Thus delicate material provides comfort (6)
I believe the answer is:
solace
'comfort' is the definition.
('solace' can be a synonym of 'comfort')
'thus delicate material' is the wordplay.
'thus' becomes 'so' ('so' can be a synonym of 'thus').
'delicate material' becomes 'lace' (I've seen this before).
'so'+'lace'='SOLACE'
'provides' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for solace that I've seen before include "Consolation, comfort" , "Comfort in time of disappointment or sorrow" , "Comfort at a time of sadness" , "amusement" , "Relief in affliction" .)