From the Lakes of Tana to the Design Studios of Dubai — The Evolution of Fine Cotton Prints

10/22/20253 min read

Cotton Lawn printed by Print Zombies - best fabric printing service in Dubai and Qatar
Cotton Lawn printed by Print Zombies - best fabric printing service in Dubai and Qatar

Some fabrics tell stories of craftsmanship that never fade.
One of them is Tana Lawn™, the legendary fine cotton by Liberty Fabrics — admired for its silk-like texture, feather-light weight, and luminous print quality. Inspired by the serene waters of Lake Tana in East Africa, it transformed how the fashion world perceived printed cotton.

But in today’s fast-moving design world — where speed, customisation, and creative freedom matter as much as heritage — designers in the UAE are seeking fabrics that perform like Tana Lawn™ but print like a dream.
That’s where Print Zombies steps in, offering three pure-cotton fabrics crafted specifically for custom digital printing with no MOQ:
Shirt Cotton, Glace Cotton, and PZ Lawn.

Understanding the Benchmark — Why Tana Lawn™ Became a Legend

Liberty’s Tana Lawn™ is woven from ultra-fine long-staple cotton yarns with an exceptionally tight weave, giving it a smooth hand and flowing drape. Its surface allows extremely detailed, vivid prints — a signature of Liberty’s design studio in London and mill in Italy.

It’s often used in luxury shirts, resort dresses, and timeless ready-to-wear pieces that thrive in warm climates. However, its high cost and limited customisation make it less accessible for independent designers and small studios — especially those who need flexibility and print-to-order capabilities.

That’s the exact gap Print Zombies fills — enabling creators to achieve Tana-grade print clarity and hand-feel while giving them total control over their designs, quantities, and timelines.

Meet the Three Custom-Printed alternatives from Print Zombies

1. Shirt Cotton — Strong, Structured, and Studio-Friendly

Pure cotton with a dense, balanced weave, Shirt Cotton offers the strength and structure designers love in tailored silhouettes — but with the softness and breathability needed for the Middle Eastern climate.
Despite its name, this isn’t just a shirting fabric. Its durable construction makes it ideal for dresses, tops, co-ords, and any style that uses generous yardage.

When digitally printed, the colors appear crisp, balanced, and stable — even on intricate motifs.

  • Width: 44 inches

  • Composition: 100% cotton

  • Finish: Matte, natural texture

  • Ideal For: Printed shirts, everyday dresses, high-volume tops

  • Why Designers Choose It: Durable, breathable, and easy to sew — perfect for bulk or capsule collections

2. Glace Cotton — Silky Touch, Elegant Finish

Glace Cotton shares the same pure-cotton DNA but carries a subtle glaze finish that gives the surface a polished, silky look.
It drapes beautifully, feels luxurious against the skin, and prints with a deep, lustrous tone — making it ideal for premium dresses, festive collections, and elegant resortwear.

Width: 44 inches

Composition: 100% cotton

Finish: Silky, polished surface

Ideal For: Printed dresses, festive tops, refined separates

Why Designers Choose It: Soft hand-feel, elegant sheen, premium look with rich print output

3. PZ Lawn — Feather-Light, Breezy, and Breathable

Inspired by the legacy of fine lawns like Tana, PZ Lawn is a cotton fabric with a finer weave and a smoother drape.
It’s exceptionally lightweight — perfect for the UAE’s warm climate — yet strong enough to hold detailed digital prints without bleeding or distortion.

Designers use it for flowing dresses, abayas, kaftans, and summer collections that demand comfort without compromising print vibrancy.

Width: 44 inches

Composition: 100% cotton

Finish: Soft, airy lawn weave

Ideal For: Kaftans, printed dresses, scarves, breathable daily wear

Why Designers Choose It: Lightweight comfort, brilliant color absorption, elegant drape.

How They Compare — A Quick Fabric Snapshot

Why Designers Across the GCC Work with Print Zombies

Because Print Zombies isn’t a vendor — it’s an execution arm for designers.
We work hand-in-hand with fashion houses, independent studios, and emerging brands to simplify their creative process from mood-board to meter.

When you print with us, you get:

No Minimum Order Quantity — order 02 meters or 200 meters with equal attention

Complete Customisation — any artwork, colorway, or repeat size

Fast turnaround — dispatch from India to UAE in days, not weeks

80+ fabric bases and expert guidance to pick the right on

Designer-friendly consultation — no judgment, no pressure, just support

Courier Partners Choose your preferred courier service ranging from DHL, FedEx, or Aramex

We understand the difference between selling fabric and building collections. Check our fabric catalogue here
Our team of textile and fashion designers ensures your artwork translates beautifully — whether you’re launching a small capsule or a full seasonal range.

Accessible Luxury, Designed for the Modern Market

Luxury isn’t about a logo — it’s about how a fabric makes you feel.
Shirt Cotton gives structure and strength, Glace Cotton adds elegance and shine, and PZ Lawn brings lightness and breathability — all while carrying your original prints, story, and signature style.

That’s what modern luxury means to us — freedom to customize without compromise.