Every winter, khaddar suits fill the shelves of every brand in Pakistan. But what exactly is khaddar, why does it keep you warm, and how do you tell a good khaddar suit from a poor one? Here is a simple guide.
What is khaddar fabric?
Khaddar (also written khaddar or khadi) is a thick, textured cotton fabric with a slightly coarse, matte surface. Traditionally it was hand-spun and handwoven; today most khaddar for clothing is woven on looms, but it keeps the same dense weave and handloom-style feel. In English it is usually described as a coarse cotton or homespun cotton fabric.
In Pakistan, "khaddar" means the winter version of this fabric: heavier than lawn, soft on the inside and strong enough to hold rich prints and colours.
Is khaddar warm? Is it for summer or winter?
Khaddar is a winter fabric. The dense weave traps air and holds body heat, so it feels warm on chilly mornings and evenings in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, without the itch of wool. On the coldest days, layer your khaddar suit with a shawl, cardigan or coat.
Because it is still cotton, khaddar breathes. That makes it comfortable indoors and in heated rooms, where wool or synthetic winter fabrics can feel stuffy.
Types of khaddar you will see
- Printed khaddar: the most popular choice for women's 3 piece suits. Khaddar takes colour beautifully, so florals, paisleys and geometric prints look rich rather than flat.
- Plain (dyed) khaddar: solid colours, often used for trousers, men's shalwar kameez or as a base for embroidery.
- Slub khaddar: has small, irregular thick-and-thin threads for extra texture.
- Embroidered khaddar: printed or dyed khaddar with thread embroidery on the neckline, front or dupatta, usually priced higher.
Khaddar vs karandi vs linen
| Khaddar | Karandi | Linen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | High | Medium | Light |
| Feel | Soft, matte, textured | Crisp, grainy | Smooth, airy |
| Best for | Everyday winter wear | Semi-formal days | Mild winters, Karachi |
For a full comparison, read our khaddar vs karandi vs linen guide.
What does a khaddar suit cost in Pakistan?
Prices depend on the brand, the print, whether the dupatta is also khaddar, and whether there is embroidery. As a rough guide in 2026, a printed unstitched khaddar 3 piece suit from an established brand usually costs a few thousand rupees, and stitched versions cost more because tailoring is included.
At Sahfa, every design in our Dhoop Kinara winter collection is Rs 4,790 unstitched and Rs 6,790 stitched (S to 2XL), with a printed khaddar shirt, trouser and dupatta.
How to tell good khaddar from poor khaddar
- Weight: good khaddar feels substantial in the hand, not thin or see-through when held up to light.
- Print: colours should be sharp and even, with no blotches at the edges of motifs.
- Softness: it should feel soft on the inside even if the outside has texture.
- Dupatta: check whether the dupatta is khaddar too. A khaddar dupatta keeps the suit warm and looks more complete.
How to care for khaddar
- Dry clean or hand wash in cold water for the first wash, as dark colours may release a little dye.
- Wash inside out with a mild detergent, and wash dark colours separately.
- Do not wring; press the water out and dry in shade to protect the print.
- Iron on the reverse side at medium heat.
We have a full step-by-step guide on how to wash khaddar suits without fading or shrinking.
Shop printed khaddar 3 piece suits
Ready for winter? Browse Dhoop Kinara, our 11 printed khaddar 3 piece suits for women, from the black florals of Gul-e-Shab to the maroon polka dots of Bindiya. Unstitched or stitched, with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan.
