The Different Types of Fabrics: A Complete Guide
Fabrics, true jewels of creativity, embellish our daily lives and captivate all sewing enthusiasts. They envelop our bodies, transform our interiors and breathe life into a whole host of areas. In this article, we take a tour of textile treasures: natural and synthetic fibers, surprising blends and exceptional fabrics, nothing will be left out!
Natural Fabrics
Plant fibers
Cotton : Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics. It is soft, lightweight, and breathable, making it a popular choice for clothing, sheets, and towels.
Linen : Linen is a natural fiber that comes from the flax plant. It is known for its durability and breathability. Linen fabrics are popular for their elegant appearance and cool feel, especially during the warmer months.
Jute: Jute is a plant fiber used mainly for making bags and carpets. It is durable and environmentally friendly.
Hemp: Hemp is a natural fiber that is gaining popularity due to its sustainable properties and low environmental footprint. It is used to make clothing, home furnishings, and even building materials.
Ramie: Ramie is a plant fiber similar to linen. It is often blended with other fibers to improve the strength and durability of fabrics. If you fancy a ramie fabric, we recommend you try our green or blue ramie fabric.
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable and antibacterial. It is also eco-friendly, as bamboo grows quickly and does not require pesticides for its cultivation.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Gauze, poplin, cretonne, ... | Clothing, household linen, furnishing fabrics | Soft, breathable, absorbent | Ecological (if organic), recyclable |
| Linen | Canvas, chambray, batiste, ... | Clothing, bed linen, tablecloths | Durable, breathable, hypoallergenic | Ecological, recyclable, biodegradable |
| Jute | Burlap, burlap, hessian, ... | Bags, rugs, decoration | Strong, durable, textured | Ecological, biodegradable |
| Hemp | Hemp canvas, linen/hemp cotton, ... | Clothing, upholstery fabrics, ropes | Resistant, antibacterial, insulating | Ecological, biodegradable |
| Ramie | Ramie fabric, ramie blend, ... | Clothing, furnishing fabrics, household linen | Light, shiny, resistant | Ecological, biodegradable |
| Bamboo | Bamboo viscose, bamboo jersey, ... | Clothing, bed linen, towels | Soft, antiperspirant, antibacterial | Ecological (grown without pesticides), renewable |
Animal fibers
Silk : Silk is a luxurious and precious fiber produced by silkworms. It is soft, lightweight, and has a natural sheen. Silk clothing is often considered elegant and comfortable.
Wool : Wool is obtained from the fleece of sheep. It is valued for its warmth, strength, and ability to regulate moisture. Wool clothing is popular in winter.
Mohair: Mohair is a fiber derived from the wool of Angora goats. It is soft, silky, and wrinkle-resistant. Mohair is used in the manufacture of clothing and decorative items.
Cashmere: Cashmere is a precious and luxurious fiber that comes from cashmere goats. It is soft, warm and lightweight, making it a popular choice for quality sweaters and scarves.
Alpaca: Alpaca is a soft and warm fiber, coming from… alpacas! It is similar to wool, but finer and lighter. Alpaca fabrics are appreciated for their warmth and softness.
| Matter | Types of fabric that the material offers | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk | Satin, crepe, chiffon, twill | Evening wear, lingerie, scarves | Light, soft, breathable, shiny | Made from sustainable sources |
| Wool | Tweed, flannel, merino, cashmere | Coats, sweaters, scarves | Insulating, breathable, resistant | Recyclable, made from sustainable sources |
| Mohair | Angora, curly mohair | Sweaters, jackets, blankets | Soft, light, insulating | Made from sustainable sources |
| Cashmere | Velvet, jersey, tweed | Sweaters, scarves, dresses | Soft, luxurious, insulating | Made from sustainable sources |
| Alpaca | Curly, felt, curly | Coats, sweaters, accessories | Warm, soft, hypoallergenic | Made from sustainable sources |
Mixed animal and plant fibers
Rayon (regenerated cellulose fibers): Rayon, also called viscose, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from plant cellulose. It can mimic the texture of cotton, silk, or wool, depending on the treatment applied.
Synthetic fabrics
Petroleum-based synthetic fibers
Polyester : Polyester is a strong, durable and easy-care synthetic fiber. It is used in many areas, including clothing, upholstery and technical textiles.
Nylon: Nylon is a lightweight, wear-resistant, and abrasion-resistant synthetic fiber. It is commonly used in sportswear, hosiery, ropes, and technical fabrics.
Acrylic: Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that resembles wool, but with less insulating properties. It is used in winter clothing, blankets, and upholstery fabrics.
