Quick answer: Net is an open-weave mesh fabric — the decorative sheer that's the perfect canvas for embroidery, used for lehenga skirts, dupattas, anarkalis, sleeves and overlays. Khadi net is the premium version: a slightly irregular, hand-spun-look weave that's softer, drapes better and complements hand embroidery, which is why it's preferred for luxury bridal wear. Net is breathable and lightweight even when heavily embroidered, but it's sheer (so it needs lining) and snags easily, so handle it gently.
If organza is the structured sheer and chiffon the flowing sheer, net is the decorative sheer — the canvas behind some of Pakistani fashion's most breathtaking embroidered pieces. Here's everything you need to know, including the increasingly popular khadi net.
What is net fabric?
Net is an open-weave textile with visible holes between the yarns, creating a mesh structure. Unlike accidentally sheer fabrics, net is intentionally see-through, making it ideal for layering, overlays and embroidery. The yarns are knotted or looped at intersections, which makes net surprisingly stable and durable for its delicate look. It's lightweight, an excellent embroidery canvas, and comes in densities from very open to almost opaque.
Regular net vs khadi net
Regular net has a uniform, machine-made mesh (nylon, polyester or silk) and can range from stiff to soft. Khadi net (also khaadi or khaddi net) is woven with slightly irregular, hand-spun-style yarns for a more organic, textured look and a softer, more fluid drape — though, despite the name, modern khadi net is usually machine-made to mimic hand-spun characteristics.
| Feature | Regular net | Khadi net |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Uniform, smooth | Slightly irregular, organic |
| Drape | Can be stiff | Softer, more fluid |
| Embroidery result | Good | Excellent — texture complements handwork |
| Best for | Party wear, underlayers | Luxury bridal and party wear |
Why khadi net is preferred for bridal wear: it's softer and more comfortable for long wear, looks more expensive and artisanal, complements hand embroidery better, drapes more flatteringly, and photographs beautifully without looking “plastic.”
Types of net
Soft net (tulle) — fine and flowy, for ball-gown lehengas, ruffles and veils. Stiff net (crinoline) — for volume and underskirts. Embroidered net — pre-embroidered, for main panels, dupattas and overlays. Khadi net — textured, premium bridal choice. Crystal net — subtle shimmer for evening wear. Silk net — the most luxurious hand-feel. Nylon/polyester net — durable and affordable. Point d'esprit — small woven dots for romantic, vintage looks.
Pros and cons
Advantages: a superb embroidery canvas (stitches anchor while designs appear to “float”); it creates visual depth when layered; it stays lightweight even with heavy embroidery; it's breathable; it styles flexibly (gathered, ruffled, draped); it has a romantic, bridal aesthetic; and it's generally good value. Disadvantages: it's sheer and needs lining; it snags easily; lower-quality net can feel scratchy; it shows every snag and pull; it's hard to repair invisibly; synthetic net attracts static; and quality varies enormously.
Best uses in Pakistani fashion
Net excels in embroidered lehenga skirts (wedding staples — heavy embroidery at a lighter weight than silk), dupattas, anarkali gowns, sheer overlays and jackets, sleeves, and back panels. By event it suits the baraat (embroidered net lehengas are bridal classics), walima, nikah (whites and pastels), mehndi (lighter pieces) and guest wear. Browse net pieces in our bridal and party wear collections.
What to avoid
Avoid rough handling, never skip the underlayer, keep jewellery away while dressing (rings and bangles snag net), don't machine wash, don't iron directly, avoid sitting on rough surfaces, don't store compressed, and keep net well away from Velcro — even brief contact causes serious damage.
How to clean and care for net
Professional dry cleaning is safest for embroidered or embellished net. Plain or lightly embellished net can be very gently hand washed in cool water with a tiny amount of mild detergent (swish, never rub or twist; support the weight when lifting; lay flat to dry, never hang wet). Steam to remove wrinkles (hold the steamer at least 8 inches away, working around embroidery). Store on a padded hanger or folded with generous acid-free tissue, never compressed, in a breathable bag away from anything that could snag. For a snag, don't pull — ease caught threads back with a fine needle, and see a specialist tailor for significant damage. Our full care guide has more.
Frequently asked questions
Is net suitable for summer weddings?
Yes — its open weave is more breathable than solid fabrics. Pair it with a lightweight inner layer for maximum comfort in warm weather.
What's the difference between net and tulle?
Tulle is technically a type of net — a soft, fine net with very small holes. In South Asian fashion, “net” often means a slightly larger mesh used as an embroidery canvas, while “tulle” is used for soft, layered looks.
Is khadi net worth the extra cost?
For bridal and high-end party wear, yes — its superior drape, comfort and artisanal look make a noticeable difference. For guest outfits or children's wear, standard quality net may be sufficient.
How do I judge net quality?
Quality net feels soft, drapes gracefully without excessive stiffness, and has consistent mesh (unless it's khadi net, which is intentionally irregular). Rough, scratchy yarn or a stiff “plastic” feel signals lower quality.
What colour lining works best under net?
Lining usually matches the net colour or is skin-toned for a seamless look; dark lining under light net creates drama, while matching lining disappears visually.
Last updated: June 2026
