When it comes to the world of textiles, there’s a vast and fascinating array of different types of fabric materials, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a home decorator, or simply someone curious about the fabrics that surround us in our everyday lives, understanding the various cloth materials is essential. From the soft and luxurious feel of silk to the rugged durability of denim, the textile industry offers a diverse palette of options. We’ll explore some of the most common and intriguing types of fabric, shedding light on their origins, properties, and the many ways they enrich our daily experiences. So, let’s embark on a textile journey and discover the names of cloth materials that make our world a more vibrant and comfortable place.
Different Types of Fabric
1. Brocade
2. Canvas
3. Cashmere
4. Chiffon
5. Corduroy
6. Cotton
7. Crepe
8. Damask
9. Denim
10. Felt
11. Flannel
12. Jersey
13. Lace
14. Lame
15. Lawn
16. Leather
17. Linen
18. Merino wool
19. Modal
20. Organdy
21. Organza
22. Polyester
23. Shantung Silk
24. Silk
25. Spandex
26. Suede
27. Taffeta
28. Tweed
29. Twill
30. Velour
31. Velvet
32. Viscose
33. Satin
34. Fleece
35. Georgette
36. Khadi Fabric
37. Muslin
38. Oxford Fabric
39. Sateen
40. Terry Cloth
41. Warp Knit
42. Chenille
43. Buckram
44. Raschel Knit
45. Foulard
46. Gabardine
47. Gingham
48. Toile
49. Gauze
50. Poplin
51. Quilted Fabric
52. Madras Fabric
53. Industrial Fabrics
54. Khaki
55. Laminated Fabric
1. Brocade
- Fabric also known as: Embossed cloth
- Fabric composition: Patterned, woven textile yarn
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100-600
- Fabric breathability: Depends on the fabric used—usually low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the fabric used
- Country where fabric was first produced: China
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China or Australia
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the fabric used
- Commonly used in: Dresses, ecclesiastical vestments, costumes, trousers, jackets, suits, upholstery, drapes
Brocade is a special kind of fabric that has beautiful raised patterns on it. These patterns are made by using different colored threads. Brocade has been around for a very long time and was used in fancy clothes in places like ancient Japan and Europe during the Renaissance. Nowadays, you can find it mostly in fancy furniture and formal clothing.
What Is Brocade Fabric?
Brocade is a fancy woven fabric with raised patterns, often made with gold or silver threads. It’s usually woven by hand in intricate designs. Some kinds of brocade are called “Imperial Brocade,” which have historic gold or silver threads in the design. When brocade is used for heavy furniture covering, it’s called “Brocatelle.” There’s also “velvet brocade,” which is like soft velvet with a raised pattern on it.
What Is the History of Brocade?
Brocade fabrics, originally crafted from silk on handlooms during the Middle Ages, were found in various countries such as China, Japan, Greece, and Italy. These luxurious textiles, featuring intricate designs and often adorned with jewels and hand embroidery, were exclusive to rulers and the wealthy. In 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard’s invention of a loom using punched cards revolutionized brocade production, enabling mass manufacturing. Despite this advancement, brocade remained expensive and required careful maintenance, limiting its accessibility to the affluent.
Types of Brocade Fabric:
Various brocade fabric types include:
- Continuous Brocade: In this fabric, excess weft thread for designs is either left on the back or trimmed.
- Discontinuous Brocade: In this type, the extra weft is woven only in the patterned area, with leftover threads incorporated into the fabric to create additional patterns.
- Silk Brocade: The most popular form of brocade fabric, the first ever produced, remains relevant due to its enduring smoothness, durability, and luxurious feel.
- Synthetic Brocade: This fabric is crafted from synthetic fibers, making it more affordable than silk and cotton brocades. It is also cheaper to manufacture than brocade woven with natural fibers, although it may not be as comfortable or soft to wear.
- Cotton Brocade: Cotton brocade is easier to make than silk brocade, with simpler patterns, and is often used for casual clothing, lacking the luxury of silk.
- Himru Brocade: Himru, primarily produced and utilized in India, is a fabric blend of silk and cotton. It offers a soft, breathable, slightly stretchy feel like cotton, combined with the durability and elegant shine of silk.
- Zari Brocade: Zari, once woven with precious metals such as silver, gold, or copper, now incorporates synthetic materials like metallic yarns. It is a popular choice in India for crafting traditional sarees.
2. Canvas
- Fabric also known as: Duck, tarp, fly, awning cloth, tenting
- Fabric composition: Plain-weave cotton or linen treated with PVC or gesso
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 50-100
- Fabric breathability: Low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Depends on the material used
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Italy
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Medium to hot
- Commonly used in: Bags, sails, tents, tarps, pants, jackets, upholstery covers, art supplies, backpacks, handbags, shoes
Canvas, a versatile and strong textile, finds practical applications for painters, handbag designers, and sailors.
What Is Canvas?
Canvas is a robust and durable fabric, primarily composed of cotton, with some linen. Blending cotton with synthetic fibers can enhance its water resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Where Does the Word Canvas Come From?
Canvas was initially woven with hemp, and the term “canvas” comes from the Latin word “cannabis,” meaning “made of hemp.” Cotton was woven into canvas in ancient India around 1500 B.C., and it eventually spread to Europe in the eighth century through global trade.
How Is Canvas Made?
Canvas is a fabric created by tightly weaving thick, medium to heavy-weight yarns in a basic plain weave. It distinguishes itself from other cotton fabrics through its use of two-ply yarns for added weight and texture, except in art canvas where single-ply yarn is used.
What Are the Different Types of Canvas?
Modern canvas comes in 8 main types:
- Drop Cloth – Duck canvas with high absorbency, ideal for slipcovers and drop cloths.
- Duck Canvas – This is often called cotton duck canvas, a tightly woven fabric made from coarse yarns. It’s used in items enduring high stress, such as shoes and tents.
- Marine-Grade Canvas – This refers to marine canvas made of robust acrylic fibers used for boat cushions and awnings.
- Needle Point Canvas – Needlepoint canvas is a perforated fabric for needlepoint embroidery.
- Organic Canvas – This is plain canvas made from 100% organic cotton fibers.
- Polyester-Cotton Blend Canvas Material – This canvas blends cotton and polyester, serving for painting and printing photos and art.
- Waste Canvas – This canvas has a grid pattern with loose threads ideal for embroidery.
- Waxed Canvas – Waxed canvas is a fabric coated with wax and commonly employed in crafting bags, jackets, and outdoor gear.
Advantages: Durability, Able to be easily printed, Washable, Water-resistant, Highly moisture wicking, Not prone to pilling,
Disadvantages: Chemicals used in the treatment are not that eco-friendly, Low breathability, Canvas doesn’t have much drape so it is not suitable for most clothing items.
3. Cashmere
- Fabric also known as: Kashmir fabric
- Fabric composition: Fiber derived from cashmere or pashmina goats
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where fabric was first produced: Kashmir region & Gobi Desert region
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold/cool
- Commonly used in: Sweaters, hats, dresses, shirts, socks, underwear, thermal gear, hosiery, scarves, blazers, gloves
What is cashmere fabric?
Cashmere, derived from a special goat native to the Gobi Desert and Central Asia, is renowned for its exceptional softness and luxury. It is often used for making lightweight cold-weather clothing like sweaters and scarves. While not as insulating as traditional wool, its fine texture allows for dense but thin fabric, making it suitable for direct skin contact in items like underwear and undershirts.
History of cashmere fabric
Cashmere goat breeding has ancient origins in Mongolia and the Kashmir region, dating back to at least the 3rd century BC. The wool’s trade routes connected it to Europe through the Middle East. Cashmere wool gained popularity in France and contributed to a thriving European market by the 19th century. Traditional Central Asian goat herders continue to benefit from the cashmere trade, and global interest in this ultra-soft textile remains strong.
What different types of cashmere fabric are there?
- Cashmere wool: Cashmere wool, sourced from Gobi Desert and Kashmir region goats, is exceptionally soft, fine, and strong.
- Pashmina wool: The pashmina goat, closely related to the cashmere goat, yields fibers so akin to cashmere that they are frequently grouped together.
- Grade C cashmere: Grade C cashmere wool is the roughest and most affordable type, typically used in garments with limited skin contact.
- Grade B cashmere: This cashmere grade is slightly better than C but can still feel somewhat rough or scratchy, and its price varies widely.
- Grade A cashmere: Grade A cashmere is universally costly, with varying levels of expense, but once you feel it, you’ll grasp its allure.
Used to make: Dresses and other formal wear, sweaters, trenchcoats, pea coats
4. Chiffon
- Fabric composition: Silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, or rayon
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: France
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash cold or dry clean
- Commonly used in: Evening wear, nightgowns, blouses, scarves, lingerie, ribbons, wedding dresses
Chiffon, a lightweight fabric, is synonymous with elegance and luxury, gracing both Bollywood and ball gowns with its shimmering, sheer charm for centuries.
What Is Chiffon?
Chiffon is a lightweight fabric made using a chiffon weave, which creates small puckers for a subtle texture. This weave involves s-twist and z-twist crepe yarns twisted tightly in opposite directions and woven in a plain weave pattern.
What Is the History of Chiffon?
Chiffon, derived from the French word “chiffe” meaning cloth, initially consisted of silk, signifying luxury. In 1938, nylon chiffon was introduced, followed by polyester chiffon in 1958, making it more affordable and widely used in fashion.
What Different Types of Chiffon Fabric Are There?
Chiffon fabric comes in diverse styles and is crafted from various materials:
- Material variations: This fabric style can be created using various organic, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and silk.
- Silk crepe chiffon fabric: Chiffon is typically associated with its slightly puckered texture and a somewhat rough feel, which is what most people envision when asked to picture this fabric.
- Silk satin chiffon fabric: This chiffon fabric is smoother than silk crepe and even more transparent and lightweight.
- Pearl chiffon fabric: This pearlescent chiffon fabric with a glossy texture stands out from other variations.
- Jacquard chiffon fabric: This chiffon fabric, though thin, feels substantial and is popular for kurta dresses and scarves.
- Chameleon chiffon fabric: This rare chiffon variety, known for its multi-toned appearance, is one of the rarest on the market.
Characteristics: Sheer, Rough feel, Stretch, Strong, Shimmery
Pros of Using Chiffon: Drapes well, Holds dye well, Lightweight
Cons of Using Chiffon: Difficult to work with, Frays easily, Loses shape over time
5. Corduroy
- Fabric also known as: Corded velveteen, Manchester cloth, elephant cord, pin cord
- Fabric composition: Cotton, cotton-poly blend, wool, or fully synthetic
- Fabric possible wale variations: 1.5 to 21
- Fabric breathability: Medium
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Depends on the material used
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the material used
- Country where fabric was first produced: England
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the material used
- Commonly used in: Pants, overalls, jackets, uniforms, shirts, dresses, pillows, upholstery, uniforms for soldiers
What is Corduroy?
Corduroy is a durable, textured fabric used in various items like clothing. It features distinctive ridges, which come in different widths. While commonly made from cotton, it can also incorporate polyester or be purely polyester or even wool. When using non-cotton fibers, the ridges may be less pronounced. Corduroy can be dyed in solid colors or printed with designs.
What is Corduroy Wale?
Corduroy classification is based on wale count, with fewer wales indicating thicker ridges and higher wale numbers signifying more and finer ridges.
What Are the Different Types of Corduroy?
- Pinwale Corduroy (Up To 21 Wales): Pinwale corduroy is the opposite of elephant corduroy, with many small ridges per square inch and up to 21 wales per inch. It’s ideal for children’s clothing and soft toy sewing.
- Standard Corduroy (8 To 14 Wales): Standard corduroy typically has around 11 wales per inch, falling within the range of 8 to 14 wales.
- Elephant Corduroy (6 Or Less Wales): Elephant corduroy, named for its resemblance to elephant skin, features thick, large cords with 1.5 to 6 wales. Its limited wales make it exceptionally warm, making it a popular choice for winter clothing.
- Pigment-Colored Corduroy: This fabric is a unique type of corduroy created through a pigment dyeing process, where dyes are applied to the fabric’s surface before it’s cut and sewn. The mottled design becomes more pronounced with each wash.
- Spandex Corduroy: Spandex is added to corduroy to create stretchable fabric, commonly used in children’s clothing for its comfort and flexibility. Approximately 5% Spandex is typically blended with the corduroy.
- Bedford Corduroy: This US fabric, called Bedford corduroy, resembles corduroy but has uncut pile yarn, resulting in subtle ridges. It’s commonly used for men’s pants.
