Faiza Saqlain Vespera — embroidered velvet, one of the fabrics covered in this guide
Why fabric matters more than colour when you're buying online
Colour may catch your eye, but fabric is what decides how an outfit actually feels and looks when you wear it. It affects how the outfit falls, how comfortable it feels, how much it moves, and even whether it's suitable for hot or cold weather.
Buying Pakistani designer wear online can be tricky because you can see the outfit, but you can't actually touch the fabric. A photo can show you the colour and embroidery, but it can't really show you how the fabric feels or moves.
Imagine you find two suits in the exact same ivory shade. One is soft, flowy and moves beautifully when you walk. The other is more structured and holds its shape. They may look almost identical online, but they'll feel completely different when you wear them — the soft, flowy one might be perfect for a long, warm mehndi, while the structured one could be much better for a formal December walima. Same colour, completely different experience.
That's why understanding fabric is so important when shopping online. In this guide, we'll look at six fabrics you'll commonly see in Pakistani formal and festive wear — what they actually feel like, how they fall, and when they're best to wear. And don't worry about the designer name — the basic characteristics of a fabric stay the same. Whether you're looking at Faiza Saqlain, Maria B, Suffuse, Soraya, Saad Bin Shahzad, or any other designer, knowing the fabric will help you understand what you're actually buying. Because when you're shopping online, colour tells you what the outfit looks like — fabric tells you what wearing it will actually be like.
The six fabrics at a glance
| Fabric | Feels like | Best for | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw silk | Structured, weighty, subtle sheen | Weddings, formal evenings | Medium–heavy |
| Net | Light and see-through; perfect for embroidery and embellishment | Baraat, walima, heavy occasion wear | Light on its own, heavier with embroidery |
| Lawn | Soft, lightweight, breathable cotton | Daytime events, warm weather, everyday | Light |
| Chiffon | Very light, soft and flowy | Evening formals, mehndi | Very light |
| Organza | Light and slightly crisp; holds shape and volume | Festive outfits, statement styles | Light but structured |
| Velvet | Thick, soft, plush, rich appearance | Winter weddings, cold-weather events | Heavy |
What is raw silk, and when should you wear it?
Faiza Saqlain Maelys — embroidered raw silk
Raw silk: structured, rich and perfect for formal wear
Raw silk is a fabric that holds its shape really well. It has some weight to it and gives an outfit a more structured, polished look. That's why you'll often see it used for weddings and formal evening wear, especially during cooler months. One of the best things about raw silk is that it can create and hold a beautiful silhouette — a popular choice for structured suits, ghararas and pishwas, where the shape of the outfit is an important part of the overall look.
If you look closely at raw silk, you may notice tiny uneven lines or textures in the fabric. These are called slubs. Don't worry — they're not imperfections. They're a natural part of the fabric and give raw silk its distinctive textured appearance. This texture also helps colours look deeper and richer. Dark shades, in particular, can look especially beautiful on raw silk because the uneven surface reflects light differently.
Not all silk feels the same
It's also important to remember that "silk" doesn't always mean the same thing. Different designers use different types and finishes of silk. Faiza Saqlain often uses a heavier raw silk that gives outfits plenty of structure. Maria B, on the other hand, often uses lighter, more print-focused silk fabrics with a smoother, silk-satin-like finish. So even though both may simply be labelled silk, they can feel and behave quite differently when you actually wear them.
What about the UK weather?
Raw silk can feel warmer than it looks because of its weight and density. It's a great choice for autumn, winter and spring, and it works well for indoor events throughout the year. For a hot summer day or an outdoor August event, though, you may want something lighter and more breathable.
Real examples
Want to see how raw silk looks in actual Pakistani formalwear? Faiza Saqlain's Maelys embroidered raw silk suit uses deep red raw silk to create a rich, structured look, while the Lalzari raw silk pishwas shows how raw silk can hold the shape of a full pishwas beautifully without needing extra support.
For a lighter and more contemporary approach, Maria B's plum digital printed silk suit has a smoother, more satin-like appearance. Suffuse's Navara silk kaftaan shows that silk isn't limited to traditional structured outfits.
Saad Bin Shahzad's Maya bridal set is another interesting example because it combines different fabrics in one outfit — a Chanderi tissue pishwas with a raw silk lehenga and trousers. This is common in bridalwear, where designers often combine fabrics to create different textures, shapes and layers.
The takeaway: Raw silk is your fabric of choice when you want structure, richness and a polished formal look. Just remember that the word "silk" alone doesn't tell you exactly how a garment will feel — always check the specific fabric and finish before ordering online.
Browse Faiza Saqlain raw silk → Browse Maria B silk →What is net fabric used for in Pakistani clothing?
Faiza Saqlain Camillie — embroidered net
Net: light, sheer and made for embellishment
Net is the fabric that lets heavy embroidery shine. It's lightweight, sheer and delicate on its own, which makes it perfect for carrying detailed handwork like zardozi, crystals and other heavy embellishments. That's why you'll often see net in baraat and walima outfits, especially when you want a glamorous, heavily worked look.
