Different Types of Fabric and their Characteristics

• Cotton

  • comes from cotton plant.
• Batiste

  • very fine, soft, usually sheer cottons, often used for handkerchiefs, nightwear, and children's dresses.
• Broadcloth

  • closely woven fabric.
• Calico

  • plain woven cotton, usually printed with tiny floral designs.
• Cambric

  • tightly woven cotton, usually in solid colors, such as cambric blue.
• Canvas

  • heavyweight cotton, used for items that require strength, such as tote bags, knapsacks, and slipcovers.
• Chambray

  • finely woven cotton, usually with white and another color.
• Chino

  • cotton twill that has been pre-shrunk and mercerized.
• Chintz

  • highly glazed cotton with a rich glossy finish.
• Corduroy

  • cotton pile that has been cut and woven with wide or narrow ribs.
• Denim

  • workhorse of cottons.
• Flannel

  • very soft cotton, usually with a nap. Used often in baby wear.
• gingham

  • yarn-dyed woven cotton, usually seen in the form of checks.
• khaki

  • another strong cotton weave, used in uniforms and other items that require strength.
• Muslin

  • a very basic plain woven fabrics.

  Can be:

  1. coarse or fined
  2. dyed
  3. unbleached
• lawn

  • cotton lawn is a fine, crisp, combed cotton fabric, used in children's wear, nightwear, and traditional quilting.
• sateen

  • cotton that has been woven with a satin weave.
• terry

  • woven knitted cotton pile with loops on one or both sides.
• voile

  • crisp, sheer, lightweight cotton, used for formal wear.
• Linen

  • comes from flax (plant).
• Silk

  • comes from silkworms.
• Silk

  • can have either a smooth finish or a nubby finish (raw silk).
• Wool

  • comes from animal coats known for its warmth, it is often blended with man-made fibers.
• Natural Fabrics:

  1. Cotton
  2. Linen
  3. Silk
  4. Wool
• Polyester

  • became a favorite fabric for apparel.
• Rayon

  • considered the most "natural" of the man-made fabrics, it is most often used for apparel.
• Nylon

  • new types are being developed yearly.
• Nylon

  • often mixed with other fibers for apparel.
• Acrylic

  • often used as a substitute for wool, in sweaters, fleece wear, and other outer wear.