Fine fabric, but it looks weak (4)
I believe the answer is:
lame
'fine fabric' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'it looks weak' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'lam' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'but' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lame that I've seen before include "Unable to walk without difficulty" , "Feeble; cripple" , "Disabled in leg or foot" , "Weak kind of excuse for halting walk" , "Rubbish" .)