6. Cotton
- The fabric is also known as: Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton
- Fabric composition: Organic fibers from the seeds of the cotton plant
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100, 200, 300, 600, up to 2,000
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where fabric was first produced: Ancient India
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: India
- Recommended washing temperatures: Medium or high
- Commonly used in: Shirts, dresses, blouses, underwear, socks, sweaters, sheets, blankets, bags, jeans, skirts, Cottonseed oil
Cotton, a natural fiber from cotton plants, has been a fashion industry staple for millennia, found in many closets in various forms like plain cotton, dyed cotton, or cotton blends. Its use dates back to 5000 B.C.
What Is Cotton?
Cotton, a staple fiber, is derived from the natural fibers of cotton plants in the genus Gossypium. It mainly consists of cellulose, vital for plant structure, and is soft and fluffy. Cotton requires ample sunlight, a frost-free period, and sufficient rainfall for growth. “Cotton” denotes the fibers inside the boll, which are spun into yarn and woven to make a durable, soft fabric.
Where Did Cotton Originate?
The word “cotton” has its origins in the Arabic word “quton,” and its earliest production dates back to ancient India. The first cotton gin, which separates cotton from seeds, was invented in 13th-century India, making cotton production more efficient. During the Industrial Revolution, Britain became a major cotton producer thanks to spinning innovations. Eli Whitney’s mechanical cotton gin revolutionized cotton production in the United States and Europe, drastically reducing the labor hours required. The U.S. remains a top cotton producer, second only to China and India, with occasional fluctuations in production.
Where Does Cotton Grow?
Cotton is grown in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, such as the U.S., China, India, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Brazil, and Turkey. Texas, in the U.S., is the largest cotton producer, with the South Plains region being the world’s largest contiguous cotton-growing area.
How Is Cotton Processed?
Cotton production involves planting seeds, harvesting the crop, and processing it in a cotton gin.
- In the past, cotton was handpicked and separated, but today, machines like cotton pickers and strippers are used to harvest cotton.
- Cotton is baled and field-stored after picking, prior to being sent to gins.
- At the gins, cotton bales undergo cleaning and fluffing to remove dirt, seeds, and lint.
- Once cotton is separated from seeds in gins, it’s compressed and stored for shipment to textile mills.
- Cotton is cleaned and fluffed, then passed through a carding machine to create a long, untwisted rope of short fibers for spinning and weaving.
4 Different Types of Cotton:
There are four cotton types, each with unique traits.
- Pima cotton: Pima cotton, prized for its exceptional softness and extra-long fibers, originates from South America and the American Southwest. It is highly coveted for its resistance to fading, tearing, and wrinkling, making it the finest cotton in the world.
- Egyptian cotton: Egyptian cotton, like Pima cotton, belongs to the Gossypium barbadense class, offering similar durability. However, it is specifically cultivated in Egypt’s Nile River Valley.
- Upland cotton: Upland cotton, accounting for 90% of global cotton production, has short fibers and is native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Florida.
- Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without chemicals and comes from non-genetically engineered plants.
Characteristics: Softness, Durability, Absorbency, Holds dye well, Breathability, No static cling
7. Crepe
- Fabric also known as: Crape, crepon, crespe, crisp
- Fabric composition: Wool, silk, or synthetic materials
- Fabric possible thread count variations: Varies depending on the base material
- Fabric breathability: Crepe made with organic materials has higher breathability than synthetic crepe
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Generally high
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): High
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Various ancient cultures
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Depends on the type of fabric used
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold or hand wash
- Commonly used in: Scarves, shawls, wraps, dresses, eveningwear, hats, mourning wear, high fashion, curtains
Crepe is a versatile fabric traditionally crafted from silk but now produced from various fibers, available in different weights and thicknesses.
What Is Crepe?
Crepe is a fabric with a wrinkled appearance, originating from the French word for thin pancake. It can be lightweight or medium-weight and may be made from silk, wool, or synthetic materials.
How Is Crepe Made?
Crepe fabric can be crafted from various natural and synthetic fibers, employing different methods to achieve its intentionally wrinkled appearance. It can be woven or knitted, and the material and manufacturing technique determine the type of crepe.
What Are the Different Types of Crepe?
Countless crepe types exist, differing in construction and fiber choice.
- Crepe de Chine: Crepe de Chine is a lightweight fabric, often silk-based, known for its smooth, matte finish and slight pebbling. This effect is created by using tightly twisted weft yarns in a plain weave. Polyester crepe de Chine offers a cost-effective alternative with a similar look and feel to silk.
- Crepe georgette: Crepe georgette is a soft, smooth fabric made from silk or synthetic silk-like fibers like rayon. It has a slight elasticity and a graceful drape, making it a popular choice for dresses.
- Wool crepe: Wool crepe is a textured fabric made from wool, and sometimes other materials like cotton or synthetics. It has a rough, wrinkle-resistant surface and is typically used for suits, pants, and dresses due to its light to medium weight.
- Polyester crepe: Polyester crepe is a lightweight, synthetic fabric with a smooth drape, commonly used for dresses, skirts, and blouses. It may include elastane for added stretch.
- Crepe-back satin: Crepe-back satin is a fabric with one smooth satin side and one crinkled crepe side.
- Canton crepe: Canton crepe, originally crafted from Canton province silk in China, closely resembles crepe de chine but is slightly heavier due to thicker fill yarns in the weave.
- Plisse crepe: Plisse crepe is created through chemical treatment, involving either hot roller pressing or wax-resist and alkaline dipping to produce a distinctive puckered and crinkled appearance by inducing intentional wrinkles.
- Crepe charmeuse: Crepe charmeuse is a silk fabric woven using the satin technique, featuring a smooth, reflective surface like satin on one side and a matte finish on the other, thanks to crepe twist yarns that create a textured appearance.
8. Damask
- Fabric also known as: Silk damask, cotton damask, twill damask
- Fabric composition: Natural or artificial fibers woven in a combination of warp-faced satin and weft-faced sateen weaves
- Fabric breathability: Depends on the type of fabric used – usually reasonably breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Natural damasks are more breathable than artificial damasks
- Heat retention abilities: Depends on the type of fabric used
- Stretchability (give): Generally not stretchy, but varies depending on the fabric used
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the type of fabric used
- Country where fabric was first produced: Modern Syria
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Depends on the type of fabric used—India, Australia, or China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the type of fabric used – Synthetic fabrics generally cannot be washed at high temperatures
- Commonly used in: Evening gowns, shirts, jackets, upholstery, rugs, tapestries, tablecloths, napkins, table runners, scarves, handbags, damask-style wallpaper
What Is Damask?
Damask is a reversible fabric with a woven pattern, not printed. It combines satin weave for the design and plain, twill, or sateen weave for the background. Damask is woven using one warp and one weft thread and can be multi-colored or single-colored. It’s made from various materials like silk, linen, cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers like rayon.
What Is the History of Damask?
Damask, initially from China around 300 B.C., became a prominent weaving technique during the early Middle Ages, with production focused in the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. It gets its name from the city of Damascus, a Silk Road trading hub. Early medieval damasks were hand-woven in silk.
In the fourteenth century, damask reached Europe, and the term was first recorded in mid-fourteenth-century French. Early European damasks were woven on Italian draw looms, which could create intricate patterns. Modern damasks are produced using computerized Jacquard looms.
What different types of damask fabric are there?
Here are some damask varieties you might encounter:
- Silk damask: Silk damask is considered the “true damask” due to its centuries-old tradition as the exclusive material for this iconic patterned fabric. It is the softest and highest-quality form, making it the most expensive.
- Synthetic damask: Synthetic damask, not crafted from natural fibers like silk or cotton, has become the standard, despite connoisseurs’ disapproval.
- Cotton damask: Weavers in the East initially attempted to create a damask with cotton, but it didn’t gain the same popularity as silk damask.
- Wool damask: Wool damask, like its cotton counterpart, has periodically captivated the fashion world for centuries.
- Twill damask: Twill damask is created from the same materials but features a unique weave pattern, giving it a distinctive twill look.
Characteristics: Defined by its pattern, Thick and heavy, Durable, Reversible, Lustrous
9. Denim
- Fabric also known as: Serge de Nimes
- Fabric composition: Dyed cotton yarn is woven in the warp-faced style
- Fabric possible thread count variations; Dense threads result in low thread counts
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Low to medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: No
- Country where fabric was first produced: France, then USA
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold, warm, or hot
- Commonly used in: Jeans, jackets, shirts, suits, skirts, hats, belts, shoes, aprons, duvets, etc.
What is Denim?
Denim, traditionally 100% cotton, features a distinctive twill weave with diagonal ribs. Contemporary denim may incorporate polyester or Lycra for added versatility. It’s a rugged and adaptable fabric, equally at home in everyday wear and high-fashion settings.
What Is the History of Denim?
Denim, initially called Serge de Nimes, originated in the French city of De Nimes. Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss started making work clothes for miners from denim in the mid-1800s, unaware of how popular denim and jeans would become.
Types of Denim:
- Raw Denim: This is raw denim, untouched and unwashed, initially dark blue, which naturally fades with washing. It’s stiff to wear but durable, especially if washed sparingly. Also known as dry denim or unwashed denim.
- Sanforized Denim: Sanforized denim is pre-shrunk raw denim, preferred by hardcore denim enthusiasts because it doesn’t shrink much. Knowing whether your raw denim is sanforized is crucial, as non-sanforized denim may require a larger size to accommodate shrinkage.
- Indigo-dyed denim: The most common denim type is indigo-dyed, with blue-dyed warp threads and white weft threads, giving denim its classic blue appearance. Originally derived from the indigo plant, it now uses a synthetic blue dye while still retaining the name “indigo.”
- Color Dyed Denim: Sulfur dyes create a wide range of denim colors, including mustard, green, grey, red, and pink. They can also be mixed with other dyes for unique shades.
- Selvage Denim (Selvedge Or Self-Edge): Selvage denim features colored edges to prevent fraying, often in red or orange, indicating higher quality when used in jeans seams. Alternatively, raw edges can be overlocked to prevent fraying.
- Acid Wash Denim: Acid wash denim is achieved by scrubbing the fabric with a chlorine-soaked pumice stone or using chemical acids in the wash, resulting in a faded, mottled, and worn appearance. This trend, popular in the 1980s, has seen various comebacks.
- Stone Wash Denim: Stonewashing, using pumice stones to remove the dye and create a lived-in appearance, can be less predictable and may result in uneven abrasion, leading to reduced durability in denim items.
- Crushed Denim: Crushed denim is intentionally wrinkled or crumpled, often combined with processes like acid or stone wash to create an authentically worn appearance that remains even after washing.
- Poly Denim: Poly-cotton fibers are blended with denim to make a popular, soft fabric for clothing.
- Stretch Denim: Spandex or Lycra can be blended with denim fabric for added stretch, creating exceptionally comfortable jeans, particularly favored for their snug fit.
- Bull Denim: Bull denim is a durable 100% cotton fabric, versatile for upholstery, curtains, and clothing, available in different weights and colors. It has a noticeable weave and a soft side.
- Ecru Denim: Ecru denim is undyed, retaining the natural cotton color – a soft, creamy hue.
- Organic Denim: Organic denim is a chemical-free cotton manufacturing process, offering a healthier alternative to conventional denim.
10. Felt
- Fabric composition: Wool, animal fur, acrylic, acrylonitrile, or rayon
- Fabric breathability: Medium
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where the fabric was first produced: Turkey or the Altai Mountains
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Australia or China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the fabric used
- Commonly used in: Hats, insulating garment lining, boot liners, arts and crafts, pillows, bags, details on other garments, wall hanging
What Is Felt?
Felt fabric is typically crafted from wool or acrylic, creating quality material. Wool can be easily matted for a fuzzy texture, and blending with synthetic fibers enhances durability.
What Is Felt’s History?
Felt, one of the oldest textiles, is believed to have originated in Asia, with evidence of its production in Siberia and Northern Mongolia.
Types of Felt:
- Wool Felt: This felt is created by stacking natural wool fibers and then using soap, heat, and friction to interlock and entangle the fiber scales. The end product is a thick, soft, and versatile fabric that can be shaped as desired.
- Acrylic Felt: Acrylic felt is affordable and readily accessible, and it remains the same size after washing. However, it lacks the flexibility and durability of wool felt.
- Fur Felt: Fur felt is a durable and malleable material used for making hats and accessories, but its production involves animal fur and harm to animals, making it an unpopular choice for many.
- Rayon Felt: Rayon felt, also known as viscose felt, is commonly employed in industrial and medical settings due to its wool-like qualities. It can be molded into insulating products, but, being a synthetic fiber, it is non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful. Rayon can also be blended with wool to create a softer crafting felt option.
- Pressed Felt: Pressed felt is the oldest known form of felt and predates weaving and knitting. It’s typically made from pure wool or a mix of synthetic and wool fibers.
