Fabrics & care
Lawn, khaddar, cotton silk and velvet: a parent’s fabric guide
What each fabric in children’s eastern wear feels like, when to wear it and how to wash it: lawn, cambric, khaddar, karandi, cotton silk, jacquard, raw silk, chiffon, organza, velvet and jamawar.
Summer and everyday fabrics
- Lawn: a fine, light cotton that breathes. The everyday Eid fabric. Machine washable; softens with every wash.
- Cambric: a slightly denser cotton than lawn, crisper and better for boys’ kurtas that need to hold their shape.
- Cotton and soft-washed cotton: the babies’ fabric. Pre-washed for softness, and the easiest to care for.
- Linen and linen-cotton: cool and breathable, creases a little; good for summer kurtas.
Winter fabrics
- Khaddar: a brushed, slightly heavier cotton that keeps warmth in. The winter version of lawn.
- Karandi: a textured winter cotton, warmer than khaddar, used for winter suits and kurtas.
- Velvet: soft and warm, the fabric of winter wedding prince coats and lehengas. Dry clean only.
Occasion fabrics
- Cotton silk: a cotton and silk blend with a gentle sheen; light enough for Eid day, dressy enough for a dawat.
- Jacquard: cotton with a woven pattern, used for waistcoats and semi-formal kameez.
- Raw silk: the wedding fabric for lehengas, sherwanis and formal frocks; lined, with a soft texture.
- Chiffon and organza: sheer layers over a cotton lining, for dupattas and mehndi outfits. Organza is crisper, chiffon floatier.
- Jamawar: a woven brocade with paisley patterns, used for sherwanis and waistcoats.
- Net: the sheer base for embroidered dupattas.
Which to choose for a child
For anything worn for more than an hour, choose a fabric that breathes against the skin: lawn, cambric, cotton or cotton silk, with the fancier fabric on the outside layer only. Sheer fabrics should always be lined in cotton. For winter events, velvet and khaddar keep a child warm without a coat over the outfit.
Quick answers
What is lawn fabric?
Lawn is a fine, lightweight cotton with a smooth finish. It breathes well, washes easily and is the most common fabric for summer and Eid eastern wear.
What is the difference between khaddar and lawn?
Both are cotton. Lawn is fine and light for summer; khaddar is brushed and heavier, so it keeps warmth in for winter.
Is velvet suitable for children?
Yes for winter events. Cotton velvet is soft and warm, but it needs dry cleaning and is best kept for weddings and winter Eid rather than everyday wear.