Fabric is all around us – in the clothes we wear, the furnishings in our homes, and the products we use every day. With so many different types of fabric available, it can be tricky to identify and understand them all. This comprehensive guide covers types of fabric from A to Z, explaining the unique properties, manufacturing process, common uses, and care instructions for each one. Read on to become a fabric expert!
A – Acetate
Acetate is a manmade fiber created from purified cellulose that comes from wood pulp or cotton linters. It is extruded through a spinneret and forms by evaporating solvents. Acetate is smooth and soft with a silky texture and drapes well. It does not absorb moisture readily but dries fast. Acetate fabrics resist shrinking and wrinkling. They are used to make dresses, blouses, linings, and wedding gowns. Acetate should be dry cleaned. Iron at low heat if needed.
B – Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It is breathable and absorbs moisture well. Bamboo is very soft with a silky feel similar to cashmere. It has natural antibacterial properties and can regulate temperature well. Bamboo is used to make soft baby clothes, socks, blankets, and t-shirts. It can be machine washed cool and tumble dried low. Do not bleach bamboo fabric.
C – Cashmere
Cashmere is a fine, soft wool fiber that comes from cashmere goats. It is lightweight and warm with a luxurious feel. Cashmere is durable yet delicate. It is used to create sweaters, scarves, coats, suits, and blankets. Cashmere should be hand washed or dry cleaned. Avoid heat and harsh detergents when laundering to prevent damage.
D – Denim
Denim is a sturdy, thick cotton twill fabric known for its use in jeans. The most common denim is indigo blue due to traditional dyeing methods. Denim is durable and comfortable. It wrinkles easily but retains its shape well. In addition to jeans, denim is used for jackets, shirts, skirts, and other casual wear. Denim can be machine washed and tumble dried but should be washed infrequently and inside-out to preserve the color.
E – Elastic
Elastic is a stretchy fabric made from elastic fiber or rubber. It has excellent recovery and can stretch up to eight times its original length. Elastic is commonly used in the waistbands of underwear, pants, skirts, and socks to provide a snug fit. It is also used in cuffs, athletic wear, swimwear, and bras. Wash delicate elastic garments in cold water and line dry. Avoid overstretching elastic when wearing and laundering to prevent damage.
F – Fleece
Fleece is a soft, warm pile fabric made from synthetic fibers like polyester. It is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Fleece is water-repellent but allows body moisture to evaporate. It does not absorb liquid. Common uses include sweaters, jackets, blankets, and hats. Fleece can be machine washed warm and tumble dried at low heat. Avoid fabric softeners that could clog the fabric pores.
G – Georgette
Georgette is a sheer, lightweight, dull-finished fabric made from silk or polyester. It has a crepe-like texture that drapes well. Georgette is used to make blouses, dresses, evening gowns, and saris. It should be hand washed or dry cleaned to prevent damage from machine washing. Iron georgette while slightly damp if needed.
H – Hemp
Hemp fabric comes from the fibers of the cannabis sativa plant. It is breathable, absorbent, and anti-bacterial. Hemp is stronger and more durable than cotton. It softens over time without stretching out. Uses include t-shirts, jeans, dresses, skirts, and jackets. Hemp can be machine washed in cold water and line dried. Heat drying can shrink hemp fabric.
I – Interlock Knit
Interlock knit is a stretchy, smooth knit fabric made with a double stitch that prevents runs. It has more stability and structure than jersey but maintains softness and comfort. Interlock knit is used to make underwear, t-shirts, activewear, pajamas, and base layers. It can be washed and dried on normal settings suitable for cotton fabrics.
J – Jersey
Jersey is a knit fabric that stretches crosswise using a plain, or jersey stitch. It drapes well and recovers shape but can pill easily. Jersey is used to make t-shirts, dresses, activewear, and women’s tops. Jersey can be washed in warm water and tumble dried at low heat. Fabric softener can help reduce pilling.
K – Kevlar
Kevlar is an extremely strong, heat resistant synthetic fiber. It is five times stronger than steel by weight. Kevlar forms by condensing monomers into long chains aligned parallel together. Applications include bulletproof vests, helmets, face masks, gloves, and other protective equipment. Kevlar should not be laundered or exposed to chlorine bleach which degrades the fibers.