- Needled Felt: Needled felt can be made from a blend of synthetic and wool fibers or purely wool fibers using machines equipped with thousands of needles to create a softer and less dense felt fabric.
11. Flannel
- Fabric also known as: Flannelle, flanell
- Fabric composition: Various soft fibers that are either brushed or unbrushed
- Fabric possible thread count variations: Up to 1,000+
- Fabric breathability: Varies depending on the constituent fabrics
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Varies depending on the constituent fabrics – generally high
- Heat retention abilities: Varies depending on the constituent fabrics – generally medium to high
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Medium
- Country where fabric was first produced: Wales (most likely)
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Varies depending on the constituent fabrics – China, Australia, or India
- Recommended washing temperatures: Varies depending on the constituent fabrics
- Commonly used in: Shirts, button-downs, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, vests, bedsheets, blankets, upholstery
What is Flannel?
Flannel is a versatile fabric known for its softness, made from various materials like cotton, wool, or synthetics, and achieved through brushing or a loosely spun finish.
What is Flannel – Origins:
The origin of the term “flannel” is debated, with some suggesting it comes from the French “Flanelle” in the late 17th century, and others attributing it to the German “Flanell” in the early 18th century. However, evidence points to a similar fabric existing in Wales in the early 16th century, suggesting Welsh origins. This early Welsh fabric was either cotton or frieze, with frieze being a coarse material with an uneven nap. In the 17th century, flannel emerged as a superior replacement for Welsh plain fabric. By the 20th century, production shifted from wool to a cotton and silk blend, and today, flannel is typically made from 100% cotton.
What is Flannel – Types?
The various types of flannel fabric determine their specific uses:
- Flannelette: This is a cotton fabric with a flannel-like texture, featuring napping on one or both sides, with options for both long and short nap lengths. It comes in various solid and patterned designs and a wide array of colors.
- Baby Flannel: This lightweight flannel is primarily used for children’s clothing.
- Diaper Flannel: This double-sided napped cotton material, often used for cloth diapers, is crafted from sturdy cotton fabric.
- Ceylon Flannel: This is made from a blend of cotton and wool.
- Canton or Cotton Flannel: Flannel is a cotton fabric with a napped surface on one or both sides.
- Vegetable Flannel: Tartan flannel, invented in the 1800s by Leopold Lauritz in Germany, is crafted from fibers obtained from Scot’s pine.
12. Jersey
- Fabric also known as: Jersey knit
- Fabric composition: Wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 150-600
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): High
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the fabric used
- Country where fabric was first produced: Channel Islands
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China or Australia
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the fabric used
- Commonly used in: Underwear, T-shirts, bedding, sweaters, dresses, blouses, polo shirts, sweatpants, athletic wear
Athletic uniforms, often called sports jerseys, were originally inspired by pullover sweaters worn by fishermen from Jersey Island in the English Channel. The versatile knit fabric, known for its comfort and stretch, has become a popular choice for various clothing items, from t-shirts to bed sheets.
What Is Jersey?
Jersey is a flexible knit fabric originally crafted from wool, but now it’s also produced from cotton, blends, and synthetics. It has a smooth front with a subtle rib knit and a looped back. This light-to-medium-weight fabric is used for clothing and home goods.
What Are the Origins of Jersey?
Jersey fabric, originally from the Jersey Channel Islands, was initially used for men’s underwear and fishermen’s sweaters in medieval times. In 1916, Coco Chanel transformed the market by introducing comfortable jersey dresses and coats for women’s fashion.
2 Types of Jersey:
Jersey is a stretchy knit fabric with two main types based on the knit style:
- Standard jersey: This type of knit, also known as single knit or plain knit, is created with one set of needles, resulting in one smooth side and one piled side.
- Double-knit jersey: Interlock jersey, also known as double-knit jersey, features two layers of single-knit jersey seamlessly joined to create a smooth surface on both sides.
What Is Jersey Made From?
Originally crafted from wool, jerseys transitioned to synthetic fibers and cotton due to advanced manufacturing techniques. This change lowered costs with cotton and enhanced durability through synthetics. Presently, the majority of jerseys combine cotton and synthetic materials.
Tips for Sewing With Jersey:
- Use a ballpoint needle.
- Attach a walking foot to your sewing machine.
- Opt for a zigzag stitch when sewing.
- Consider using a twin needle for hemming tasks.
- Always perform a test on a fabric swatch beforehand.
Characteristics of Jersey: Stretchy, Soft, Opaque, Absorbent and breathable, Well-structured
13. Lace
- Fabric also known as: Ties, openwork, lacework, netting, tatting, tulle, meshwork
- Fabric composition: Linen, silk, cotton, precious metals, synthetic fibers
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Low
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Disputed (somewhere in Europe)
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash cold or dry clean
- Commonly used in: Bridal gowns, shawls, dresses, garment accentuations, accessory accentuations, upholstery accentuations, curtains, tablecloths, lampshades, lingerie, scarves
Lace is a beloved decorative fabric used in items like wedding veils and lingerie, known for its intricate and open designs, created from various fibers and techniques.
What Is Lace?
Lace is a delicate fabric with open designs, traditionally crafted from silk and linen, but now also using cotton and synthetic fibers. It serves as a decorative element for clothing and home decor, often associated with luxury due to its intricate production process.
What Is the History of Lace?
The word “lace” has its roots in the Middle English and Old French word “las,” derived from the Latin “laqueus,” meaning “noose.” Its precise origin is uncertain, as it evolved from other textile methods. Lace gained popularity in the late 16th century, adorning both homes and clothing, especially among the royal and noble classes. Europe continued to cherish lace until the late 18th century, with Italian, French, and Belgian lace renowned for their craftsmanship. The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery for efficient and affordable lace production, making it accessible to a broader audience.
How Is Lace Used?
Lace is versatile, serving decorative purposes in both fashion and home decor.
- Lace trim: Lace is a common decorative trim for clothing and home textiles, adding a patterned edge.
- Lace collars and shawls: Lace’s open weave was a 16th-century royal collar favorite and its decorative charm also suits shawls and scarves as stylish accessories.
- Curtains and drapes: Lace window treatments add beauty to your home, even though they don’t offer privacy or block out light.
- Bridal wear: Lace is a common element in bridal attire, adorning wedding dresses and veils. It is typically layered over an opaque material such as silk or satin to accentuate its intricate design.
- Lingerie: Lace is a popular choice for embellishing undergarments, often combined with silk or used independently.
What Are the Different Kinds of Lace?
Lace is crafted in numerous methods and patterns, each resulting in distinct types of lace. The classification depends on the making process and the type of thread used. Here are some examples of lace varieties:
- Needle lace: Needle lace is crafted using just one needle and thread, forming the fabric through intricate tiny stitches. It’s a common and straightforward type of lace.
- Alencon lace: Alençon lace, named after the French city of Alençon, is a delicate needlepoint lace, often featuring floral motifs.
- Bobbin lace: Bobbin lace is created by winding thread onto multiple bobbins and weaving them around pins to form intricate designs. Belgium is renowned for its expertise in bobbin lace.
- Chantilly lace: Chantilly lace, originating in 17th-century France, is a type of bobbin lace known for its association with the town of Chantilly. It comes in both white and black variations.
- Knotted lace: Knotted lace, created through macrame with Arabic origins, consists of intricate patterns formed by tying knots and loops.
- Knitted lace: Knitted lace forms when loops are created between open knit stitches in a decorative pattern.
- Valenciennes lace: Valenciennes lace, named after its French town of origin, features a simple mesh background with woven designs and typically lacks a heavy border. Flemish Valenciennes, a Belgian variation, adds a tightly plaited border and often adopts a diamond shape.
- Torchon lace: Torchon lace, once handmade on pillows, is now machine-made and features twists and simple designs on a slightly rough texture.
- Guipure lace: Guipure lace, also known as tape lace, is a type of bobbin lace that uses threads and twists to connect lace designs, rather than creating a mesh-like pattern. “Guipure” is a French word meaning “tape.”
- Venetian point lace: This lace features intricate floral scroll designs and was highly popular for collars.
- Irish crochet lace: Irish crochet lace mimics Venetian point lace by combining crocheted patterns with a mesh-like design.
14. Lame
- Fabric also known as: Cloth of gold
- Fabric composition: Woven metallic threads (often interspersed with natural or synthetic yarn)
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100-300
- Fabric breathability: Low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Low
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Depends on the subtype of lame (either no give or highly stretchy)
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where the fabric was first produced: Ancient Assyria
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Dry clean genuine lame—machine-wash imitation lame
- Commonly used in: Blouses, dresses, neckties, costumes, cosplay, high fashion, jeans, skirts, jackets, shoes, bags, curtains, drapes, fencing uniforms
What is lame fabric?
Lame, a fabric with metallic fibers, has a history dating back over 4,000 years, once reserved for royalty. Today, it’s more accessible, with variations in precious metal lame still costly. Both real and imitation lame are popular in high fashion and costumes.
History of lame fabric:
The earliest historical mentions of lame fabric date back to Ancient Assyria (2500 BC-600 AD), where records report the use of gold or silver fabric exclusively by royalty. Throughout history, the high cost limited its availability to the wealthy elite. Lame, also known as the “cloth of gold” in Europe, featured gold fibers and resembled precious metals.
What different types of lame fabric are there?
- Tissue lame: This ultra-thin lame fabric, often woven with mylar alongside lame yarn, rarely includes real gold or silver threads, closely resembling tissue paper.
- Hologram lame: Hologram lamé creates a holographic look through a unique weaving pattern and coated yarn. You can produce this multicolored fabric with real or imitation lamé.
- Pearl lame: Pearl lame, like hologram lame, has an iridescent sheen, but it resembles the coloration of mother-of-pearl. It can be either imitation or genuine.
- Liquid lame: Liquid lame, known for its fluid texture and graceful drape, creates a sensuous, watery appearance when worn against the skin. Typically, it doesn’t contain real gold or silver.
- Spandex lame: Imitation lamé often includes Spandex fibers for better garment flexibility, while genuine lame can also incorporate elastane, although less frequently.
- Guipé: Many fabric manufacturers and designers argue that true lame requires pure metallic fibers, distinguishing it from “guipé,” which uses metal ribbons wound around textile yarn. However, today, the majority of lame incorporates metal ribbons, making this distinction less significant.
- Precious metal lame: True “cloth of gold” must be made from genuine precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, or others, despite its high cost.
- Aluminum or imitation lame: Aluminum wrapped around synthetic textile fibers like rayon or polyester is cheaper but lacks the genuine lame’s luster and beauty.
- Lurex: Lurex is a trademarked fabric with synthetic fibers coated in vaporized metal, typically aluminum, but it can also include real gold or silver.
15. Lawn
- The fabric is also known as: Lawn fiber, lawn, batiste, nansook, cotton lawn
- Fabric composition: Usually cotton
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 150-200
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Reasonably stretchy
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: France
- The biggest exporting/producing country today: India or Pakistan
- Recommended washing temperatures: Medium to hot
- Commonly used in: Dresses, blouses, shirts, skirts, pinafores, nightwear, handkerchiefs, lingerie, lawn suits
What is lawn cloth fabric?
Lawn cloth is a lightweight, semi-transparent fabric often made with high thread count cotton in a plain weave. It has a silky texture and is popular for spring and summer women’s clothing, typically woven with combed or carded yarn.
History of lawn cloth:
Lawn cloth, originally woven in the French city of Laon, initially used linen and later shifted to cotton from India. This lightweight fabric influenced traditional Indian ‘salwar kameez’ suits, also called ‘lawn suits,’ which remain popular in India and Pakistan. After the partition of India, most lawn suit production occurred in Pakistan.
What different types of lawn cloth fabric are there?
Let’s examine some different types of lawn cloth and their alternatives:
- Batiste: Batiste fabric, finer than lawn cloth, is often used for ecclesiastical purposes, with subtle distinctions from lawn fabric known for its sheerness.
- Voile: Voile is akin to lawn fabric, but it’s even thinner and softer, resembling silk. In contrast, lawn fabric has a lower thread count and feels somewhat crisper to the touch.
- Organdy: Organdy is the crispiest cotton fabric, thinner and more transparent than lawn cloth, with an exceptionally crisp feel.
- Nainsook: Nainsook is a type of ultra-soft fabric made by using combed yarn in the production of lawn cloth, rather than being a distinct fabric itself.
- Cambric: Cambric and batiste, while similar fabrics have distinct histories. In the 17th century, as Indian cotton entered Europe, linen cambric posed strong competition for this emerging textile.