Spandex (elastane): Spandex is an elastic fiber that offers great stretch. It is often blended with other fibers to add elasticity to clothing, such as sportswear and underwear.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a lightweight, moisture- and abrasion-resistant synthetic fiber. It is used in technical textiles, carpets and bags.
Synthetic fibers based on cellulose
Viscose : Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber produced from the cellulose of plants. It has a soft, silky texture, resembling silk. It is used for clothing, upholstery and curtains.
Modal: Modal is a fiber derived from wood cellulose. It is soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It is often used in comfortable clothing and underwear.
Lyocell (Tencel): Lyocell, also known as Tencel, is an eco-friendly fiber produced from wood cellulose. It is soft, absorbent, and breathable, and is used in sustainable clothing, linens, and upholstery.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Crepe, satin, velvet, jersey, fleece | Clothing, curtains, bedding | Durable, wrinkle-free, breathable | Not ecological, difficult to recycle |
| Nylon | Taffeta, organza, ripstop, microfiber | Sportswear, nylon stockings, parachutes | Lightweight, abrasion resistant, elastic | Not ecological, recyclable under certain conditions |
| Acrylic | Plush, fleece, knit, felt | Scarves, blankets, sweaters | Soft, lightweight, mildew resistant | Not ecological, difficult to recycle |
| Spandex (elastane) | Jersey, lycra, stretch | Underwear, swimwear, bodycon clothing | Elastic, stretchy, returns to shape | Not ecological, not recyclable |
| Polypropylene | Non-woven, geotextile | Reusable bags, outdoor mats | Lightweight, water resistant, thermal insulating | Recyclable under certain conditions, limited UV resistance |
| Viscose | Satin, crepe, jersey | Blouses, dresses, household linen | Soft, fluid, breathable | Natural origin but intensive chemical transformation |
| Modal | Jersey, corduroy | Underwear, t-shirts, pajamas | Soft, shrink resistant, breathable | Natural origin, controlled chemical transformation |
| Lyocell | Denim, twill, poplin | Jeans, shirts, dresses | Soft, durable, moisture absorbent | Natural origin, ecological manufacturing process |
Synthetic fibers based on proteins
Milk fibers: Milk fibers are obtained from milk proteins. They are soft, breathable and hypoallergenic. Milk fiber fabrics are often used in sportswear and underwear.
Soybean Fibers: Soybean fibers are made from soybean residue. They are soft, lightweight, and have good moisture absorption. Soybean fiber fabrics are used in comfortable clothing and bedding.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk fibers | Gauze, Poplin, Cretone | Light clothing, lingerie | Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic | Recyclable, sustainably sourced |
| Soy fibers | Jersey, Knit, Satin | Comfortable clothing, underwear | Soft, silky, wrinkle resistant | Eco-friendly, made from sustainable sources |
Other synthetic fibers
Polyurethane (PU): Polyurethane is a synthetic fiber that is elastic and abrasion resistant. It is commonly used in stretch fabrics, waterproof coatings, and outdoor products.
Vinylon: Vinylon is a water-resistant and durable synthetic fiber. It is often used in rainwear and umbrellas.
Kevlar: Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that is extremely resistant to tensile strength and abrasion. It is used in applications requiring high strength, such as bulletproof vests and protective gear.
Nomex: Nomex is a flame-retardant, heat-resistant synthetic fiber. It is used in protective clothing for firefighters, pilots, and workers exposed to high-temperature environments.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane (PU) | Synthetic leather, imitation leather | Clothing, furnishings, accessories | Durable, waterproof, flexible | Non-biodegradable, can be recycled but requires specific processes |
| Vinylon | Waterproof canvas | Bags, tents, outdoor clothing | Water resistant, durable | Non-biodegradable, can be recycled but requires specific processes |
| Kevlar | Ballistic fabric | Protective equipment, bulletproof vests | Extremely durable, high performance | Non-biodegradable, cannot be recycled easily |
| Nomex | Fire retardant fabric | Fire protection clothing | Heat resistant, flame retardant | Non-biodegradable, can be safely incinerated |
Mixed fabrics
Blends of natural and synthetic fibers
Cotton-polyester blend: This blend combines the properties of cotton, such as softness and breathability, with the durability and ease of care of polyester. It is used in a wide range of clothing and home textiles.
Wool-acrylic blend: This blend combines the insulating properties and warmth of wool with the lightness and easy care of acrylic. It is often used in winter clothing and blankets.
Mixtures of different synthetic fibers
Polyester-nylon blend: This blend combines the strength and durability of polyester with the lightness and wear resistance of nylon. It is used in technical fabrics, bags and sportswear.
Polyester-Spandex Blend: This blend adds the elasticity and stretch of spandex to the strength and ease of care of polyester. It is commonly used in form-fitting clothing and athletic wear.
