Do Your Know Your Fabrics?

Feb 16, 2010 - All Of The Fabric Types You Should Know

As a stylist or designer, you should know your fabrics types. It's important to know what threads you're using to learn texture and build texture. Each fabric photographs differently and can either look sheen, glossy, matte, "linty" etc... and sometimes when you need something specific that you don't have on hand, it's nice to know these fabrics to describe to the client what you need or want. Here's a breakdown of different types of fabrics used in most clothing today:

Acetate - Feel and drape similar to rayon,
Acrylic - A synthetic staple fiber that can be used alone or blended with all other fibers either in yarn or fabric construction. Wonderfully wicks away moisture, retains pleats and resists sunlight fading,
Angora - Natural fiber made from angora goat or rabbit hair,
Boiled Wool - Wool washed in hot water and felted for a tighter, weather-resistant weave,
Cashmere - One of the rarest and most-expensive wool fabrics available. Provides excellent warmth and softness
Cotton - Strong, drapeable, elastic and absorbent natural fiber made from the cotton plant,
Cotton French Terry - Natural cotton fiber that is looped on one side and sheared pile on the other, giving the fabric added stretch and strength,
Cotton Jersey (sueded) - Soft, thin cloth made from cotton without a distinct rib that goes through a brushing process to raise the nap and give the garment a soft hand,
Cotton Pique Fleece - Tightly woven thick cotton fiber with raised cords,
Cotton Velvet - A cotton fabric with a dense, soft and usually lustrous pile and plain underside,
Cotton Waffle - Honey-comb cotton week made on a dobby loom. Similar to pique in texture,
Cotton with Polyurethane Coating - Cotton treated with polyurethane to give it a rubbery texture. Non-breathable fabric commonly used to make water resistant garments,
Lambs Wool - Soft, fine wool most commonly used in knitted garments,
Linen - Strong and lustrous fiber of the flax plant which makes for a cool, absorbent and lightweight fabric that dyes well,
Lycra® - Brand name of the elastic fiber that adds stretch, comfort and shape retention that lasts to garments,
Lyocell - A manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose which has a similar hand and drape as rayon, but is stronger and more durable. Possesses low shrinkage characteristics, good absorbency and wrinkly resistant qualities,
Lurex® - Quality metallic yarns which are dye resistant and leave the color and brilliance intact despite high temperature and chemical treatment,
Mercerized Wool - Wool that has been treated to increase its luster, thickness and durability,
Merino - Wool created when the fiber is thicker and more durable,
Micro Polyester - Polyester woven into a fine and lightweight fabric that is washable, breathable and holds its shape extremely well,
Modacrylic - Fabric made from acrylic yarns that have been modified for added quality and to resist fire,
Mohair - Wool often times woven with silk or cotton to form a blended fabric, very silky luxury fiber,
Nylon - Manufactured polyamide fiber that makes a fabric which features excellent strength, flexibility, wash ability and easy drying,
Pima Cotton - A fine, higher quality cotton that results in softer and smoother hand feel in garments,
Poly French Terry - Synthetic polyester fiber that is looped on one side and sheared pile on the other to give a raised appearance,
Polyester - A manufactured fiber made from long-chain synthetic polymers. Characteristics: crease-resistance, quick-drying, great shape retention, high strength, abrasion resistance and easy care,
Polyester with Polyurethane Coating - Manufactured fiber that has been treated with a rubber like laminate to give it more durability and weather resistance,
Rayon - Man made fiber made from wood pulp that has the look and feel of silk,
Shetland Wool - A thicker wool, providing better warmth and weather resistance,
Silk - A lustrous, tough elastic fiber produced by silk-worms and used for textiles,
Spandex - A lightweight, highly elastic man-made fabric which is strong, durable and non-absorbent to water and oils,
Spandex Interlock - A plain-stitched fabric which is woven more tightly to provide better warmth and strength,
Super Pima Cotton Jersey - A softer, more superior cotton which is produced with a smooth-faced finish that is more durable and launders well,
Supima® Cotton - A hybrid cotton that is superior to carded and combed cotton. Its has a very fine, strong, lustrous, extra long fibers which makes for superior fabrics of excellent quality,
Viscose - A type of rayon with a soft and silky feel that is breathable like cotton,
Wool - A natural fiber known for excellent dyeability and its luxurious feel,

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