16. Leather
- Fabric also known as: Hide, skin
- Fabric composition: Tanned animal skins
- Fabric breathability: Low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Low
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Unknown – prehistoric origins
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Italy (by value) or China (by volume)
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash cold
- Commonly used in: Jackets, coats, wallets, belts, bags, gloves, shoes, book bindings, upholstery, automobile seats, saddles, luggage, sporting goods
Leather, crafted from animal hides and skins, has maintained its popularity in the fashion industry for over 7,000 years due to its enduring quality and versatility, seen in everything from leather jackets to high heels.
What Is Leather?
Leather is a versatile material derived from animal hides or skins, with cowhide being the most common source (65% of leather production). Various animals, including crocodiles, pigs, and stingrays, can also be used to make leather. It is durable, and wrinkle-resistant, and its appearance and texture can vary based on the animal source, grade, and treatment. Leather has a history spanning over 7,000 years.
How Is Leather Made?
Leather is created from raw animal hides through tanning and treatment processes, enhancing durability and versatility. Various animal and tanning methods are employed in leather production, typically involving three key stages: preparation, tanning, and crusting. The end result is supple and long-lasting leather.
1. Before tanning, the leather is prepared by removing hair and possibly soaking and bleaching the hide.
2. Leather is tanned by treating hides with agents like chrome salts or vegetable oils to make it supple.
3. The leather undergoes a crusting process to soften and dry it, preparing it for its final use, such as dyeing or sanding.
8 Different Types of Leather:
Top-grain leather, known for its durability, comprises the outer layer of the hide, called the grain, and comes in various forms such as full-grain, corrected-grain, and nubuck.
- Full-grain leather is prized for its durability as it retains the entire grain layer.
- Corrected-grain leather retains the top grain but undergoes treatment or sanding to enhance its uniform look and reduce imperfections.
- The nubuck’s grain side is meticulously sanded to create a sleek, smooth texture, akin to suede.
Split leather is derived from the corium, the remaining leather after removing the top grain. It’s softer and smoother than top-grain leather but less durable. Varieties include suede, bi-cast, and patent leather.
- Suede comes from the soft underside of animal skin, typically from younger animals for its smoother texture.
- Bi-cast leather, featuring a vinyl layer for a full-grain leather look, sacrifices quality for stiffness.
- Patent leather is treated with a lacquered finish to provide it with a sleek and glossy appearance.
Other types of leather include:
- Bonded leather – Bonded leather is produced by amalgamating leather remnants to form the semblance of a complete leather sheet.
- Faux leather – This is not genuine leather as it’s crafted from synthetic materials, specifically a plastic base, and treated to mimic leather’s appearance. It lacks the durability and porous qualities of real leather. While it’s cruelty-free, its production does have some environmental impact due to the use of man-made materials.
What Is Leather Used For?
Leather goods serve various purposes, including clothing and home decor.
- Clothing: Leather is commonly used for clothing such as jackets, pants, dresses, and blouses.
- Shoes: Leather shoes, known for their durability and attractiveness, are a popular choice for various styles, including boots, loafers, and high heels.
- Furniture: Leather is a common choice for couch and chair upholstery as well as car seats, particularly in luxury vehicles.
- Bookbinding: Leather is a favored material for hardcover book binding and some covers, with vegetable-tanned leather being preferred for its softness, flexibility, and ease of embossing spine information.
Leather primarily originates from animal skins, with cowhides accounting for over 60% of global leather production. It undergoes diverse processing methods, resulting in a range of textures and properties, including shiny, matte, stiff, or flexible finishes.
17. Linen
- Fabric also known as: Flax fabric
- Fabric composition: Spun fibers from the stalks of flax plants
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 200-2,000
- Fabric breathability: Highly breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Prehistoric Europe
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold, warm, or hot
- Commonly used in: Bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, dish towels, bath towels, wallpaper, upholstery, skirts, shirts, suits, dresses, luggage, thread, aprons, bags, napkins, tablecloths, diapers
Linen, a timeless and versatile natural fabric, is celebrated for its softness, breathability, and durability. It is among the oldest natural fibers and is renowned for its elegance, making it suitable for various uses from summer clothing to absorbent dish towels.
What Is Linen?
Linen, derived from the flax plant, is a durable, lightweight fabric. Its name originates from the Latin word for flax, “Linum usitatissimum,” and the term “linen” is linked to its straight-line weaving.
What Is the History of Linen?
Linen has an ancient history, with its origins in Mesopotamia, where it was used for mummy wrappings and burial shrouds. The Egyptians were pioneers in linen production, even using it as a form of currency. Linen is deeply woven into human culture, mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, emphasizing its significance.
Where Is Linen Made?
France and Belgium are ideal for flax growth, with other countries like China, Canada, Italy, and Tunisia also cultivating flax. Flax plants are exported globally for linen production. European weaving mills, especially in Italy, produce top-quality, durable, and soft linen. However, linen production has shifted from Europe to Asia, with China as the leading exporter, and the world’s largest linen factory located in Harbin.
How Is Linen Made?
Linen production is more labor-intensive and costly compared to cotton due to the challenging nature of weaving flax fibers. Although some aspects of the process are automated, a significant portion still relies on manual work.
- Flax plants are uprooted to preserve the fiber length instead of being cut.
- The plants are allowed to decompose in the field to facilitate fiber separation.
- The fibers are stored indoors for several months to further soften.
- After softening, flax fibers are combed to remove dirt, and debris, and separate short and long fibers.
- Long fibers are twisted and wet-spun to create softer yarn for items like bed sheets and clothes.
- Short linen fibers are dry-twisted to create a stronger linen variant, ideal for applications such as upholstery and stitching tough materials like leather.
6 Benefits to Using and Wearing Linen: Absorbent, Breathable, Soft, Environmentally friendly, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, resistant to sun damage, dries very well, strong, long-lasting, and doesn’t pill
Cons: Wrinkles easily, Expensive, shrinking, Not as commonly available
18. Merino wool
- Fabric also known as: Spanish wool
- Fabric composition: Carded and spun hair fibers from Merino sheep
- Fabric possible thread count variations: Depends on the grade of the wool
- Fabric breathability: Medium
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where fabric was first produced: Spain
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Australia
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold, cool, or warm
- Commonly used in: Sweaters, socks, shirts, base layers, hoodies, dresses, skirts, pants, suit jackets, underwear, long underwear, blankets
What is merino wool fabric?
Merino wool, derived from Merino sheep, is a popular, affordable, and durable fabric known for its absorbency, water resistance, and insulation. It’s often used in winter undergarments. Depending on the manufacturing process, it can be incredibly soft and is available in various grades, including ultra-fine for blending with silk or cashmere.
History of merino wool:
Merino sheep were introduced to southern Spain in the 12th or 13th century, with uncertain origins, possibly a mix of Spanish and Moroccan breeds. They were bred for fine wool. Notable Merino wool production began in the early 15th century. Genetic testing suggests various crosses with Spanish, Italian, and English sheep. By the late 15th century, Merino sheep made Spain a European wool market rival. In the 16th century, Spanish Merino wool dominated, while English wool was used domestically. In the 18th century, Merino exports became legal, spreading to other European nations after being introduced to Sweden and the British Isles.
19. Modal
- Fabric is also known as: High-wet-modulus rayon, HWM rayon
- Fabric composition: Cellulose from trees and synthetic ingredients
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 150-300
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): High
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Japan
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold
- Commonly used in: Sportswear, underwear, T-shirts, bed sheets, swimwear
Modal, often dubbed the “underwear fabric,” is a sustainable textile made from beech tree pulp, offering lightweight, stretchy, and breathable qualities. It’s transforming the fashion industry with eco-friendly and durable options for clothing and home goods.
What Is Modal Fabric?
Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic material derived from beech tree pulp, commonly used in clothing like underwear and pajamas, as well as household items such as bed sheets and towels. It’s a type of rayon, but it’s known for being more durable and flexible. Modal is often blended with other fibers like cotton and spandex for added strength. This luxurious textile is prized for its softness and is slightly pricier than cotton or viscose.
Brief History of Modal:
Modal was initially created in Japan in the 1950s. Nowadays, Austrian company Lenzing AG dominates modal production with trademarked fabrics such as Lenzing Modal, China Modal, and Formatex. They also offer lighter variations like MicroModal and Modal Air, known for their superior softness and luxury.
How Is Modal Fabric Manufactured?
Modal fabric is a sustainable, plant-based textile derived from the cellulose of reconstituted beech trees. It is often considered an environmentally friendly alternative to cotton due to the minimal water requirements for beech tree cultivation, which results in a production process that utilizes significantly less water, approximately 10-20 times less.
Despite its plant origin, the manufacturing of modal fabric involves the use of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which classifies it as a semi-synthetic material. Modal belongs to the category of rayon fabrics, but it distinguishes itself by being more durable than traditional rayon and boasting a cotton-like softness.
What Is the Production Process for Modal?
- Beech trees are harvested, and chipped, and their pulp is processed to extract cellulose.
- Cellulose is converted into sheets and immersed in sodium hydroxide.
- Sheets are fragmented and soaked in carbon disulfide to create sodium cellulose xanthate.
- Cellulose xanthate is treated with sodium hydroxide, and the resulting solution is extruded through a spinneret to form fibers.
- Fibers are immersed in sulfuric acid to create yarn, then cleaned, bleached, and dried before being wound onto spools.
- The yarn is then used to weave or knit fabric, creating a modal.
Benefits of Using and Wearing Modal Fabric: Stretchy, Soft, Breathable, Water absorbent, Durable, Drapes well, Eco-friendly, Doesn’t pill, Colorfast, Doesn’t shrink, Biodegradable, Doesn’t crease
Disadvantages: Prior to utilizing or donning this fabric, it is crucial to verify that you do not possess any allergies that could potentially be activated by the material.
20. Organdy
- Fabric also known as: Swiss organdy
- Fabric composition: Plain-weave cotton fibers
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100-300
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Switzerland
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash, dry clean, or machine was cold
- Commonly used in: Evening wear, dresses, baby clothing, children’s clothing, collars, cuffs, aprons, apparel lining, curtains
What is Organdy Fabric?
Organdy, a lightweight cotton fabric, can have its crispness adjusted through various finishes. Typically, textile producers use one of three methods to achieve a permanent or semi-permanent shine.
What is Organdy Fabric – History:
Organdy’s history dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe when fashionable plain-woven fabrics were in demand. Linen was the primary plant-derived material, and mutton wool was a notable animal-derived rival. The earliest organdy, as well as lawn cloth and batiste fabric, were made from linen, with organdy originating in Switzerland and the others in France. While historical records are scarce, evidence suggests that Swiss organdy makers pioneered this lighter, finer fabric as an alternative to traditional linen.
What is Organdy – Types:
Organdy comes in various types, primarily categorized by their stiffness levels.
- Stiff Organdy: This organdy type has undergone the most extensive acid-washing, making it exceptionally stiff, ideal for ceremonial attire but less suitable for everyday wear.
- Semi-Stiff Organdy: This material, a blend of fair rigidity and mild softness, is ideal for clothing, especially in women’s dresses and nightwear. However, finding semi-stiff organdy can be a challenge.
- Soft Organdy: Soft Organdy is lighter and less rigid than other types but still firmer than most textiles. It’s popular for making sundresses and women’s casual or semi-formal clothing.
- Cotton Organdy: Artificial textiles are often referred to as “organdy,” but true organdy is made from cotton, not linen, which is no longer a common source for organdy production. If made from linen, it would be considered authentic organdy.
21. Organza
- Fabric also known as: Organzine
- Fabric composition: Silk or synthetic fibers
- Fabric possible HPI variations: 7-18 HPI
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretch ability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: None
- Country where fabric was first produced: Turkestan
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash cold or dry clean
- Commonly used in: Dresses, scarves, blouses, evening wear, curtains, table runners, Organza bags, Costumes
Organza, known for its lightweight and glossy look, is a versatile fabric used in wedding dresses, evening wear, and home decor, creating stunning, dimensional gowns and decorative items.
What Is Organza?
Organza is a sheer, lightweight fabric originally made from silk but now commonly crafted from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. It’s delicate, prone to fraying, and known for its small holes, with higher hole density indicating better quality. Organza is a popular choice for wedding gowns and evening wear due to its shimmering and translucent appearance, creating elegant silhouettes.
Where Is Organza Made?
Silk organza, like many silk fabrics, has its origins in China, where silk cultivation began. It was traded on the Silk Road, and production has since spread worldwide. China is the largest producer and exporter of organza, with weaving mills along the Yangtze River, especially in Zhejiang province. India is a significant exporter of stiffer organza, primarily from the Bangalore region, while France and Italy are known for their top-quality organza production.
How Organza Is Made in 3 Steps:
Organza is typically handwoven due to its intricate and precise weaving process, with machine-made versions often lacking in quality.
- Twisting the yarn. Filament fibers, whether silk or synthetic, are twisted together in opposite directions to create yarn once they’re produced.
