Every outfit begins with fabric. Whether you're dressing for a casual brunch or a festive celebration, the material you choose lays the foundation of comfort, style, and the overall mood of your ensemble. At Silayi Pret, where fabric stories are woven into every stitch, we believe that each fabric has a unique narrative to tell, from its origin to its journey as part of your wardrobe. Understanding the difference between Cotton, lawn, Silk, and other textiles isn't just a fashion lesson—it's a guide to expressing who you are through what you wear.
Let's take a closer look at the world of fabrics, breaking down the most commonly used ones at Silayi Pret and beyond and helping you make informed style decisions every season.
The Humble Classic: Cotton
There's a reason Cotton has never gone out of fashion. It's one of the most breathable, adaptable, and universally loved fabrics worldwide. At Silayi Pret, Cotton finds its place in both casual staples and understated formal wear, thanks to its ability to absorb dye beautifully and drape softly on the body. Moreover, Silayi Pret is committed to using sustainable Cotton, which is grown and harvested in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes social and economic benefits for the farmers.
Cotton is the ideal choice for the sweltering summer months of South Asia. It keeps you cool, absorbs sweat, and is gentle on the skin. Unlike synthetic materials, Cotton doesn't trap heat or irritate, ensuring you stay comfortable for long hours. Many of Silayi Pret's everyday wear collections, like the Printed Summer Basics, rely on soft cotton blends to ensure you're as comfortable as you are stylish.
If you're someone who's always on the move but refuses to compromise on elegance, Cotton is your faithful companion.
The Summer Darling: Lawn
Now, if Cotton is the queen of comfort, the lawn is her younger, trendier sister. Lightweight, silky smooth, and sheer lawn is a type of finely woven Cotton synonymous with summer wardrobes in Pakistan. Silayi Pret often uses lawn in its unstitched and stitched collections, especially during its spring/summer launches.
The lawn is perfect for creating breezy silhouettes, printed kurtas, and 2-piece co-ord sets that feel like a cool whisper against your skin. It's easy to iron, doesn't wrinkle excessively, and falls effortlessly, making it a crowd favourite during festive daywear or relaxed gatherings.
Silayi’s Printed Lawn Collection shows just how versatile this fabric can be. Floral motifs, bold abstracts, and pastel palettes come to life through this feather-light textile. It's no surprise that lawn has become more than just a fabric—it's a seasonal ritual.
The Symbol of Luxury: Silk
Now, enter Silk—the undeniable showstopper of fabrics. Lustrous, fluid, and timeless, Silk brings a quiet sophistication to any ensemble. Whether it's pure Silk, charmeuse, or raw Silk, each variety has a personality of its own.
Silayi Pret delicately incorporates Silk in its luxury pret and Semi-Formals, understanding that Silk doesn't shout—it whispers elegance. Its natural sheen makes it ideal for formal dinners, festive occasions, or intimate weddings. When dyed, Silk reveals colours in their richest, deepest forms, giving your attire an opulent depth that few fabrics can match.
Silk is also a temperature regulator. Though often considered a winter fabric, it adapts surprisingly well to different seasons. Of course, it needs care—dry cleaning, gentle handling, and proper storage—but in return, it gives you a sense of timeless grace.
Cambric: The Unseen Hero
Another lesser-known but frequently used fabric in Silayi’s collections is cambric. Heavier than lawn but lighter than khaddar, cambric provides the perfect balance between structure and comfort. It’s durable, versatile, and easy to tailor, which is why you’ll often find cambric trousers and kurtas in Silayi’s Solids and Bottoms categories.
Cambric doesn’t wrinkle easily, making it suitable for workwear or daily wear. It holds embroidery better than lawn, which means your printed or embroidered designs stay crisp and defined. This fabric may not get the glamour spotlight, but it has the wardrobe together.
Khaddar & Linen: Winter’s Warm Embrace
When the seasons turn and the breeze carries a chill, it’s time to bring out the cosy textures—enter khaddar and linen. Khaddar, a homespun cotton blend, is one of the oldest fabrics in South Asian textile history. At Silayi Pret, khaddar frequently appears in winter lines because of its rich weave and tactile warmth.
Khaddar carries prints beautifully but is also sturdy enough to hold complex embroidery and embellishments. Its natural ruggedness adds a rustic elegance to any outfit. Paired with a woollen shawl or heavy dupatta, the khaddar transforms into the perfect blend of style and substance.
Linen, though slightly crisper than khaddar, gives a breezy, sophisticated winter look. While it wrinkles more than other fabrics, many wearers love it for its natural, relaxed look. Silayi uses linen occasionally in fusion pieces, making traditional cuts feel contemporary.
Net & Organza: For the Dreamers
No formal wardrobe is complete without the floaty charm of net and organza. These are not your everyday wear choices. They are for the days when you want to look like a dream—weddings, festive nights, and everything in between.
In contrast, being sheer, it is often layered over richer fabrics and adorned with embroidery, beads, and sequins. Organza, with its crisper texture and ethereal shimmer, is used for dupattas, sleeves, and overlays in Silayi Pret's Luxury Embroidered Pret line. These fabrics aren't just about fashion—they're about fantasy.
However, they do require maintenance. Ironing on low heat, avoiding friction, and storing them carefully is key to keeping these fabrics looking pristine. For cotton and lawn, machine wash it with mild detergent and air dry it. For Silk, dry cleaning is recommended. For khaddar and linen, hand wash in cold water and air dry. For net and organza, dry cleaning or gentle hand washing is advised.
Fabric, Mood & Identity
Choosing a fabric isn't just about temperature or trend—it's about identity. Do you feel bold and experimental? A printed cambric co-ord from Silayi's Fusion line might speak to you. Looking for comfort with class? Try a soft cotton kurta from our Printed Summer Basics collection. Dressing for a celebration? Let Silk do the talking.
Silayi Pret understands that fabric is the soul of fashion. That's why every piece is crafted not just with needle and thread but with a deep understanding of how fabric behaves, breathes, and tells stories.
As a brand, Silayi Pret invites you to make more intentional choices. Know your fabric, feel it, and, most importantly, wear it with pride. Every fold, every drape, and every print becomes part of your journey—your fashion story.
