What is cotton net fabric?

Cotton net vs ordinary net

Ordinary net, the kind used for stiff dupattas and embroidered overlays, is a mesh of nylon or polyester. Put the two side by side and the differences are easy to see and feel.

• Surface: cotton net is matt and slightly dry. Synthetic net has a faint plastic sheen.
• Feel: cotton net is softer on the skin and far less scratchy at the neckline and armholes.
• Openness: cotton net has a very fine, close grid of threads with tiny gaps. Synthetic net is a honeycomb mesh whose holes you can see from across a room.
• Breathability: a cotton-rich net lets air through and absorbs some moisture. Synthetic net lets air through its holes, but the fibre itself absorbs almost nothing.
• Creasing: cotton net creases and needs pressing. Synthetic net springs back.
• Body: cotton net falls in soft folds with a little crispness. Stiff net stands away from the body.

Cotton net suits and dupattas

A cotton net suit usually means a three-piece in which the kameez front, and often the sleeves, are embroidered cotton net, supplied with a plain fabric for the lining or slip and another for the trousers. The net carries the decoration, and the layer beneath supplies the colour and the coverage.

A cotton net dupatta is a middle path between the other sheers. It is less slippery than chiffon, softer than organza and less scratchy than stiff net, so it stays on the shoulder, shows a border or scattered embroidery clearly and falls in soft folds. It does crease in a bag, so it wants a light press before wearing. Our net and lace guide covers synthetic net, tulle and lace for comparison.

Does cotton net need lining?

For the body of a kameez, yes. Held up to daylight, a single layer shows your hand clearly, so the body needs a lining stitched in or a separate slip. Sleeves are a choice: one layer looks light and shows the skin, while a lined sleeve gives full coverage. Dupattas are left unlined.

Because the top layer is see-through, the lining is part of the design. The same colour underneath gives a solid, rich look; a paler or skin-tone lining makes the net look lighter and the embroidery stand out. A soft cotton lining keeps the outfit breathable, while a polyester one is warmer. Our guides to when a kameez needs lining and choosing a lining go further.

Before it is stitched

For Stitching Only, send daylight photos of each piece, including the lining fabric, and a photo of the label. We confirm that the fabric suits your design and that there is enough of it before you post anything. Start a stitching quote here and tell us how you want the sleeves and lining.

• Seams show: on a sheer fabric they are kept narrow and neat, and the placing of embroidered panels and borders is planned before cutting.
• Shrinkage: a cotton-rich net can shrink, but embroidered pieces are not washed before cutting, so tell us what the label says and whether anything has been washed.
• Care: follow the label. Embroidered cotton net is usually hand washed gently in cool water or dry cleaned, and pressed on the reverse through a cloth.
• Snags: the open weave catches on rings and bangles, so handle it with bare hands.