- Treating with acid. Yarns are combed and acid-treated before weaving into the fabric to enhance stiffness, a crucial quality for organza. Synthetic fibers may not require this treatment, as they are naturally stiff.
- Weaving. The yarns are interlaced in a plain weave, with warp and weft threads crossing over and under evenly to create a criss-cross pattern.
6 Different Types of Organza Fabric:
Traditional organza is silk-based, but numerous lightweight variations of this luxurious fabric exist.
- Crystal organza: Crystal organza, a popular and common type of organza, is a soft, lightweight fabric with a subtle sheen. It is used for various purposes, including bridal gowns and interior decorating, and can be crafted from silk or synthetic fibers.
- Mirror organza: Mirror organza is the shiniest type of organza, crafted from polyester, and it excels at reflecting light.
- Satin organza: Satin organza combines satin’s shine with organza’s crisp drape.
- Crushed organza: Organza fabric is intentionally crinkled for a crushed appearance.
- Shot organza: Shot organza is created by using various colored silk threads for both the warp and weft, resulting in a multi-colored finish that resembles gradients such as a sunset or the northern lights.
- Embroidered organza: Embroidered organza enhances regular fabric with added embroidery, embellishments like rhinestones and sequins, and diverse patterns, elevating mirror and crystal organza for decorative flair.
Characteristics of Organza: Transparency, Thinness, Sheerness, Stiffness, Breathability, Easy to wrinkle and tear
22. Polyester
- Fabric also known as: Polyethylene terephthalate, PET, microfiber
- Fabric composition: Polymers derived from fossil fuels or organic sources
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 200-1,000
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Medium
- Country where fabric was first produced: United States
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold, warm, or hot
- Commonly used in: Shirts, pants, hoodies, dresses, jackets, underwear, socks, blankets, hats, sheets, rope, upholstery
What Is Polyester?
Polyester ranks high among fabrics due to its exceptional durability, with a lifespan of over 100 years before degradation. Over 60% of fabrics in stores are polyester-based, showcasing its versatility and widespread production as a synthetic fiber derived from oil polymers.
What Different Types of Polyester Fabric Are There?
To enhance your understanding of polyester fabric, it’s crucial to delve into the three primary types of this textile:
- Ethylene Polyester: Ethylene polyester, commonly known as PET, is the dominant polyester type, often used interchangeably with the term “polyester,” despite the existence of other polyester varieties.
- Plant-Based Polyester: Plant-based polyester offers biodegradability as its primary advantage, but it tends to be more expensive to produce and may have lower durability compared to PET or PCDT fabrics.
- PCDT Polyester: PCDT polyester, though less common than PET polyester, offers greater elasticity and durability, making it a top choice for heavy-duty applications such as upholstery and curtains.
23. Shantung Silk
- Fabric also known as: Silk shantung, ribbed silk
- Fabric composition: Silk or synthetic fibers
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 300-600
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Shandong, China
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold or cool
- Commonly used in: Dresses, wedding gowns, blouses, men’s shirts, vests, tailored pants, evening wear, girl’s dresses
What is shantung fabric?
Shantung, a silk fabric distinguished by its unique irregular ridges, known as slubs, is highly regarded by fabric enthusiasts as the epitome of silk textiles. This luxurious material is a favored option for premium wedding gowns.
Characterized by its crisp texture and graceful drape, shantung is among the most lightweight silk fabrics available. Its subtly fluted surface sets it apart from other silk varieties, offering excellent contrast in the world of silk textiles.
History of shantung:
Shantung fabric originated in China’s Shandong province and made its way to the West during the Renaissance. This luxurious silk is associated with the mystical allure of Shandong’s spiritual significance and historical richness. While once overshadowed by smoother silk weaves, shantung has gained widespread acclaim for its unique texture. In the 20th century, synthetic versions were introduced, but they lacked the finesse and durability of genuine silk shantung.
What different types of shantung fabric are there?
There are various shantung and similar fabrics to be aware of:
- Silk shantung: Despite its high cost and unique appearance, traditional shantung fabric remains the most popular choice.
- Synthetic shantung: Synthetic fabrics can mimic the look and feel of shantung, but replicating silk’s desirable qualities with artificial materials has proven challenging for textile producers.
- Dupioni: Italian silk Dupioni is akin to shantung but boasts more noticeable slubs, giving it a distinct and irregular look. It’s generally thicker and has a less pronounced drape than shantung.
Shantung silk is a fabric made by twisting yarns from two different silk worms, resulting in a coarse appearance that feels soft. It is primarily used in upholstery but can sometimes be found in high-end clothing like coats.
24. Silk
- Fabric composition: Fibers created by the silkworm insect
- Fabric possible thread count variations: Up to 600 (momme count is more important)
- Fabric breathability: Highly breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: China
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cool or warm
- Commonly used in: Nightgowns, lingerie, robes, eveningwear, blouses, suits, sport coats, curtains, pillow ruffles, parachutes, bicycle tires, medical dressings
Silk, a natural fiber, is renowned for its luster, strength, and durability, making it a symbol of luxury in high-end fashion due to its softness and elegance.
What Is Silk?
Silk, a natural fiber, is produced by various insects for their nests and cocoons. It is primarily composed of fibroin protein and is known for its shine and softness. Silkworms are the most common silk producers.
What Is the History of Silk Production?
Silk fabric originated in ancient China, initially reserved for the Emperor and used as a form of currency. The Silk Road facilitated its trade, connecting East and West. Over time, silk production spread to various regions like Korea, Thailand, India, and Europe, reaching the United States in the seventeenth century. King James I introduced silk to the colonies, leading to production centers in Patterson, New Jersey, and Manchester, Connecticut. World War II disrupted the industry, paving the way for the development of synthetic fabrics like nylon.
How Is Silk Made?
Silk production is called sericulture and involves harvesting silkworms for their material.
- Larvae eat mulberry leaves.
- After multiple molts, they create a cocoon, which solidifies in 2 to 3 days upon exposure to air.
- Once the cocoon is ready, it’s immersed in boiling water to terminate the pupae.
- Silk filament is obtained by brushing the cocoon.
- Raw silk can be woven, knitted into fabric, or spun into yarn.
Approximately 2,500 silkworms are needed to produce one pound of raw silk. Each cocoon contains about a mile of silk filament, and a single silk thread comprises 48 silk filaments. Various weaving techniques yield different fabrics, such as crepe (rough and crinkled), organza (thin and sheer), and chiffon (lightweight with a slight stretch).
Pros of Silk Fabric: Texture, Strength and durability, Elasticity, Absorbency
Cons of Silk Fabric: Static cling, Shrinkage
25. Spandex
- Fabric also known as: Lycra, elastane
- Fabric composition: Polyether-polyurea copolymer
- Fabric breathability: High breathability
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretchability (give): Exceptionally high
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where fabric was first produced: United States
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Warm or cold
- Commonly used in: Athletic wear, stretch pants, yoga pants, skinny jeans, underwear, bras, socks, motion capture suits
What is Spandex?
Spandex, also known as elastane, is a lightweight synthetic fabric praised for its exceptional elasticity. It’s often blended with other fabrics like cotton or polyester, typically in small percentages (2% to 4%), to provide stretch, commonly used in garments like skinny jeans. Spandex can stretch up to 7 times its size, making it a preferred choice for athletes and form-fitting clothing. It’s widely popular, with approximately 8 in 10 consumers owning at least one spandex-containing garment.
What is Spandex in History:
During World War II, engineers sought synthetic alternatives to replace rubber due to its scarcity and fluctuating prices. Dupont, a leading company in this endeavor, made a breakthrough in the early 1950s when Joseph Shiver transformed Dacron into a highly stretchy and heat-resistant fiber. This innovation was perfected in 1958 and became popular in the early 1960s, leading to a surge in comfortable intimate apparel and swimwear made from spandex over the next two decades.
What is Spandex Made of?
Spandex is composed of a synthetic polymer called polyurethane, which imparts its remarkable stretchability and distinctive elasticity. It can be made through various methods like solution dry spinning, reaction spinning, solution wet spinning, and melt extrusion.
Today, the predominant method for producing spandex is the solution dry spinning technique, accounting for approximately 90% of global spandex production.
26. Suede
- Fabric also known as: Fuzzy leather, napped leather, Ultrasuede
- Fabric composition: The underside of animal skins or a similar synthetic material
- Fabric breathability: Low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Low
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Sweden
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Professional cleaning recommended
- Commonly used in: Shoes, jackets, gloves, hats, bags, apparel lining, seat covers, belts
Suede fabric is known for its soft, velvety surface, typically made from the underside of animal hides, commonly lambskin but also other animal skins.
What Is Suede?
Suede is a soft leather made from the underside of various animal skins, such as lambskin, goats, pigs, calves, and deer. It is thinner and less durable than traditional full-grain leather.
What Are the Origins of Suede?
Suede, with its soft, delicate texture, has been used for clothing and various items since the Paleolithic Era. The term “suede” originated from the French “gants de Suede,” meaning Swedish gloves, but later broadened to refer to any leather with a napped surface. In the 20th century, suede gained popularity and became synonymous with luxury.
How Is Suede Made?
Suede is a type of leather created by splitting the underside of animal hide, resulting in a softer, thinner, and smoother texture compared to full-grain leather. It’s not true suede if the leather is merely turned inside out to mimic the appearance. Suede’s texture varies, with younger animals producing softer suede, while older or thicker-hided animals yield a tougher nap.
What Are the Different Types of Suede?
Suede quality and appearance vary depending on the type of animal hide used. Common types of suede include:
- Sheepskin suede: This is the gentlest, finest suede, crafted from sheep and lamb hides, with a soft nap and lighter weight compared to other suede types.
- Cowhide suede: Cowhide suede, also known as split cowhide or rawhide, becomes rougher with the age of the animal, resulting in a thicker nap. It may also be referred to as bush coat, rough out, or calfskin.
- Pigskin suede: Pigskin is a tough, hefty suede with a short, coarse nap.
Advantages of Suede: Durable, Smooth appearance, Pliable, Long-lasting
Disadvantages of Suede: suede is thin, Suede nap can collect dust and dirt and make it look dirty easily
27. Taffeta
- Fabric also known as: Paper taffeta, shot silk
- Fabric composition: Silk, rayon, or polyester
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Low
- Heat retention abilities: Low
- Stretch ability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: None
- Country where fabric was first produced: Persia
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: India
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash cold or dry clean
- Commonly used in: Wedding gowns, evening wear, blouses, party attire, curtains, insulation, sleeping bags, parachutes
Taffeta, a luxurious fabric, is a top choice for special occasions, favored by iconic designers such as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. Its crisp, shiny texture, crafted from silk, polyester, or nylon, is perfect for creating elegant ball gowns and high-fashion attire.
What Is Taffeta?
Taffeta is a glossy fabric, originally crafted from silk but now also woven from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acetate. It comes in various weights and levels of sheerness, depending on the material and weave tightness. The word “taffeta” traces its roots to the Persian term “taftah,” signifying a crisp, woven texture. It was first made in the Middle East during the 12th century.
How Is Taffeta Made?
Taffeta, known for its distinctive checkerboard pattern, is a fabric woven using a plain-weave technique. What sets it apart is the twist in the threads during weaving, giving it stiffness and structure. Initially made from silk, taffeta is now commonly produced from synthetic fibers like polyester, offering a cost-effective alternative with a silk-like appearance.
6 Different Types of Taffeta
- Shot silk taffeta: This is a silk taffeta with two different colored threads in the warp and weft, creating a stunning iridescent look.
- Warp-printed taffeta: In the eighteenth century, a popular silk taffeta in France featured pre-printed warp threads, forming a pastel pattern with diverse colors.
- Paper taffeta: Paper taffeta is an ultra-thin, lightweight taffeta with a paper-like feel.
- Antique taffeta: Antique taffeta features an uneven texture due to the use of irregularly spun yarns.
- Faille taffeta: This type is made from short staple fibers, such as cotton or wool.
- Stretch-taffeta: Stretch taffeta is a fabric variety that integrates spandex into its weave, enhancing its elasticity and suppleness.
Characteristics of Taffeta: Crisp and holds its shape, lustrous shine, and smooth surface, it makes a rustling sound called “scroop” (combination of scrape and woop) when it rubs together.
Advantages of Taffeta: Luxurious, creates a beautiful, structural silhouette, Doesn’t pill
Disadvantages of Taffeta: Hard to work with, Silk taffeta can be very expensive because of the cost of silk. However, polyester taffeta is much more affordable, doesn’t have much stretch, Snags easily
28. Tweed
- Fabric also known as: Clò-Mór, the Big Cloth
- Fabric composition: Coarsely woven wool yarn (usually sheep)
- Fabric breathability: Low
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: High
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
- Country where fabric was first produced: Scotland
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Australia & England
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold – low agitation
- Commonly used in: Jackets, pants, hats, trench coats, blazers, other outerwear, winter clothing, suit jackets, military uniforms (historically)
Tweed, a textured wool fabric, is closely associated with Scottish and Irish fashion. It has its roots in the Scottish highlands from the 19th century and remains popular for various garments like coats, jackets, and suits.