L – Lace
Lace is an ornate, openwork fabric with intricate patterns made by machine or hand using threads or yarns. Many types of lace exist like Alençon, Chantilly, and crochet lace. It is commonly used for wedding dresses, lingerie, trimming, and crafts. Lace requires gentle washing by hand and air drying to prevent damage and shrinkage.
M – Microfiber
Microfiber fabric is made from synthetic fibers that measure less than one denier in size. It is lightweight and very soft. Microfiber is moisture wicking, breathable, stretchy, and quick drying. It is commonly used for athletic clothing, housewares, and cleaning products. Microfiber can be machine washed cool and tumble dried low. Do not use fabric softeners.
N – Neoprene
Neoprene is a thick, synthetic rubber fabric that resists abrasion and corrosion. It is waterproof and insulated yet flexible. Applications include wetsuits, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, and weather stripping. Neoprene can be hand washed gently with mild soap. Allow it to air dry completely before wearing or storing.
O – Organza
Organza is a sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a crisp texture and stiff drape. Organza is used for evening gowns, wedding dresses, blouses, and trimmings. It must be dry cleaned only as machine washing can damage the fabric. Handle delicately when wearing and storing.
P – Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic polymer fabric made from petroleum with natural resistance to wrinkles, fades, and shrinkage. It is a versatile fiber used to make clothing like shirts, pants, and coats as well as home furnishings, outdoor gear, and industrial products. Polyester can be machine washed warm and tumble dried medium. Cool iron if needed.
Q – Quilted Fabric
Quilted fabric consists of two layers of material with a puffy batting in between that creates an insulated, padded effect. It can be made from many types of fabric like cotton, wool, or polyester. Quilting joins the layers together by intricate stitching. Uses include jackets, blankets, upholstery, and crafts. Most quilted items can be machine washed and dried. Check the care label.
R – Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made by extracting and purifying cellulose from natural sources. It has a soft, silk-like hand feel. Rayon is breathable and absorbs moisture well. It is used to make dresses, blouses, underwear, linens, and upholstery. Rayon should be hand washed or dry cleaned to prevent shrinkage and damage in machines.
S – Satin
Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric with a shiny surface. It is made in a satin weave that passes warp threads over multiple weft threads. The luster comes from light reflecting off the fibers. Satin is used for formal gowns, lingerie, bedding, and upholstery. It can be dry cleaned or hand washed using a gentle soap and hung to dry.
T – Taffeta
Taffeta is a crisp, smooth plain woven fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a distinctive “scroop” or rustling sound when moved. Taffeta has a high luster and sheen. It is used to make dresses, gowns, jackets, umbrellas, and parasols. Taffeta should be dry cleaned as the fibers are easily damaged by washing machines.
U – Ultrasuede
Ultrasuede is the trademarked name for a synthetic microfiber fabric that mimics the look and feel of natural suede. It has a soft, smooth surface and natural drape. Ultrasuede repels water and stains. It is used for jackets, skirts, upholstery, car seat covers, and more. Ultrasuede can be spot cleaned professionally as needed.
V – Velour
Velour is a knitted fabric with a thick, soft piled surface like velvet. It has more stretch and gives than velvet. Velour can be made from natural or synthetic fibers. Uses include sweatshirts, jackets, hats, robes, and blankets. Velour may be machine washed on gentle and laid flat or hung to dry. Avoid extreme heat when laundering.
W – Wool
Wool fabric comes from the hair fibers of animals like sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits. It is warm, breathable, and resists wrinkles. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Uses include coats, suits, sweaters, blankets, and upholstery. Wool should be dry cleaned or washed gently by hand in cold water. Allow to air dry.
X – X-Static Fabric
X-Static fabric contains pure silver fibers that give it antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-odor properties. The silver inhibits the growth of microbes, germs, and bacteria. X-Static is used to make odor-free socks, athletic wear, uniforms, masks, and medical items. It can be washed and dried like most synthetics but may fade over time.
Y – Yak Wool
Yak wool comes from the long-haired domesticated yak found throughout the Himalayan region of southern Central Asia. It is incredibly warm, soft, and lightweight. Yak wool absorbs little moisture and dries quickly. It is used to make hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, and blankets. Yak wool can be hand washed gently in cold water and laid flat to dry.
