C | Medium | Medium–heavy | Autumn/Winter | Daily, formal, layering | Wash according to blend; store dry. |
| Karandi | 8–18°C | Medium | Medium | Winter | Daywear, office | Gentle wash; iron inside-out. |
| Velvet | <18°C | Low | Heavy | Winter | Wedding, party, formal | Dry clean preferred for embellished pieces. |
| Pashmina | <15°C | High | Light–medium | Winter | Shawls, scarves, layering | Fold; avoid hanging for long periods. |


How to judge fabric in the shop.
- Hold it to the light. Lawn and voile should let light through evenly — patchy weave means uneven quality.
- Scrunch test. Squeeze for five seconds. Linen creases (normal), polyester springs back instantly.
- Check the dye. Rub a damp white tissue on dark prints — colour transfer means it may bleed in the wash.
- Feel the weight. For winter, heavier khaddar and karandi drape better and keep warmth.
- Read the blend. "Cotton-rich" can mean as little as 60% cotton.
Make your favourites last longer.
Wash cool
Cold water keeps lawn prints bright and stops cotton from shrinking.
Dry in shade
Direct Pakistani sun fades colours fast. Turn garments inside-out.
Steam, don't scorch
Iron embroidery from the reverse with a cloth on top.
Store smart
Fold pashmina and velvet in muslin with neem leaves or cedar to keep moths away.