But there's one thing you shouldn't overlook: the lining. Most net outfits come with a lining, and the quality of that lining can make a big difference in how the outfit feels and moves. A well-lined net gharara can feel light and flow beautifully, while poor lining can make the outfit feel stiff or uncomfortable — even beautiful embroidery can't completely fix that.
What about the UK weather?
Net is generally more breathable than heavier fabrics like raw silk, so it can be a better choice for a warm indoor event. However, remember that the embroidery adds weight. A heavily embellished net outfit may look delicate, but wearing it for several hours can still feel tiring.
Real examples
Faiza Saqlain's Camillie embroidered net gharara set is a great example of heavily embellished net, with champagne-gold embroidery creating a glamorous statement look. The Menaha net pishwas, in silver grey, uses the same fabric with a slightly lighter feel.
For something more casual, Maria B's pink digital printed net frock suit shows that net isn't only for bridal or heavily embellished outfits. Soraya's Inaya festive set is another good example — its peach and gold lehenga choli is paired with a net dupatta decorated with sheesha and crystal work, exactly the kind of combination where net works beautifully.
The takeaway: Net is ideal when you want sheer layers, delicate movement and lots of embroidery. Just pay attention to the lining and the amount of embellishment, because both can affect how comfortable the outfit feels.
Browse Faiza Saqlain net → Browse Maria B net →Is lawn fabric good for formal wear?
Faiza Saqlain Eldira — embroidered lawn
Lawn: light, comfortable and not just for casual wear
Yes, you can absolutely wear lawn to a formal event these days. Lawn was once seen as a fabric mainly for everyday clothes, but that's no longer the case — designers now use embroidered and printed lawn for gharara sets, festive outfits and more formal silhouettes too. Lawn is a lightweight, finely woven cotton. It's soft, breathable and especially comfortable in warm weather, which is why it's a great choice for daytime events, Eid mornings, summer gatherings and outfits you'll want to wear more than once.
Another advantage: it's usually more affordable than heavier formal fabrics. Faiza Saqlain's embroidered lawn suits are typically around £179, while Maria B's jacquard lawn pieces often start from around £119. So if you're building a wardrobe rather than buying an outfit for just one occasion, lawn can be a very practical choice.
What about the UK weather?
Lawn is an obvious choice for summer, and it's also comfortable indoors throughout the year. For an outdoor event in spring or cooler weather, though, don't depend on lawn alone — it's very lightweight, so you'll probably want to add a shawl, coat or another layer to stay warm.
Real examples
Faiza Saqlain's Eldira embroidered lawn gharara set shows that lawn can look much more formal than you might expect — a complete embroidered gharara set rather than a simple everyday suit. The Denisa embroidered lawn suit, in burnt orange, is another example of how beautifully lawn can carry rich colours.
And Maria B's red embroidered jacquard lawn suit is worth checking out if you've only seen plain lawn before — jacquard lawn has a subtle woven pattern in the fabric itself, giving it more texture and depth than regular printed lawn.
The takeaway: Lawn is a great option when you want something light, breathable, comfortable and versatile. Don't think of it as "casual only" anymore — the right embroidery and design can easily make lawn work for a festive or semi-formal occasion.
Browse Faiza Saqlain lawn → Browse Maria B jacquard lawn →Organza vs chiffon: what's the difference?
Faiza Saqlain Shazana — embroidered organza
Chiffon flows, organza holds
If you remember just one thing about these two fabrics, remember this: chiffon flows, while organza holds its shape. Both fabrics are lightweight and sheer, so it's easy to confuse them — but when you wear them, they behave very differently.
Chiffon is soft, flowy and moves with you. It doesn't really hold a shape, which is why it's such a popular choice for dupattas — a chiffon dupatta falls naturally and moves beautifully as you walk. There's one thing to keep in mind, though: chiffon can show every detail of the tailoring. Because it's so light and delicate, uneven stitching or poor alterations can be noticeable, so good fitting is especially important with chiffon outfits.
Organza is more structured. Although it's also sheer and lightweight, it holds its shape and creates more volume. It sits slightly away from the body, making it perfect for dramatic sleeves, fuller skirts and sculpted pishwas or angrakha designs. Organza can also be a practical choice for long, warm events because it tends to keep its structure instead of becoming too limp in humid weather.
So, which one should you choose?
Choose chiffon if you want soft, romantic movement, a flowy silhouette, or a lightweight dupatta. Choose organza if you want more volume, a structured silhouette, or statement sleeves and a dramatic shape.
Real examples
Faiza Saqlain's Kiara embroidered chiffon pishwas shows how beautifully chiffon can create a soft, flowing silhouette, while the Shazana organza angrakha, in ivory, demonstrates the structured look of organza.
For an even clearer comparison, Maria B has outfits in both fabrics in similar shades — looking at their chiffon suit alongside their organza suit makes the difference in drape and structure much easier to see.
The takeaway: If you want your outfit to move, go for chiffon. If you want it to hold its shape, choose organza.
Faiza Saqlain chiffon → Faiza Saqlain organza → Maria B chiffon → Maria B organza →Which fabric is best for a winter wedding in the UK?
