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Net Fabric Guide: Types, GSM, Prices, Uses
Net is the fabric that carries embellishment without carrying weight. An open mesh ground means a heavily worked dupatta stays light enough to drape, which is the whole reason bridal and party wear leans on it so hard.
The trade splits net into two broad families. Soft net for drape and fall. Stiff net, sold as cancan, for structure and flare support underneath a lehenga. Buying the wrong one is the most common mistake at the counter, since both look similar folded on the shelf.
Why Net Holds Its Position in Bridal Production
Cost placement explains most of it. Embroidered net delivers surface density at a fraction of what the same work costs on silk or velvet, because the base rate is low and the mesh holds thread tension well. A boutique can price a worked net dupatta competitively while keeping margin intact.
The second factor is layering. Net over satin, net over crepe, net over cotton silk. The sheer ground lets the underlayer colour read through, so one embroidered net can produce three different finished looks depending on what sits beneath it. For a family ordering several outfits across functions that flexibility cuts the fabric selection work considerably.
Types of Net Fabric
| Net Type | Best For | Approx Rate |
| Plain soft net | Dupattas, veils, saree pallu, ruffles | Rs 60 to 140 per metre |
| Stiff net (cancan) | Lehenga flare support, petticoat lining | Rs 70 to 130 per metre |
| Embroidered net | Bridal gowns, anarkalis, blouse sleeves | Rs 400 to 1,400 per metre |
| Sequin net | Cocktail dresses, party dupattas, jackets | Rs 350 to 850 per metre |
| Mirror work net | Designer capes, stage outfits, kalis | Rs 500 to 1,100 per metre |
Embroidered and mirror grades price on work density rather than base cost, so bulk purchase moves the plain and cancan rates far more than the worked ones.
Net GSM Guide
GSM on net decides drape against structure. Get this wrong and a dupatta either collapses or stands away from the body like cardboard.
| Type | GSM | Feel | Best For |
| Soft net, plain | 30 to 40 GSM | Smooth with light sheen | Dupattas, veils, sarees |
| Embroidered net | 60 to 90 GSM | Semi-soft, textured | Blouses, overlays, full suits |
| Stiff net, cancan | 80 to 100 GSM | Coarse, springy | Lehenga flare, ghera support |
| Sequin or cutdana net | 90 to 110 GSM | Weighted, decorative | Saree pallu, jackets, party wear |
Popular Uses
- Bridal dupattas, veils, lehenga overlay kalis
- Anarkali suits, blouse sleeves, gown layers
- Cocktail dresses, indo-western jackets, capes
- Cancan lining underneath flared lehenga skirts
Colour and Style Directions for 2026
Deep grounds are moving fastest for evening functions. Wine, bottle green, navy, black. Sequin and mirror work reads as contrast on these rather than washing out, which is what happens on gold or ivory under reception lighting.
Daytime demand has shifted the other way toward peach, coral, powder blue, soft pastels. These carry lighter thread work well without looking underdressed, so they suit mehendi and haldi ranges where party wear styling needs to stay comfortable through several hours outdoors.
Working Tips for Net
- Always line net garments. The mesh gives no opacity on its own
- Use a fine ballpoint needle. Sharp points split the mesh and create runs
- Cut with the embroidery motif placement mapped first, since panel joins across a worked pattern show badly
- Place net on yokes, sleeves, or top layers with crepe or cotton silk beneath to control cost per garment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much net fabric is needed for a bridal lehenga?
A standard flared skirt takes 7 to 9 metres of embroidered net depending on ghera and kali count. Add 3 to 4 metres of cancan for flare support plus lining fabric separately.
What is the difference between soft net and cancan?
Soft net drapes and sits close to the body. Cancan is stiffened mesh that springs outward, used underneath a skirt to hold volume. Cancan is never used as an outer layer.
Does net fabric tear easily?
Nylon and polyester nets resist tearing reasonably well. The weak point is snagging, where a pulled thread creates a run through the mesh. Store hung rather than folded with hard embellishment.
Can net be dry cleaned?
Yes for embroidered and sequin grades, which should never be machine washed. Plain soft net handles gentle hand washing in cold water. Air dry flat away from direct sun.
Order Net Fabric at Paras Gallery Fabrics
Our net range covers plain soft net, cancan, embroidered, sequin, mirror work grades across the full GSM spread, cut by the metre or supplied by thaan for production runs. Boutique owners and designers buying in quantity can check bulk rates on our wholesale page.