Want to know what you are wearing? Learn the types of fabric
To paraphrase Frank Sinatra, clothes and fabric go together like a horse and carriage – you can’t have one without the other. But do you really know what you’re wearing? To help you learn more about the different types of fabric in your clothes, here’s our handy guide to fabric and fashion.
What is the meaning of fabrics in fashion?
When we buy our clothes, we want them to last more than a season, to be strong enough to move about in, to keep their color, and we want to love wearing them. This comes down to just one thing: the fabric our clothes are made from.
Why is fabric important in fashion?
The fabric a designer chooses can dictate the fit, style, look, popularity, and impact on the environment.
Choosing clothes made from the right type of fabric will make us feel good about wearing them. The right fabric makes our clothes last, and means that we can wash our clothes again and again and they’ll still look and fit great.
The right fabric also helps make the fashion industry more sustainable. Eco friendly clothing is something that we are investing in to support our environment, people, and communities.
Why is it important to choose the right fabric for your clothes?
Every type of fabric is more suitable for a certain type of clothing. For example, clothing for the little ones should be made of fabrics that are soft, comfortable, and kind on sensitive skin. Clothing for children needs to be comfortable and stretchy so that they can be active while they’re growing.
To make sure you choose the right clothing for you and your family, it’s important to know the different kinds of fabrics your garments are made from and what that means when you wear them.
What are the most common fabrics used in clothing?
Most clothes on the market are made from 8 fabrics:
- Canvas | Canvas is a heavy duty fabric used for bags and shoes.
- Cashmere | Cashmere is a lightweight fabric with heat retaining properties. It’s used to make warm, cosy sweaters and scarves.
- Cotton | Cotton’s a soft, durable, breathable material used in t-shirts, bedding, dresses, joggers, and more. 100% of the cotton we use at FatFace is sustainably sourced.
- Denim | Denim is breathable and durable, and used for jeans, shirts, and jackets.
- Leather | Leather is durable, made from treated animal hide, and used in jackets, gloves, and uniforms. By 2025, FatFace leather will come from eco-friendly tannery, LWG.
- Linen | Linen is breathable and strong and is most commonly used in shorts and dresses. 100% of the linen in FatFace products will be from sustainable sources by 2025.
- Polyester | Polyester is wrinkle-free and water-repelling. That’s why it’s used to make sportswear and coats. All FatFace products that contain polyester fabric will be sourced from recycled polyester by 2025.
- Silk | Silk is absorbent and breathable but delicate. It’s used in scarves and dresses.
What is the most comfortable fabric for clothes?
Different fabrics have different uses, depending on where you’re wearing your clothes and what you’re doing in them.
For example, to stay cool on vacation, you should choose a breathable fabric like cotton or linen. To stay dry on a hike or stroll, polyester fabric is a great choice because of its water repellent properties. The choices really are endless when it comes to your clothes.
How can you tell the quality of fabric?
Choosing the highest quality fabrics for your clothes can make a big difference in how they feel and how well they last. But how can you tell if the fabric in your clothes is high quality?
Follow this 6-step process to check the quality of your fabric:
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1. Hold your clothes to the light
The less light that you see pass through the fabric, the better the quality. -
2. Ball your clothes up for 3 seconds
Clothes that are less wrinkled after being balled up are better and will last longer. -
3. Gently stretch your clothes
Clothes made from high-quality fabrics retain their original shape. -
4. Check the size of the hem
Look for clothes that have thicker hems, as they’ll last longer. -
5. Check the seams
Neat French Seams are a sign of quality. You shouldn’t see any raw edges on your clothes. -
6. Check the buttons
The tighter the buttons are sewn on, the better the quality.