Faiza Saqlain Tegan — embroidered velvet
Velvet: your best friend for a British winter
If you're attending a Pakistani wedding in the UK in December or January, velvet is one of the best fabrics you can choose. A lot of Pakistani formalwear is designed with warmer weather in mind, so finding something that looks elegant and actually keeps you warm can be tricky — that's where velvet works beautifully. Velvet is thick, soft and warm, making it ideal for cold-weather weddings. It also gives colours a rich, luxurious look. Deep shades like burgundy, plum and forest green look especially beautiful in velvet.
Don't like velvet?
That's completely fine. Raw silk is your next best option — pair it with a warm shawl, coat or other layers, and it can work well for winter events too. Lighter fabrics like chiffon and lawn may look beautiful, but they're simply not warm enough for a British winter on their own.
Real examples
If you're looking for velvet inspiration, Faiza Saqlain has a strong selection of velvet formalwear. Pieces like the Tegan embroidered velvet suit and the Vespera embroidered velvet suit are good examples of how velvet can combine warmth with a luxurious formal look.
The takeaway: For a winter wedding, choose velvet for warmth and richness, or raw silk with layers if you prefer a more structured and lighter feel.
Browse velvet pieces →One outfit, several fabrics — it happens more than you'd think
Suffuse Elora — lawn, organza, chiffon and cambric combined
One outfit can have more than one fabric
Before you order online, there's one more thing worth knowing: an outfit doesn't always use the same fabric for every piece. In fact, mixing different fabrics is completely normal and often intentional.
For example, Suffuse's Elora suit uses four different fabrics in one outfit:
- Embroidered lawn for the shirt panels
- Embroidered organza for the hem border
- Embroidered chiffon for the dupatta
- Dyed cambric for the trousers
And it all works together because each fabric has a different purpose. The lawn keeps the main shirt comfortable, organza adds structure and definition to the border, chiffon gives the dupatta a soft and flowy look, and cambric makes the trousers comfortable and breathable.
So, if you see several different fabrics listed in a product description, don't assume something is wrong or that the designer is cutting costs. Often, it's actually a sign that the outfit has been thoughtfully designed, with each fabric chosen for a specific job.
Choosing the right fabric for the occasion
Still not sure what to choose? Here's a simple guide:
- Summer mehndi or daytime Eid: choose lawn for comfort, or organza if you want something a little more dressed up
- Evening formal or dinner: go for raw silk if you want structure, or chiffon if you prefer a soft, flowy look
- Baraat, walima or a heavily embellished event: choose net, especially when you want lots of embroidery and sparkle
- Winter wedding: velvet is the warmest choice, while raw silk with layers is another good option
- An outfit you'll wear again and again: lawn is the easiest choice because it's comfortable, versatile and works for many occasions
The simple rule
Don't choose a fabric just because it looks beautiful in a photo. Think about the weather, the occasion, how long you'll be wearing it, and how you want the outfit to move. That's what will help you make a better choice when shopping online.
A note on stitched and unstitched
Most Pakistani designer collections offer both stitched and unstitched outfits. This isn't usually decided by the fabric — it depends on the individual design. You'll find the stitched or unstitched format clearly mentioned on each product page, so it's always worth checking before you place your order. This is especially important if you're shopping for an upcoming event and need to leave enough time for tailoring.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pakistani fabric is best for UK weather?
It depends on the season. For summer, lawn is a great choice because it's light and breathable. When the weather gets colder, raw silk and velvet are better options. Net and organza are somewhere in between — they're lightweight but can work well for events held indoors, especially in heated venues.
What's the difference between organza and chiffon?
Both are lightweight and sheer, but they behave very differently. Organza is crisp and holds its shape, making it ideal for volume and structured designs. Chiffon is soft and flowy, so it's better when you want movement and a relaxed, elegant drape. In simple terms: organza gives you structure, chiffon gives you movement.
Is raw silk difficult to care for?
Raw silk needs a little extra care. It's best to dry clean it rather than wash it at home. When storing it, hanging the outfit is usually better than folding it for long periods, as deep creases can be difficult to remove. It's not difficult to look after — it just needs a little more attention than everyday fabrics.
Which fabric offers the best value?
Lawn is usually the most practical choice. It's comfortable, versatile and easy to wear for different occasions, so you're more likely to wear it again. Maria B's jacquard lawn pieces often start from around £119, making them a more budget-friendly option compared with many heavily embellished formal fabrics.
Can you wear lawn to a wedding?
Absolutely. For a daytime wedding, mehndi or Eid event, embroidered lawn can look beautiful and appropriately dressed-up. For a very formal evening event such as a baraat or walima, however, heavier fabrics like raw silk, velvet or heavily embellished net may feel more suitable.
Browse by fabric
The examples in this guide are just a starting point. Once you understand how different fabrics feel and behave, you can use the same approach when shopping from any Pakistani designer.
And if you're still unsure which fabric to choose, don't just focus on how the outfit looks in the photograph. Think about where you'll wear it, what the weather will be like, how long you'll have it on, and how much movement or structure you want. The right fabric can make the difference between an outfit that simply looks beautiful online and one that actually feels beautiful to wear.