Mixtures of natural, synthetic and/or artificial fibers
Cotton-viscose-polyester blend: This blend combines the softness and breathability of cotton, the shine of viscose and the durability of polyester. It is used in a variety of clothing and home textiles.
Silk-Polyester-Nylon Blend: This blend combines the softness and luster of silk with the strength and durability of polyester and nylon. It is used in luxury apparel and high-end home textiles.
| Matter | Types of fabric that the material offers | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton-polyester blend | Gauze, poplin, cretonne, etc. | Clothes, sheets, curtains, etc. | Soft, durable, easy to maintain | Made from sustainable sources |
| Wool-acrylic blend | Knitting, flannel, felt, etc. | Sweaters, scarves, blankets, etc. | Warm, soft, wrinkle resistant | Recyclable |
| Polyester-nylon blend | Taffeta, satin, organza, etc. | Evening dresses, jackets, lingerie, etc. | Lightweight, durable, wrinkle resistant | Recyclable |
| Polyester-spandex blend | Jersey, lycra, mesh, etc. | Sportswear, swimwear, leggings, etc. | Stretchy, comfortable, recovers its shape | Recyclable |
| Cotton-viscose-polyester blend | Denim, velvet, twill, etc. | Pants, skirts, jackets, etc. | Durable, soft, breathable | Ecological, recyclable |
| Silk-polyester-nylon blend | Crepe de Chine, satin, muslin, etc. | Dresses, blouses, scarves, etc. | Fluid, shiny, light | Recyclable |
Special fabrics
Technical and functional fabrics
Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable fabric used in outdoor clothing. It allows sweat to evaporate while preventing water from penetrating.
Softshell: Softshell fabric is a versatile material that offers a combination of wind resistance, breathability and waterproofing. It is often used in sportswear and outdoor clothing.
Coolmax: Coolmax is a fabric specially designed to wick away moisture and keep the body cool and dry. It is used in sportswear and performance clothing.
Outlast: Outlast fabric is designed to regulate body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat. It is used in sleepwear, underwear and sportswear.
Nomex (flame retardant): Nomex is a flame retardant fabric used in protective clothing for high temperature environments and fire hazard situations.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gore-Tex | Waterproof and breathable membrane | Sportswear, rainwear | Water resistant, breathable, lightweight | Not recyclable, but made from sustainable sources |
| Softshell | Stretchy, wind-resistant fabric | Outdoor jackets, sportswear | Wind resistant, water repellent, stretchy | Not recyclable, but made from sustainable sources |
| Coolmax | Moisture wicking fabric | Sportswear, underwear | Breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying | Not recyclable, but made from sustainable sources |
| Outlast | Thermal regulating fabric | Pajamas, nightwear | Regulates temperature, reduces sweating | Not recyclable, but made from sustainable sources |
| Nomex (flame retardant) | Fire retardant fabric | Fire protection clothing | Heat resistant, flame retardant, durable | Not recyclable, but made from sustainable sources |
Fabrics made from recycled fibers
Recycled Polyester Fabrics: These fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles. They help reduce plastic waste and are used in a variety of textile products.
Recycled cotton fabrics: These fabrics are made from recycled cotton fibers, often from used clothing. They are durable and environmentally friendly.
Antibacterial and antimicrobial fabrics
Fabrics with antibacterial treatment: These fabrics are treated with antibacterial substances to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce odors. They are used in sportswear and bedding items.
Fabrics with antimicrobial treatment: These fabrics are treated with antimicrobial agents to eliminate microbes and germs. They are used in medical clothing, home furnishings and personal protection products.
| Matter | Types of fabric | Uses | Properties | Environmental sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled polyester fabrics | Gauze, poplin, cretonne, etc. | Clothing, furnishings, accessories | Durable, lightweight, easy to maintain | Made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing waste |
| Recycled cotton fabrics | Jersey, denim, flannel, etc. | Clothing, linens, bags | Soft, breathable, versatile | Made from recycled cotton fibers, reducing the use of natural resources |
| Fabrics with antibacterial treatment | Microfiber, polyester, cotton, etc. | Bedding, sportswear, medical items | Reduces bacteria growth, eliminates odors | Can contribute to hygiene and disease prevention |
| Fabrics with antimicrobial treatment | Modal, viscose, polypropylene, etc. | Bedding, clothing, curtains | Reduces the growth of microorganisms, resists stains | May help prevent the spread of bacteria and germs |
To conclude
Fabrics are a wonderful combination of science, technology and creativity. Whether you are looking for the comfort of cotton, the elegance of silk or the performance of technical fabrics, there is something for every taste and every occasion. By understanding the different characteristics of fabrics, you can make informed choices when shopping and find the fabrics that match