For this reason they'll add delicate material to provide comfort (6)
I believe the answer is:
solace
This could be a double definition.
'for this reason they'll add delicate material' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'comfort' is the second definition.
(I know that solace is a type of comfort)
'to provide' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for solace that I've seen before include "Comfort in time of distress" , "Comfort and reassurance" , "Kind of comfort - a close thing" , "Comport" , "Comfort in misery" .)