Why Pakistani Fabric Names Matter
When you buy Pakistani clothes online, the fabric name tells you everything: how it will feel, what season it's for, how to wash it, and whether it will wrinkle in the car on the way to the event. Here's every fabric you'll encounter on Ruyte and what it actually means.
Lawn
Lawn is the fabric that defines Pakistani summer fashion. It's a fine, lightweight cotton with a thread count typically between 60 and 80 — the higher the thread count, the softer and more delicate it is.
Season: Spring and summer (April–September in Canada)
Feel: Light, slightly crisp, breathable
Best for: Daily wear, casual events, hot weather
Care: Cold water hand wash or delicate cycle, dry flat in shade, iron reverse side on low heat
Price range: Budget to premium — the fabric itself is inexpensive but designer lawn prints command high prices
Karandi (Karandi)
Karandi is a heavier woven fabric made from polyester or wool blends. It has a slightly textured surface and drapes beautifully, making it a favourite for formal wear.
Season: Winter (October–March)
Feel: Medium-heavy, structured, warm
Best for: Formal events, winter weddings, office wear
Care: Dry clean recommended for embroidered pieces; otherwise gentle machine wash cold
Why Canadians love it: It's warm enough for Canadian winters without looking too casual, and it photographs beautifully under event lighting
Khaddar
Khaddar is a handwoven cotton fabric with a slightly rough texture — think of it as the rustic, artisanal cousin of lawn. It has deep roots in the independence movement (Gandhi famously championed it) and remains a staple of Pakistani daily wear.
Season: Winter and transitional seasons
Feel: Slightly rough, substantial, breathable despite its weight
Best for: Casual and smart-casual wear, comfortable everyday use
Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or air dry
Marina
Marina is a thick brushed fabric — similar in feel to polar fleece but woven, not knitted. It's the warmest Pakistani fabric and a staple of Punjab winters.
Season: Deep winter only
Feel: Very warm, soft, slightly fuzzy on the back
Best for: Cold Canadian winters under a coat
Chiffon
Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight fabric used primarily for dupattas and the outer layer of formal kameez. Pure chiffon is delicate and requires careful handling; georgette (a heavier cousin) is more practical for everyday use.
Season: Year-round for dupattas; summer and formal events for kameez
Best for: Formal occasions, dupattas, overlays
Care: Hand wash only in cold water, never wring, dry flat
Quick Reference
Summer everyday wear → Lawn. Winter formal → Karandi. Winter casual → Khaddar. Very cold days → Marina. Formal dupatta → Chiffon.
Browse all fabrics on Ruyte — each product listing specifies the fabric type so you know exactly what you're getting.