What Is Tweed?
Tweed, a robustly woven fabric typically crafted from wool, can be produced through either plain or twill weaves. This dense and rugged material offers exceptional warmth and durability. Wool tweed often incorporates various colored yarns, resulting in vibrant patterns, often featuring small squares and vertical lines. It is a favored choice for suits and jackets, initially designed for hunting purposes.
What Are the Origins of Tweed?
Tweed, originally known as “tweel” in Scots, got its name when a London merchant misinterpreted it as “tweed” instead. It originated in Scotland and Ireland, primarily worn by farmers, and gained popularity among the upper classes after Prince Albert’s association with Balmoral Castle in 1848, leading to the creation of various “estate tweeds” by highland estates for outdoor activities.
8 Different Types of Tweed:
Tweed fabric comes in various types, named after sheep breeds, locations of production, or weaving techniques and patterns. Here are some of the most popular types of tweed:
- Harris Tweed: Harris Tweed, from the Outer Hebrides, is legally protected under the 1993 Harris Tweed Act, specifying it must be handwoven, finished, and crafted with locally sourced wool in the Outer Hebrides.
- Donegal tweed: Donegal tweed, named after the Irish county of Donegal where it originated, is renowned for its distinctive rainbow-colored yarn specks on its textured surface, making it a globally popular tweed variety.
- Saxony tweed: Saxony tweed, originally produced in Saxony, Germany, is made from soft and smooth merino wool.
- Herringbone tweed: Herringbone is a twill weave creating a V-shaped pattern on the fabric, resembling fish bones.
- Shetland tweed: Shetland tweed, named after Shetland Islands’ sheep, is known for its lightweight and casual texture.
- Barleycorn tweed: Barleycorn tweed has a textured pattern resembling barley kernels, giving it a dynamic and slightly bumpy appearance.
- Cheviot tweed: Cheviot tweed is named after the Cheviot sheep in the Scottish Borders, known for its rougher and heavier wool.
- Overcheck twill: Overcheck twill is a twill fabric with a prominent checked design in a contrasting color, enhancing the tweed pattern.
Tweed Patterns: Barleycorn, Checkered, Herringbone, Houndstooth, Plain, Striped
29. Twill
- Fabric composition: Organic or synthetic fabric fibers
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100-500
- Fabric breathability: Medium
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretch ability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
- Country where fabric was first produced: In various countries; the term “twill” originates from Old English
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
- Commonly used in: Jeans, slacks, shirts, Chinos, Working overall, jumpsuits, sofas, chairs, cushions, curtains, bedding, and towels
Twill is a common fabric weave seen in everyday items like denim jeans and couch upholstery. It’s known for its diagonal lines formed by an offset in the warp threads, offering durability and effective stain concealment.
What Is Twill?
Twill is a prominent textile weave known for its diagonal rib pattern, making it distinct from satin and plain weaves. Twill features a darker front side (wale) and a lighter back, with a high thread count for opacity and durability. It’s not commonly printed on but can use multiple colored yarns for designs like tweed and houndstooth.
How Is Twill Made?
Twill weaves are most commonly crafted from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. In twill weaving, the weft thread (horizontal) passes over and under one or more warp threads (vertical) in an offset pattern, forming a diagonal design. Twill weaves are denoted by fractions, such as 3/1, indicating the weaving pattern, with 3 passes over and 1 pass under warp threads.
Characteristics of Twill: Durable, has great opacity, direction of pattern helps hide dirt and stains from view, doesn’t Show wrinkles and creases easily, Drapes well
30. Velour
- Fabric also known as: Velours
- Fabric composition: Cotton, synthetic fibers, or leather
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 100-300
- Fabric breathability: Medium
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Depends on the material used
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Depends on the material used
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Usually low—higher with synthetic materials
- Country where fabric was first produced: France
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Depends on the material used—usually machine wash cool or cold
- Commonly used in: Stage curtains, bathrobes, hats, dance wear, upholstery, jewelry cases, sweaters, jackets, pants, shirts, tracksuits, dresses
What is Velour – History:
Velour, an alternative to velvet, has its origins in France but lacks a specific development date. Records confirm its existence from the 1840s, and it gained popularity in upholstery due to its cost-effectiveness. Velvet’s complexity led to high prices until efficient production methods emerged in the early 20th century. Velour remained a coarser alternative, primarily used in furniture and stage curtains. Velour clothing was uncommon until the 1970s gained popularity, waned in the ’80s, and saw a resurgence in the late ’90s and early 2000s, thanks to fashion designers creating velour tracksuits for celebrities, featuring tight tops and flared bottoms.
What is Velour – Types:
Over time, various types of velour fabric have evolved as it has continued to develop. Here are the several types of velour fabric:
- Velour Leather: Velour leather is a delicate animal hide textile with a soft surface, similar to chamois and suede. It’s commonly used in furniture upholstery, watch bands, jackets, and shoes.
- Synthetic Velour: Synthetic velour, made from polyester fibers, is more affordable than cotton velour. It is flame retardant, making it a common choice for stage curtains to reduce fire risks. While it resembles cotton velour, it has a less soft texture, which is why it’s seldom used for clothing.
- Cotton Velour: Velour was initially made from cotton until the mid-19th century and was seen as a more affordable alternative to velvet. Today, synthetic velour is prevalent, while cotton velour is mainly used for upholstery and clothing, with reduced popularity as a theater stage curtain material.
- Duvetyne: Duvetyne is a twill-woven fabric similar to velour, commonly used in the theater industry for stage curtains, cycloramas, and backdrops.
- Velvet: Velvet is the original, luxurious, and soft fabric, typically crafted from cotton or synthetic fibers. Initially, its production was labor-intensive, but modern machine looms have streamlined the process. Velour was created as an imitation of velvet.
- Velveteen: Velveteen, similar to velvet, is produced using the same costly process, but it distinguishes itself by using cotton instead of silk, resulting in a more affordable price, even without synthetic fibers.
31. Velvet
- Fabric also known as: Velveto, velveteen
- Fabric composition: Multi-layered fabric with dense piles that are soft to the touch
- Fabric possible thread count variations: The threads in velvet fabric are always bunched closely together
- Fabric breathability: High
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Medium
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretchability (give): Low
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
- Country where fabric was first produced: Unknown; most likely East Asia
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: Varies depending on the fabric that is used to make velvet
- Recommended washing temperatures: Hand wash or cold
- Commonly used in: Upholstery, wall hangings, dresses, eveningwear, formal robes, dresses, bedding, hats
“Velvety” derives its meaning from the luxurious fabric, velvet, known for its softness and smooth texture. Velvet has long been a symbol of opulence in fashion and home decor, making it a perfect choice for upscale designs.
What Is Velvet?
Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric that is characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap. Velvet has a beautiful drape and a unique soft and shiny appearance due to the characteristics of the short pile fibers. Velvet fabric, originally silk-based, is favored for evening wear and special occasion dresses. It’s now more affordable, using materials like cotton, linen, wool, mohair, and synthetics, making it suitable for everyday clothing too.
What Are the Origins of Velvet?
Velvet initially originated in Baghdad around 750 A.D., crafted from costly silk, limited to the aristocracy. Over time, advancements in loom technology made velvet more affordable, with Florence, Italy emerging as a key Renaissance hub for its production and distribution in Europe.
How Is Velvet Made?
Velvet is typically created using a unique double cloth loom, yielding two velvet pieces at once. It features a smooth pile height, usually less than 0.5 cm. While silk was the original material, today’s velvet is often a blend of silk and rayon. Synthetic velvet is crafted from materials like polyester, nylon, viscose, or rayon due to cost considerations.
7 Different Types of Velvet:
Velvet fabric comes in various types due to different materials and weaving methods.
- Crushed velvet: Crushed velvet gets its distinctive appearance through wet twisting or pressing the pile in various directions, creating a patterned and shiny look with a unique texture.
- Panne velvet: Panne velvet is a crushed velvet created by applying heavy pressure to push the pile in one direction. A similar pattern can be found in knitted fabrics like velour, typically made from polyester and not genuine velvet.
- Embossed velvet: Embossed velvet is a printed fabric made by using heat to press down the piles of velvet, creating patterns. It’s commonly used in upholstery for home decor.
- Ciselé: This patterned velvet is made by cutting some loops and keeping others intact.
- Plain velvet: Plain velvet is typically made from cotton and lacks the stretch and sheen found in silk or synthetic velvet. It’s heavy in texture.
- Stretch velvet: Stretch velvet includes spandex in its weave for added flexibility and stretchiness.
- Pile-on-pile velvet: Velvet upholstery fabric often features patterned pile lengths, creating a unique texture.
32. Viscose
- Fabric also known as: Rayon
- Fabric composition: Wood cellulose and synthetic substances
- Fabric possible thread count variations: 300-600
- Fabric breathability: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Very breathable
- Moisture-wicking abilities: High
- Heat retention abilities: Medium
- Stretch ability (give): Medium
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Medium
- Country where fabric was first produced: United Kingdom
- Biggest exporting/producing country today: China
- Recommended washing temperatures: Cold
- Commonly used in: Clothing, household items, industrial belts, silk alternatives
Viscose, a lightweight fabric, has been a staple in fashion and homes since the late 1800s. It’s derived from trees but is less eco-friendly than modal due to its chemical-intensive production. Viscose is cost-effective and versatile, used in clothing like blouses, dresses, and jackets, as well as in-home applications such as carpets and upholstery.
What Is Viscose?
Viscose, a semi-synthetic rayon fabric, is created from wood pulp and is often used as an affordable alternative to silk due to its similar drape and smooth texture. It was first developed in 1883 as a cost-effective imitation of silk.
How Is Viscose Made?
Viscose, derived from tree wood pulp (such as beech, pine, and eucalyptus) or bamboo, is a semi-synthetic material created through a chemical process involving substances like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide.
The viscose manufacturing process involves five steps:
- The plant is processed into wood pulp using sodium hydroxide, creating a brown solution.
- The brown wood pulp is washed, cleaned, and bleached.
- Pulp is treated with carbon disulfide and dissolved in sodium hydroxide to make viscose fibers.
- Viscose solution is pushed through a spinneret, a machine that forms filaments known as regenerated cellulose.
- Regenerated cellulose is transformed into yarn and woven or knitted into viscose rayon fabric.
Characteristics of Viscose: Absorbent, Lightweight, Breathable, Soft, Maintains Shape, Dye fast
33. Satin
Satin is not limited to luxurious attire but encompasses various fabrics through its distinctive weave. It’s known for its soft, shiny texture and finds applications in everything from formal wear to upholstery and accessories.
What Is Satin?
Satin is a prominent textile weave, alongside plain and twill weaves. It produces a glossy, supple, and flexible fabric with an elegant drape. Satin fabric is recognized by its shiny side and a less lustrous reverse, attributed to the unique satin weaving method, which has various interpretations.
What Are the Origins of Satin?
Satin, initially crafted from silk, has its origins in medieval China, particularly in Quanzhou, known as Zaitun in Arabic. The fabric and weaving methods spread via the Silk Road and gained popularity in the Middle East. Italy introduced satin production in the 12th century, and it later became widely favored in Europe during the 14th century. Even the Palace of Versailles features satin upholstery on much of its furniture.
What Are the Different Types of Satin?
Satin comes in various types based on the fibers used and the specific satin weave employed. Here are a few examples of satin weaves:
- Antique satin: Antique satin employs unevenly spun weft yarns in a 5- or 8-harness weave.
- Baronet satin: This satin type is made with rayon warp and cotton weft threads, resulting in a high shine.
- Charmeuse: Charmeuse satin, named for “charmer” in French, is a lightweight fabric with a glossy front and matte back, known for its elegant drape.
- Crepe back satin: Crepe back satin is a reversible fabric with one side featuring a glossy satin finish and the other side having a textured crepe surface.
- Duchess satin: Duchess satin is a dense fabric, less glossy than regular satin, dyed in solid colors, and often used for dresses.
- Messaline: This lightweight satin, typically made from rayon or silk, boasts a high shine.
- Polysatin: This is poly satin, a polyester woven fabric.
- Slipper satin: Satin is a dense, medium-weight fabric used for accessories, shoes, and clothing due to its tight weave.
What Is a Satin Weave?
A satin weave involves four or more weft threads passing over one warp thread (or vice versa). It’s a weaving technique where warp threads stay stationary on the loom, while weft threads weave over and under the warps.
