Fabric Types
A guide on fabric types
French Terry
French Terry has a looped reverse and a knit-like face. It also has fish scale loop back.
The second image is the reversed side. French Terry can be used for apparel like streetwear, loungewear and activewear in cooler climates. In recent years, designers have been incorporating this fabric into their designs.
Due to its weight, it is able to give structure and shape to the garments. It is also popular among streetwear pieces such as hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants.
Cotton Jersey
Cotton is known to be comfortable and soft, has good absorbency, color retention, prints well, good strength, and drapes well.
It can also be made from recycled cotton during the spinning, weaving, or cutting process.
It can either be used in knitted or woven fabrics, as it can be blended with elastane for apparel such as stretch jeans. The above image is a type of cotton knit jersey that is suitable for both T-shirts and leggings.
Pima Cotton Jersey
This world’s finest cotton is super soft and luxurious, lasting longer than regular cotton.
Premium Cotton Jersey
Our premium fabrics are finely woven rings-pun combed jersey fabrics which comes with extra anti-piling finish for greater quality.
Standard Cotton Jersey
Our selection of rings-pun cotton combed jersey fabrics are soft and have a smooth surface.
Polyester Jersey
Perfect for all over prints or designs with many colours, polyester is a type of strong and durable synthetic fabric that retains its shape.
Chambray
A popular fabric option for summer clothing, chambray is a lightweight and breathable plain weave fabric that bears visual similarities to denim.
Its multicoloured yarn arrangement gives it a slightly faded appearance, with a smooth and soft feeling against the skin due to its tight weave.
Corduroy
Distinguished by its distinctive raised cord or wale texture, the timeless fabric dates all the way back to ancient Egypt in 200BC and is still popularly used today.
A ridged material which is made up of woven pile-cut yard which is then cut into cords or wales forming vertical ribs, its unique twill weave texture results in a thick and hardy fabric that holds warmth and remains durable.
Denim
It is commonly known that denim is the fabric of our jeans. But from a construction viewpoint, denim is a type of twill fabric. A kind of sturdy, possibly coarser twill.
When it comes to denim shirting, it is a much softer, lighter version of the fabric than what your jeans are made of.
Depending on the weight, denims can be used for shirtings, jeans, dresses and jackets.
Drill
Also known as chino, drill offers an interesting texture with its diagonally woven appearance and strong twill weave.
Its mercerized surface lends a smooth and soft appearance and texture, with its weaving structure imparting durability and abrasion resistance.
Fleece
A type of man-made synthetic product not to be confused with the coats of sheep, fleece fabrics are created from polyester.
Woven into a light fabric that is brushed to aid in increasing fiber volume, it provides plush and cosy insulation.
Its moisture-resistant properties make it a popular choice for cooler weather and sportswear, wicking perspiration and allowing air to circulate to keep the skin comfortable and dry.
Gingham
Gingham is a medium weight, yarn-dyed, plain weave cotton fabric usually with a plaid or micro check pattern.
It is made of carded, medium or fine yarns, where the colouring is on the warp yarns and always along the grain (weft).
Gingham has no right or wrong side with respect to colour. End-uses include shirts, dresses, shorts and handkerchiefs.
Interlock / Double Knit
A variation of the rib knit, the double knit construction of interlock fabrics result in a thicker fabric that’s soft, insulant, firm, and absorbent.
Although it is heavier, thicker and firmer than single jerseys, the interlock fabric remains breathable and feels soft and light, making it an ideal choice for activewear and undergarments.
Linen
A natural plant fiber, linen fibers are stronger and more lustrous than cotton. Linen tends to get wrinkled easily, but that is the nature of the fabric. Ideal for the summer.
Depending on the weight, it’s appropriate for anything from heirloom sewing and blouses to slacks and jackets. They are valued for their exceptional coolness in hot weather.
Mesh
Characterised by its net-like open pattern, lightweight heft and permeable texture, mesh fabrics are woven or knitted loosely, resulting in its open hole structure.
The lightweight properties and open holes provide breathable ventilation while remaining durable against ripping or tearing, making it a great choice for sportswear and warm climates.
Nylon
Fabric made from nylon fibers can be used for blouses, dresses, foundation garments, lingerie, swimwear, underwear, raincoats, ski apparel, windbreakers and cycling garments.
Most items made from nylon can be machine washed and tumble dried at low temperatures. Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
Oxford
Oxford is a type of woven dress shirt fabric, a particular casual-to-formal cloth in Oxford shirts.
The Oxford weave has a basketweave structure and a lustrous aspect making it a popular fabric for a dress shirt.
Some other types are the plain, Pinpoint and the more formal Royal Oxfords. They are versatile options for the men for casual settings.
Pique
Piqué refers to a type of weaving style, normally used with cotton yarn, which is characterized by raised parallel cords or fine ribbing.
It holds more starch than plain fabric, so produces a stiffer shirt front. A knit fabric with a similar texture is used in polo shirts.
Piques may be constructed in patterns such as cord, waffle, honeycomb and birds eye piques.
Polyester
Polyester fabrics and fibers are extremely strong. They are very durable: stretching and shrinking and wrinkle resistant.
Commonly used on most garments, they can also be blended with other fabrics such as elastane, spandex, and cotton for various uses.
It also retains its shape and hence is good for making outdoor clothing for harsh climates.
Poplin
A ribbed variation of the plain weave fabric, poplin boasts softness and durability due to its weaving structure and high density, which also allows the fabric to be reversible.
Lightweight, durable and with a distinctive lustre, it remains a popular choice not only for shirts but also for upholstery.
Slub
Slub jersey has all the comfort and versatility of a knit. The small thick spot in the twist of a yarn contributes texture to the surface of a fabric.
Such spots may be deliberately added for variety or a natural variation in a yarn. Commonly used for t-shirts and known for its comfort. Some slubs may appear a little sheer and usually lightweight.
Suede
Derived from the underside of animal skin unlike leather which is derived from the top side, suede is a durable and comfortable hide option that feels much softer against the skin.
Its napped and fuzzy characteristic provides an interesting appearance, but its permeable quality lacks the waterproofing benefits of leather.
Twill
A plain-weave fabric, the yarns in twill are packed closely together to result in its signature thick pattern of diagonal parallel ribs.
Twill fabrics generally have a front (technical face) and back (technical back) side, with the front being more visually attractive, durable and pronounced.
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals. It is naturally stain and wrinkle-resistant. There are many different types of wool; pure and blended.
It is usually ideal for formal suits for men but other types of wool, usually the heavier weight are commonly used for overcoats, jackets and pants for both women and men.