Z – Zibeline
Zibeline is a soft, thick fabric that has a long, glossy nap giving it a sheen. It can be made from wool, cotton, or a blend like mohair. Zibeline resembles velour or corduroy. Uses include coats, robes, pajamas, upholstery, and pillows. Zibeline should be dry cleaned or hand washed delicately in cold water. Reshape while damp and allow to fully air dry.
Now that you know your fabrics from A to Z, it will be easier to identify, understand, and care for all the different textiles in your daily life. Refer back to this guide whenever you need to learn more about the unique properties and ideal treatment methods for each type. With this knowledge, you can extend the life of your garments and textiles. Happy sewing and wearing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fabric
Here are answers to some common questions about different fabric types, uses, and care methods:
What fabrics are best for making t-shirts?
The best fabrics for t-shirts include cotton, polyester, rayon, linen, hemp, and lyocell. These tend to be lightweight, breathable, and great for casual wear. Look for knits like jersey that have stretch and mobility.
What types of fabric are used to make bed sheets?
Common bed sheet fabrics are cotton, flannel, satin, linen, polyester, microfiber, and blends. Cotton and linen sheets are cool, breathable, and absorbent. Flannel sheets are warm and soft for winter. Satin and polyester sheets resist wrinkles.
Should you buy 100% cotton clothing?
Clothing made from 100% cotton offers benefits like breathability, easy care, and durability over time. But cotton/polyester blends resist shrinking, wrinkling, and fading better. Synthetics like polyester also wick sweat for activewear. Consider the care and uses when choosing.
What are the warmest fabrics for coats and jackets?
The warmest coat and jacket fabrics are wool, cashmere, fleece, shearling, down and down alternatives. Wool insulates even when wet. Cashmere is soft and lightweight. Fleece and shearling hold in body heat. Down is extremely insulative but loses warming power when wet.
Is silk or satin better for wedding dresses?
For wedding gowns, satin is usually better than silk. Satin has a beautiful luminous sheen but is a more durable, thicker weave than delicate silk. However, silk crepe may be preferred for a lightweight romance style dress. Talk to your dressmaker about your options.
How often should you dry clean different fabrics?
A general rule of thumb is to dry clean wool garments every 2-3 wears and silk items every 4-5 wears. Delicate fabrics like chiffon and sequins may need cleaning after 1 wear. Sturdy fabrics like cotton and linen can go much longer between cleanings. Check care labels for recommendations.
What are the best fabrics for making outdoor furniture?
Good outdoor fabric options are polyester, acrylic, olefin, vinyl, cotton canvas, and treated medium to heavy-weight fabrics. Polyester and olefin resist fading, stains, and moisture. Canvas needs treating but is strong. Vinyl coated fabrics are waterproof and easy to clean.
Should you iron fabrics like denim and linen?
Fabrics like denim and linen wrinkle easily but do not necessarily need ironing which can damage fibers over time. Instead, consider embracing the lived-in look. Or hang items in the bathroom while showering to let steam smooth wrinkles. Iron occasionally on low if needed.
Can you bleach all white fabrics to remove stains?
Check care labels before using bleach. Bleach damages elastic, spandex, wool, silk, and dyed fabrics. It can be used on white cotton, linen, polyester, and nylon—but test first for color fastness. For colored fabrics, try laundry boosters and removers specifically for stains instead.
What are the best fabrics for sewing clothes?
Versatile fabrics to sew clothing include cotton, wool, polyester, rayon, linen, knits like jersey, and silky materials like charmeuse. Choose fabrics with the correct weight, drape, and care needs for the garment design. Always pre-wash fabrics before cutting and sewing to avoid shrinkage issues.
And those are answers to some frequently asked questions about different fabric types and uses. Refer to this information when choosing fabrics for sewing projects, buying clothes and linens, or caring for the fabrics you own.
Conclusion
Whether made from natural or synthetic fibers, woven or knitted, fabrics surround us daily in our clothes, furniture, cars, and more. Having knowledge about the vast array of available textiles makes it easier to identify, select, care for, and repair them properly. I hope this comprehensive overview of fabrics A to Z provides useful insight into the diverse materials that make up so much of everyday life. Use it as a handy reference tool to deepen your understanding of the fabrics found in your wardrobe and home.