What Are the Different Satin Weaves?
Satin is defined by the length of its continuous fibers, not the type of fiber used. It was originally made from silk, extracted from silkworm cocoons, but today, satin can also be produced using long filaments of polyester and rayon.
There are several different kinds of satin weaves:
- 4 harness satin weave: In a 4/1 satin weave, the weft thread follows a pattern of going over three warp threads and then under one. This results in a weave that is more elastic and has greater stretch compared to the 1/1 ratio of warp and weft threads in a plain weave.
- 5 harness satin weave: This is similar to the 4-harness variety, but the weft thread goes over four warp threads and then under one.
- 8 harness satin weave: The most flexible satin weave is achieved by passing the weft thread over seven warp threads and under one.
Characteristics of Satin: Shiny front, Beautiful drape, Durable, Wrinkle-resistant
Used to make: Evening gowns and wedding dresses, decorative furniture in the Palace of Versailles, pillow coverings, chair covers, Bed sheets, ballet slippers to designer heels, Evening bags, and clutches
Cons of Satin: Snags easily, satin is soft and slippery, and it can be unforgiving in the sewing process.
34. Fleece
What Is Fleece?
Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric with a napped surface. While it’s often associated with sheep’s fleece, most fleece today is made of polyester, though cotton, hemp, and rayon are also used. It’s a durable, affordable alternative to wool, known for retaining body heat and aging gracefully without fraying.
What Is Fleece Fabric’s Origin And History:
Malden Mills, now known as Polartec, invented the fabric in 1979 and later partnered with Patagonia to improve fleece quality. In 1999, Time Magazine recognized it as one of the 20th century’s top 100 inventions.
What Is Fleece Made Of?
Fleece fabric is typically polyester-based but can be blended with cotton, wool, or rayon for added texture and vibrancy. Its versatile properties make it a favored choice for indoor and outdoor materials due to its comfort, lightweight nature, and suitability for crafting warm clothing.
Different Types of Fleece:
- Polar Fleece: Polar fleece is the preferred choice for many due to its affordability, softness, thickness, excellent insulation, heat retention, and moisture resistance, making it perfect for winter clothing like blankets and vests.
- Micro Fleece: Microfleece, or Microfiber fleece, is a lightweight and soft fabric with a plush texture, making it ideal for sewing durable and cozy garments. It weighs less than 200 grams per square meter and is commonly used in waterproof linings, children’s clothing, sportswear, and nightwear.
- Polyester Fleece: This double-sided fleece is soft, non-pilling, and has a fluffy texture due to its napped surface. It’s ideal for outdoor use thanks to its excellent insulation.
- Cotton And Rayon Fleece: Fleeces with cotton or rayon blends are soft, smooth, and highly breathable.
- Hemp Fleece: This is a fluffy natural fleece with a deep pile on one side and a smooth surface on the other, containing cotton.
- Merino Wool Fleece: Merino fleece, a natural fabric, is crafted from wool fibers of merino sheep, known for its fluffy and warming qualities.
- Sherpa Fleece Fabric: Sherpa fleece is a thick, textured fabric with a longer pile, offering warmth and stretch. It’s used for winter jackets, coats, and blankets and can be crafted from various materials, including cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, or blends.
- Double-Sided Fleece: Double-sided fleece is a warm and soft fabric with napped surfaces on both sides, unlike most other fleeces that only have a nap on the outside.
- Bamboo Fleece: Bamboo fleece, a natural fabric derived from bamboo pulp, is eco-friendly, soft, breathable, absorbent, ideal for sensitive skin, and odor-resistant.
- French Terry Fleece: French terry fleece is a lightweight knit fabric with a looped underside and a smooth exterior, making it perfect for sportswear.
- Plush Fleece: Plush fleece, like velvet, is incredibly soft with a deep pile, making it ideal for warm blankets and winter clothing.
Used to make: From ear warmers and vests to hats, coats, gloves, scarves, fleece jackets, and throw blankets
Advantages: Warmth, Water Repellent, Lightweight, Durability.
Disadvantages: Environmental Impact, Not Breathable, Pilling, Static Build-up, Water Absorption, Flammability, can melt or shrink when exposed to high temperatures, like in a dryer or near a heater.
35. Georgette
What Is Georgette?
Georgette, a variety of crêpe fabric, is commonly crafted from pure silk, although it can also be produced using synthetic materials such as rayon, viscose, and polyester. The eponymous silk variation was initially introduced by the French dressmaker Georgette de la Plante in the early 20th century.
- The silk fabric is transparent and lightweight, with a subdued, non-glossy appearance.
- Crepe Georgette features a textured surface due to tightly twisted yarns.
- Silk Georgette is akin to silk chiffon, a crêpe fabric, but it’s less sheer due to its tighter weave.
- Georgette fabrics are available in both solid colors and vibrant floral prints, offering a variety of design options to cater to different preferences.
How Is Georgette Made?
Georgette is a fabric known for its crinkled finish, made from plain weave using tightly twisted S-twist and Z-twist yarns. It can also be woven in satin or jacquard weaves to create different varieties like satin Georgette and jacquard Georgette.
5 Different Varieties of Georgette:
Georgette fabric can be transformed into various types, each having unique qualities.
- Double Georgette: Silk Double Georgette is a slightly thicker, semi-sheer fabric with a graceful drape.
- Stretch Georgette: Stretch Georgette includes spandex or other elastic materials in the weave to provide extra stretch.
- Satin Georgette: This Georgette features a satin weave for a shiny finish.
- Jacquard Georgette: Jacquard Georgette is woven on a jacquard loom, enhancing its durability and creating a unique jacquard pattern.
- Polyester Georgette: Polygeorgette is essentially polyester-based georgette.
Characteristics of Georgette: Lightweight and breathable, Crinkled, Sheer, Nice drape, Holds dye well, Slight stretch
Used to make: Dresses, Sarees, Home decor
36. Khadi Fabric
What is khadi fabric?
Khadi, also known as Khaddar, is a hand-spun and handwoven fabric created using a charkha spinning wheel. It is made from materials like cotton, silk, and wool and is produced in different Indian states, each offering a distinct type of khadi.
Fiber is spun into yarn with a charkha, which is then woven into fabric using looms. Additional steps like dyeing and strengthening are involved. Originally, khadi was made without using natural resources or energy, but now it can be mechanized.
Types of Khadi:
Khadi is not limited to just cotton; it’s also crafted from silk and wool. Various Indian states produce distinct khadi fabrics, each renowned for its uniqueness.
- Khadi Cotton: Khadi cotton, also known as muslin, is a lightweight and breathable handwoven fabric ideal for Indian climates. West Bengal is a major muslin producer, while Mysore, Karnataka, is renowned for khadi silk. Ponduru, Andhra Pradesh, is famous for its completely handwoven khadi cotton.
- Khadi Silk: Khadi silk fabric is created by spinning pure silk or blending it with other yarns. The popular types include Matka (Ahimsa) silk from Karnataka and Kashmir, Tussar silk from eastern India, and Chanderi silk from Madhya Pradesh.
- Woollen Khadi: High-quality wool is meticulously hand-spun and hand-woven to create luxurious woolen khadi fabric, with Pashmina, the purest form of cashmere, originating in Kashmir.
Advantages: Skin-friendly, sustainable, helps build the economy
Used to make: Dhotis, kurtas, and a variety of handloom saris
37. Muslin
Muslin, a breathable and lightweight fabric, has a rich history tracing back to Ancient India. Its contemporary significance lies in its remarkable versatility, finding applications in diverse fields such as photography backdrops, culinary endeavors, and medical procedures.
What Is Muslin?
Muslin, a lightly woven cotton fabric, is crafted through the utilization of the plain weave technique, where a single weft thread takes turns passing over and under a single warp thread. Muslin serves as the material of choice for fashion prototypes, enabling designers to experiment with patterns prior to the final cutting and stitching of the product.
What Is the History of Muslin?
Muslin, originating in present-day Dhaka, Bangladesh, dates back to ancient times and was highly prized, often as valuable as gold. It was globally traded. European traders first encountered it in Mosul, Iraq, hence the name. Under British colonial rule in India and Bangladesh, muslin weavers were mistreated, and Gandhi promoted self-reliance by spinning khadi, a form of muslin, as a peaceful resistance to British rule.
What Are the Different Types of Muslin?
Muslin varies in quality, with superior types being soft, smooth, and made from evenly spun yarns, while lower-quality versions are coarser and woven from uneven yarns, and may be bleached or unbleached.
There are four main grades of muslin:
- Gauze: Gauze is a thin, sheer fabric used for clothing, kitchen filters, and wound dressings.
- Mull: Mull is a lightweight fabric, often cotton, silk, or viscose, used for dress underlining to add structure or for pattern-testing garments.
- Swiss muslin: Swiss muslin is a lightweight fabric with raised patterns, often used for summer clothing.
- Sheeting: Sheeting, the thickest and coarsest type of muslin, finds applications in clothing and home goods.
Used to make: Dressmaking, Quilting, Home decor, cleaning everything from the face to the kitchen countertop, theater scrims backdrops, and sets, Doctors wrap muslin gauze around aneurysms
38. Oxford Fabric
What is Oxford Fabric?
Oxford cloth is a versatile woven fabric used for dress shirts, suitable for formal and casual wear. Originally made from cotton, it now incorporates various fibers such as polyester and viscose, thanks to its popularity and high production volume.
History of Oxford Fabric:
In the early 19th century, Scotland led Europe in textile manufacturing. A mysterious mill created innovative weaves and named them after prestigious schools like Yale, Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford. Oxford cloth stands as the sole survivor, while the others were discontinued due to lack of popularity.
Types of Oxford Fabric:
- Plain Oxford Fabric: The smooth, wrinkle-free fabric results from a unique weave combining two lighter yarns with a heavier one, creating a soft and smooth texture.
- Pinpoint Oxford: Pinpoint Oxford is a type of Oxford fabric known for its fine yarn and tight weave, resulting in a softer and smoother texture than regular Oxford cloth. While it has less sheen compared to Royal Oxford, it uses thinner and lighter strands than standard Oxford fabric but is thicker than Royal Oxford. Clothing made from pinpoint fabric is very comfortable, but it’s important to be cautious around sharp objects when wearing it.
- Royal Oxford: Royal Oxford is a premium fabric with a sleek, shiny, and fine texture. It’s finer and smoother than regular Oxford or pinpoint Oxford, making it ideal for formal occasions due to its noticeable yarn shine and intricate weave.
39. Sateen
What is Sateen?
Sateen refers to the weave of the fabric, not the materials used. While it’s typically made from cotton, it can also be produced using silk, wool, or polyester.
Types of Sateen:
Sateen, now featured in catalogs with silk and brocade, is a versatile and essential fabric.
Here are some types of sateen:
- Chinese brocade sateen
- Cotton spandex or stretch sateen
- Shantung sateen
- Cosmo Japanese spring sateen.
- Milly cotton sateen
Sateen, along with its connections to brocade and shantung, evokes the silk’s Eastern origins through various names.
Used to make: Clothing, bed linen, and curtaining
40. Terry Cloth
What is Terrycloth?
Terry cloth, a stylish yet often overlooked fabric, has a history dating back over a century. It was initially mass-produced by the English manufacturer Christy in 1850. Despite its longevity, it remains less recognized compared to other fabrics like cotton, silk, and sateen.
What Is Terrycloth Made Of?
Terry cloth is typically made from materials like cotton, silk, or polyester, with a characteristic fluffy, absorbent, and soft texture. It is known for its high absorbency due to the looped structure, which acts like a sponge.
What Is Terrycloth – Its Different Types:
While it may seem like terrycloth is only one fabric, there are actually three different types.
- Towel Terry: This is the most prevalent terrycloth variety, known for its excellent absorbency, commonly used for making towels and similar items with longer loops for maximum water absorption.
- French Terry: French terry differs from towel terry due to longer loops on one side and a smooth, flat other side. It’s typically used in clothing like sweatpants and sweatshirts.
- Terry Velour: Terry velour is the least popular type of terrycloth, characterized by a smooth and flat side similar to French terry, with a velvety feel on the other side. Unlike towel terry, it has small loops and is mainly used in upholstery, blankets, and select clothing items. It’s preferred for beach and pool towels but is less absorbent than towel terry.
Used to make: Bathrobes, Baby Apparel, kitchen gloves, potholders, kitchen hand towels, Cold Weather Apparel, Fluffy hotel slippers, sportswear
41. Warp Knit
Warp knit fabrics are made on specialized looms with continuous warp threads and find common applications in mosquito nets, tulle, and sportswear or shoe materials.
Origins of Warp Knit:
The warp knitting technique was invented in 1775, but it took 20 years of development to create the first machine for it. Over time, innovations like the point bar and bobbin have led to the modern warp knitting machines we have today.
