Fabrics and care · 30 September 2026 · 4 min read
Net and lace fabrics: sleeves, dupattas and how to line them
Net and lace for kameez and kurtas: tulle, embroidered net, guipure and cotton lace, where each works best, how to line them and how to wash and press them.
InspirationNet, tulle and lace: the differences
Net and lace are both open fabrics, but they are built differently and behave differently when stitched. These are the kinds you are most likely to meet in a suit or on a fabric shop shelf.
- Net: an open mesh fabric, usually nylon or polyester. It ranges from soft and fine to stiff and scratchy, and is often embroidered for festive suits.
- Tulle: a very fine, light net, soft enough for sleeves and overlays.
- Embroidered net: net with embroidery worked into it, often supplied as a front panel, sleeves or a dupatta in an unstitched suit.
- Guipure lace: a heavier lace whose motifs are joined by bars rather than sitting on a net background, so it holds its own shape.
- Fine net-ground lace: delicate lace with motifs outlined on a net background, soft and light.
- Cotton lace: crochet, eyelet and embroidered cotton laces, the everyday choice for trims, borders and panels on lawn and cotton.
Where net and lace work best
Net and lace are at their best where transparency is part of the design.
- Sleeves: net or lace sleeves on a lined kameez add lightness. Tell us if you want them left sheer or lined in a skin-tone fabric.
- Dupattas: net dupattas are light and carry embroidery well, but can snag on jewellery. Our dupatta sizes and styles guide covers shapes.
- Overlays: a net layer over a coloured kameez softens the colour underneath.
- Yokes and panels: a lace yoke or panel on a plain kurta is an easy everyday way to wear lace.
- Hems and borders: scalloped lace edges can be used as a finished hem, with no turned edge needed.
Lining net and lace
A net or lace body almost always needs a lining or a separate inner, and because you can see through the top layer, the lining is part of the look. A lining in the same colour gives a solid, rich effect. A skin-tone lining makes net look barely there. A contrast lining turns the lace pattern into a feature, which can lift a simple design.
Choose a smooth lining so the net does not catch or cling, and think about comfort: stiff net rubs, so a soft lining or a facing at the neckline, armholes and cuffs helps. Our lining guide covers lining fabrics in more detail, and our organza guide looks at the crisper sheer fabric often used alongside net.
Stitching and care notes
- Seams: net seams are visible, so they are kept narrow, bound or hidden where possible. Lace can sometimes be joined by overlapping motifs so the seam almost disappears.
- Placement: lace motifs and scalloped edges are positioned before cutting, so photos of each full piece help.
- Heat: synthetic net can melt or go shiny under a hot iron. Use a low setting with a pressing cloth, or steam, and test on a hidden area first.
- Washing: hand wash plain net and lace gently in cool water, and dry clean embroidered pieces. Always follow the care label.
- Shrinkage: cotton lace can shrink at a different rate from the fabric it is sewn to, so consider pre-washing it before it is stitched; our pre-washing guide explains how.
- Snags: keep net away from hook-and-loop fastenings, bag clasps and rings; a pulled thread in net is hard to hide.
Ordering
On the stitching quote form, tell us which pieces are net or lace, send photos of each full length in daylight and describe the lining effect you want. If the suit came with an inner fabric, mention it and include it in your photos. For lace edges on a dupatta, see our dupatta finishing ideas. The unstitched suit stitching page explains the rest, and your written quote confirms the details.
Common questions
Does a net kameez need lining?
Yes, a net body needs a lining or a separate inner, because net is an open mesh. Sleeves can be left sheer or lined in a skin-tone fabric, depending on the look you want.
Can you iron net fabric?
Only on a low heat with a pressing cloth, because synthetic net can melt or turn shiny. Steaming from a short distance is often safer; test on a hidden area first.
What is the difference between net and lace?
Net is a plain open mesh, while lace is an openwork fabric with a pattern of motifs. Some lace is built on a net background, and some, such as guipure, has motifs joined by bars instead.
