Select The Fabrics

Other common fabrics

Fabrics are made from either natural or synthetic fibres. However, there are common fabrics which can be produced from either or both types of fibre.

Fabrics have emerged from the fashion industry which can be made from either natural or synthetic fibres, or a blend of both.Below you can find the most common ones.

Other Common Types of Fabric

Denim

Denim Fashion Fabric - the concept wardrobe
  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine-washable
  • Breathability: 2/5
  • Comfort: 3/5

Technically, denim is a not a raw material but a type of weave. Denim is traditionally woven with 100%-cotton yarn; however, today it’s blended with polyester, to control shrinkage and wrinkles, and Spandex to add stretch. To get that typical denim look, indigo and white yarns are interwoven in a twill weave. Nowadays, there are lots of varieties of this heavy fabric available - from light to dark blue, and in different washes.

Where to wear it:

Denim is an all-year round staple, especially in the form of jeans. However, because it is a heavy fabric, it is not the best choice for hot summer days.

Advantages:
  • Strong & durable
  • High resiliency
  • Absorbent & dries quickly
  • Resistant to shrinkage
  • Dyes & prints well
Disadvantages:
  • Susceptible to stretching
  • Not colourfast
  • Requires chemicals to be produced
  • Not environmentally friendly

Flannel

Flannel Fashion Fabric - the concept wardrobe
  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 3/5
  • Comfort: 4/5

Flannel is a dull, woven fabric with a slightly fuzzy and soft appearance.

Originally made from carded wool or worsted yarn, nowadays, flannel is often produced from either wool, cotton, or polyester.

Where to wear it:

Since flannel easily retains heat and has excellent insulation properties, it is perfect for autumn and winter clothing. It is used to make many types of garments - such as shirts, hoodies, jackets, trousers, and even skirts.

Advantages:
  • Lightweight
  • Soft & comfortable
  • Drapes well
  • Strong & durable
  • Resistant to wrinkles & creases
  • Absorbent & dries quickly
  • Resistant to stains
Disadvantages:
  • Static & pilling
  • Wears down easily

Jersey

Jersey Fashion Fabrics - the concept wardrobe
  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming & Cooling
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 3/5
  • Comfort: 5/5

Jersey is not a material by itself, but a type of knit that produces a smooth, flat face on a fabric, as well as a textured back to the fabric. Although it was originally made from wool, it is now also made from cotton, and various synthetic fibres.

Where to wear it:

Often a cotton / wool blend that makes a rugged yet lightweight material, jersey is an excellent choice for summer clothing as it is lightweight and flexible. This means it can be worked into most designs whilst being highly comfortable. Typically, it is used for T-shirts, polo shirts, and other knitted tops.

Advantages:
  • Lightweight
  • Soft & comfortable
  • Drapes well
  • Strong & durable
  • Resistant to wrinkles & creases
Disadvantages:
  • Static & pilling

Satin

Satin Fashion Fabrics - the concept wardrobe
  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine Wash
  • Breathability: 3/5
  • Comfort: 5/5

Technically, satin is not a material but a type of weave. It can be made of silk, nylon, or polyester. It's a shimmery and shiny fabric and depending on what it is made of, it can range from light- to heavyweight.

Where to wear it:

Satin is commonly used in delicate garments - such as women's lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but also in boxer shorts, shirts and neckties. When it is made out of silk, it is a warming material and not recommended for hot summer months since it traps air between the body and fabric.

Advantages
  • Lightweight
  • Smooth & silky
  • Drapes well
  • Resistant to creases
Disadvantages:
  • Requires dry cleaning
  • Water stains remain visible
  • Overly clingy
  • Slightly rough feel
  • Wrinkles & creases
  • Weakened by perspiration

Chiffon

Chiffon Fashion Fabrics - the concept wardrobe
  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Cooling
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 3/5
  • Comfort: 5/5

Chiffon is a lightweight, balanced plain-woven sheer fabric. The twist in the crepe yarns puckers the fabric slightly in both directions, giving it some stretch and a slightly rough feel. Chiffon is made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibres - such as nylon and polyester.

Where to wear it:

Chiffon can be used in many different ways to add a touch of elegance while ensuring the summer heat is not overwhelming. Ideal for dresses, particularly bridal wear, it is also perfect for use in the creation of nightgowns and other evening wear for hot summer nights.

Advantages:
  • Lightweight
  • Strong & durable
  • Dyes & prints well
  • Resistant to creases
Disadvantages:
  • Static
  • Overly clingy
  • Slightly rough feel
  • Requires dry cleaning
  • Wrinkles & creases
  • Weakened by perspiration

Velvet

  • Natural / synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 1/5
  • Comfort: 3/5

Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft, fuzzy feel. It can be made of silk, cotton, nylon, or rayon. Pure silk velvet is rare and extremely expensive.

Where to wear it:

Velvet has a luxurious feel to it and has been used for centuries to create some of the most splendid evening wear. Even accessories, such as bags and scarves, have been made from velvet.

Advantages:
  • Soft
  • Durable
Disadvantages:
  • Tends to shed
  • Tends to crush and flatten over time
  • Weak fabric & easily impaired
  • Attracts hair & fluff
  • May require dry cleaning

Faux Leather

  • Synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 1/5
  • Comfort: 3/5

Faux, artificial, or synthetic leather is made from PVC and aims at imitating real leather.

Where to wear it:

Any real leather garment is also available as a faux option, such as leather jackets or trousers. However, while real leather is breathable, one disadvantage of artificial leather is that it is not porous and does not allow air to pass through. Thus, sweat can accumulate easily and faux leather can be overwhelming in hot weather.It is also worth mentioning that PVC requires fossil fuels in its production and carcinogenic substances are released, meaning this type of fabric is particularly environmentally-unfriendly. Nevertheless, it does away with the animal welfare issues surrounding real leather.

Advantages:
  • Very strong & durable
  • Low maintenance
Disadvantages:
  • Does not age well
  • Requires hand wash
  • Releases toxic chemicals during production

Faux Fur

Faux Fur Fashion Fabrics - the concept wardrobe
  • Synthetic fibre
  • Function: Warming
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Machine wash
  • Breathability: 1/5
  • Comfort: 3/5

Fake or faux fur is a pile fabric, which is engineered to have the appearance and warmth of animal fur.

Where to wear it:

Faux fur is supposed to replicate real fur and is thus used for winter garments to keep you warm.While faux fur does not harm animals, it is also not environmentally-friendly as it is often made of polyester (a type of plastic) and harmful chemicals are released during its production.

Advantages:
  • Strong & durable
  • Low maintenance
Disadvantages:
  • Releases toxic chemicals during production

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