Types of Warp Knit:
Warp knitting produces diverse types of fabrics, each with its own characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of some of them.
- Raschel Knit: In 1855, circular loom and warp knitting principles merged to create Raschel machines, used for making modern lace. Raschel knits are less stretchy, and ideal for coat linings, dresses, and more, offering design flexibility with various yarns. Raschel fabrics come in different densities and compactness.
- Stitch-bonding: Stitch bonding is a unique warp knitting method widely used for composite materials and technical textiles due to its high efficiency. It involves multiple fabric layers joined by a knitting thread to form a multi-ply structure. These fabrics find applications in aviation, wind energy, and potentially concrete reinforcement, offering increased productivity and versatility for sensitive materials like carbon and glass.
- Tricot: This versatile fabric features fine lengthwise ribs on one side and crosswise ribs on the other, offering a soft, drape-like texture with slight lengthwise stretch and zero crosswise stretch. It is commonly used for delicate garments.
- Needle Shift: A needle shift in sewing involves changing the needle bar to create a wide variety of stitch-bonding arrangements and patterns by securing the outer warp layers in one step.
- Milanese Knit: Milanese knit, resembling tricot but stronger, smoother, and pricier, involves two diagonal thread sets, yielding a fine vertical rib on one side and a diagonal texture on the other. This enhances lightness, smoothness, and water resistance, though it’s no longer in use.
Advantages:
Warp knitting for textiles offers multiple benefits. Those advantages are:
- Warp knitted fabrics have a wide working width.
- Warp knitting is a versatile technique for producing a variety of fabrics simultaneously, making it ideal for projects requiring multiple fabric types.
- Yarn stress is reduced, enabling the use of brittle materials like aramid, carbon, or glass.
- Warp knitting creates 3D structures by building adjacent columns of cloth.
- Warp knitting is more efficient than weaving.
Used to make: Sportswear, cloth in shoes, thin netting for mosquitoes
42. Chenille
Chenille is a distinctive fabric known for its fuzzy caterpillar-like texture. It was introduced in the 18th century and has gained popularity in the fashion industry in recent years.
What Is Chenille?
Chenille, named after the French word for caterpillar, refers to both yarn and fabric with a fuzzy texture. It’s created by piling threads and can be made from various fibers like cotton, silk, wool, and rayon.
What Is the History of Chenille?
Chenille, a relatively recent textile, originated in the 18th century in France through the leno method, involving twisted warp threads around the weft. Alexander Buchanan in Scotland first adapted chenille yarn for shawls in the 1830s. James Templeton and William Quigley further developed the method for rugs, and Catherine Evans introduced chenille bedspread production in the late 1800s. Chenille quilts and various items, including carpets, emerged in the 20th century using Evans’s technique, with Georgia leading in carpet design to this day.
How Is Chenille Made?
Chenille production has undergone changes over time, and it is now a standardized manufacturing process.
- Chenille is created by twisting short yarn lengths between two core yarns.
- The wrapped yarns create loops that are later trimmed to make chenille’s fuzzy pile.
- Low-melt nylon is added to the yarn’s core to prevent piles from coming loose and causing bare patches in the fabric.
- The yarn is steamed to secure the pile.
- The yarn is woven into chenille fabric.
Characteristics: Fuzzy and soft, Nice drape, Durable, shiny and iridescent
Used to Make: Carpets and rugs, Blankets and throws, couches, pillows, window coverings, Shawls, Clothing
43. Buckram
What is Buckram fabric?
- The cotton or hemp that is woven into buckram cloth results in a coarse, heavy, and open plain weave fabric.
- Because the fabric is soaked in starch and other sizing agents before being dried, the cloth has the characteristics of being stiff and coarse.
- Buckram is mostly used in the clothing industry to give clothes shape and structure.
History of Buckram fabric:
- Textile historians and experts think that the word came from Bukhara, which is in Uzbekistan and is where the fabric was first made.
- On the other hand, there are many who think that it originated from the term bokeram, which refers to a common fabric that is made of cotton.
- The history of the fabric may be traced back to the Middle Ages, and it has evolved into a widespread material in the textile industry.
- Because it is long-lasting and easy to work with, it quickly became a standard in the clothing and fashion industries, and it still is.
Characteristics: Strength and Durability, Keeps Its Shape, Water-Resistant, Insect and Mold Repellant.
Used to make: Clothes Interfacing (neckline, cuff, and shirt collar), Hats, Draperies and Curtains, Bookbinding, and Burlesque Clothing.
44. Raschel Knit
What is Raschel Knit Fabric?
- Raschel knit fabric is a warp-knitted fabric produced using a specialized machine that uses threads from the warp beam.
- Latch needles are used with specialized equipment.
- The fabric’s front side has slanting vertical knitting loops, while the reverse side shows slanting horizontal floats.
- Raschel knits often feature intricate crochet-like patterns with open spaces, creating a 3D-like surface effect.
- Rascal knitting is typically performed using industrial knitting machines rather than by hand.
- Raschel knits are typically non-stretchy and tend to look bulky.
History of Raschel Knit Fabric:
In the 1800s, the quest for affordable lace production spurred the invention of the rascal knitting machine. The machinery was named after Mademoiselle Rachel, a renowned 19th-century French actress known for her lace attire. The Raschel knitting machine’s name was changed to a German spelling as it was improved in Germany.
Used to make: Coats, lingerie, dresses, Curtains, table covers, cushion covers, blankets, Veils, narrow tapes, mosquito netting
45. Foulard
What is Foulard Fabric?
Foulard fabric, originating in East Asia, is a lightweight, soft material primarily made from silk or silk-cotton blends. It boasts a smooth texture with twill or plain weaves, featuring intricate colorful prints. This fabric is commonly used in clothing and accessories like dresses, scarves, neckties, and handkerchiefs, known for its versatility, elegance, and style.
History of Foulard Fabric:
Foulard fabric, with its origins in East Asia, is named after the French term “foulard.” Initially a neckerchief, it evolved into a lightweight silk or silk-like fabric used for scarves and accessories, gaining worldwide popularity for its vibrant patterns and versatility in fashion.
Characteristics of Foulard Fabric: Lightweight, Silk Composition, Soft Finish, Plain or Twill Weave, Vibrant Colors and Patterns, Versatility, Historical Origins
Used to make: Dress Material, Handkerchiefs, Scarves, Neckties, pocket squares, headbands, hair accessories, wristbands, pillow covers, table runners, or curtains
46. Gabardine
What is Gabardine?
The fabric was primarily worsted wool or a worsted wool-cotton blend, with one side smooth and the other ribbed.
What Is Gabardine – History:
In 1879, Thomas Burberry, the founder of the Burberry fashion house in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, created Gabardine fabric.
Advantages: Durability, Water-resistant, tend to have a silky, luxurious feel, Can Be Vegan
Use to make: Jackets, skirts, dresses, Hats, shoes, Bedsheets, curtains
47. Gingham
Gingham fabric, often linked to picnic tablecloths and iconic through Dorothy’s dress in “The Wizard of Oz,” holds a rich history in the U.S. and Europe, remaining a popular fashion choice today.
What Is Gingham?
Gingham is a cotton or cotton blend fabric woven in a plain weave to create a two-color checked pattern, typically in red and white or blue and white. It’s known for its reversible design, low cost, and easy production.
Where Does the Word “Gingham” Come From?
The etymology of the word “gingham” is subject to several theories. One suggestion is that it traces its origins back to the Malay term “genggang,” signifying “striped,” which underwent a transformation to the Dutch “gingang” before eventually adopting the name “gingham” in English. An alternative theory associates the material with the town of Guingamp in France, suggesting it was named after its place of origin. Nevertheless, the French also refer to gingham as “Vichy” and contend that the design’s roots can be found in the town bearing the same name.
Used to make: Button-down shirts, dresses, Jackets, bathing suits, beach towels, Pocket squares, scarves, headbands, chair upholstery, tablecloths, window treatments, and bed linens
48. Toile
Toile, a French fabric from the late 18th century, is popular in fashion and design for its classic prints, like pastoral scenes on window valances and test garments in fashion houses.
What Is Toile?
The word “toile” originates from the French term for linen cloth, a shortened form of “toile de Jouy,” which signifies fabric from Jouy-en-Josas near Paris. It’s known for romantic, single-color prints on unbleached linen. Today, “toile” also describes design aesthetics beyond fabric, used in wallpaper, china, and as a test garment in design.
What Is the History of Toile?
In the 18th century, printed toile fabric originated in Ireland but gained popularity in France when Christophe-Philipe Oberkampf opened a factory in Jouy-en-Josas in 1760. The fabric, known as “toile de Jouy” or simply “toile,” eventually spread throughout Europe. Oberkampf collaborated with designer Jean-Baptiste Huet, who created the initial single-color prints featuring pastoral scenes, French country motifs, and European mythology references. These classic designs continue to define toile today.
Used to make: curtains and valances, chair covers, pillows, sofas, aprons, dresses, shirts, bed sheets, duvets, canopy covers, wallpaper
49. Gauze
What is Gauze Cotton?
Cotton gauze, a lightweight textile crafted from cotton, is fabricated using either a plain or leno weave. The term “gauze” denotes a specific weaving pattern in which the weft yarns are paired and intersect both before and after each warp yarn, resulting in a secure and breathable fabric. This open and airy weave makes cotton gauze an ideal choice for comfortable summer attire.
History of Gauze Cotton:
In the past, gauze fabric was primarily crafted from silk fibers and utilized for creating garments. However, in contemporary times, its applications have diversified, extending beyond clothing to serve various purposes such as medical dressings, particularly as sponges. This transition from silk to cotton for medical dressings is primarily due to the cost-effectiveness of cotton. Using cotton helps prevent the risk of other fabrics introducing infections to the wounded areas, as cotton is a more accessible and hygienic alternative.
Used to make: Dresses, blouses, Mosquito netting, laundry bags, medical dressing, Curtains, bed sheets.
50. Poplin
What is Poplin?
Poplin, derived from the French ‘papelino,’ features a versatile weave pattern and is a popular fabric for year-round clothing.
Characteristics of poplin fabric: durability and breathability, wrinkle-resistant
Used to make: Dress shirts to bed sheets.
51. Quilted Fabric
What is the quilted fabric?
Quilted fabric is a simple construction of three layers: two fabric layers with cotton wool or fleece in between. These layers are stitched together to create the characteristic diamond grid pattern. Quilted fabrics can be plain or printed, with variations in thickness and weight affecting their insulation and heat retention properties. Some quilted fabrics, like boutis, feature decorative stitching to create specific designs.
Used to make: Dress, Sweatshirt, Skirt, padded-headband, chairs, toiletry bags, jackets, and blankets or pillow covers.
52. Madras Fabric
What Is Madras Fabric?
Madras fabric is a lightweight and vibrant cotton textile, characterized by its unique patterns of horizontal and vertical stripes. In a nutshell, you could think of madras as the summery counterpart to tartan, which is typically associated with colder seasons.
Madras fabric, originating from Chennai, India (formerly Madraspatnam), is made from hand-dyed and hand-spun cotton fibers using vegetable dyes. It features muted checked or plaid patterns and has a unique texture due to the delicate yarn, resulting in a reversible cloth with distinctive bumps.
53. Industrial Fabrics
Industrial fabrics encompass various materials such as Kevlar, nylon, fiberglass, and Teflon, serving multiple purposes in industrial equipment. They find application in protective gear like firefighter suits and bulletproof vests, as well as components within machinery.
54. Khaki
Khaki fabric, with its Hindi name meaning “dusty,” originated in India in the 19th century. It’s known for its durability and slight diagonal lines on the surface, created through twill or serge weaving. Khaki cloth was initially used in military attire due to its lightweight and brown color, making it ideal for camouflage. Today, it’s commonly found in khaki slacks and various uniforms.
55. Laminated Fabric
Laminated fabrics are composed of polyester fibers woven in either a plain or twill weave structure, with a distinctive feature being the application of a polymer layer on the surface. This polymer coating imparts a waterproof and plastic-like quality to the fabric, making it ideal for various applications in protective outerwear, such as raincoats.
Conclusion:
The world of fabrics is a vast and fascinating one, with a rich tapestry of materials to explore and choose from. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone looking to make an informed decision when shopping for clothing or home furnishings, understanding the different types of fabric and their unique qualities is essential. From the luxurious feel of silk to the rugged durability of denim, from the timeless appeal of cotton to the innovative sustainability of bamboo, there’s a fabric for every purpose and preference. So, the next time you’re shopping for fabrics, consider the characteristics and uses of each type to make the best choice for your specific project. Happy sewing, decorating, or simply dressing in style with your newfound knowledge of cloth materials!
Rose Frank
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