What Are Fabrics?
Fabrics are materials made from fibres that are woven, knitted, felted, or bonded together to create a textile, used in clothing, home furnishings, and industrial products.
Natural Fabrics
- Cotton: soft and breathable, widely used in clothing, bed linens, and towels.
- Linen: made from the flax plant, strong, absorbent, and quick-drying — good for summer clothing.
- Silk: a smooth, lustrous fabric from silkworm cocoons, used in formal wear and fine linens.
- Wool: warm and naturally water-resistant, used in sweaters, coats, and blankets.
Synthetic Fabrics
- Polyester: durable and wrinkle-resistant, used in clothing and upholstery.
- Nylon: strong, elastic, and lightweight, used in activewear and hosiery.
- Spandex (Lycra): exceptionally elastic, blended into leggings and sportswear for stretch.
Blended and Specialty Fabrics
- Poly-cotton: combines cotton’s comfort with polyester’s durability, common in shirts and uniforms.
- Denim: a sturdy cotton twill used in jeans and workwear.
- Chiffon: a lightweight, sheer fabric used in evening wear and scarves.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Organic cotton (grown without synthetic pesticides), bamboo fabric (soft, breathable, biodegradable), and Tencel (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp) are increasingly popular for eco-conscious clothing and textiles.
Fabric Characteristics
Fabrics vary in texture (smooth to coarse), weight (light like chiffon to heavy like denim), durability, breathability (cotton and linen breathe well; synthetics can trap heat), and drape (how the fabric falls or hangs).
