It's pretty thin stuff (5)
I believe the answer is:
tulle
'stuff' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tulle that I've seen before include "French town" , "Tutu netting" , "Delicate netted fabric" , "Silk net fabric" , "that may be around one's body" .)