Fabric Types: The Complete Guide to Clothing Materials
In the world of professional clothing, knowledge of the different types of fabrics is a key element to guarantee quality, functionality and design coherence. Whether it is product development, modelling or tailoring, each textile choice directly influences the aesthetic, technical and commercial result of the garment. This complete guide to the types of fabrics is designed to support designers, artisans and brands in the conscious selection of materials, through a structured analysis of natural, artificial and synthetic fibres, their specific applications and the performance characteristics of each category.
The main types of fabrics: characteristics and uses for clothing
Knowing the main types of fabrics is essential for those who work in the fashion industry and want to accurately choose the most suitable raw material for each creation. From natural fibers to the latest generation technical ones, the types of fabrics available today offer almost infinite possibilities in terms of style, comfort and functionality.
This guide is intended for designers, tailors and brands who want to delve deeper and visualize at a glance the universe of fabric types , divided by origin: natural, artificial and synthetic.
Natural fabrics
Natural fabrics come from animal or plant sources and are valued for their authenticity and quality:
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Cotton
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Linen
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Hemp
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Ramie
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Textile nettle
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Wool
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Alpaca
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Cashmere
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Mohair
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Angora
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Yak
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Silk
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Tussah
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You were
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Sea silk
Artificial fabrics
Among the types of artificial fabrics we find those obtained from chemically modified natural raw materials:
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Viscose
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Rayon
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Modal
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Cupro
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Acetate
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Triacetate
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Lyocell (TENCEL™)
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Bamboo rayon
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Algacel
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Milk (casein)
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Soy
Synthetic fabrics
The types of synthetic fabrics are developed entirely from synthetic polymers and offer high technical performance:
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Polyester
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Nylon (polyamide)
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Elastane (Spandex, Lycra®)
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Acrylic
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Polypropylene
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PVC
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PU (polyurethane)
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Kevlar
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Gore Tex
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Neoprene
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PVA
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PLA (bioplastic)
Fabric Selection Guide: How to Identify the Right Material for Your Garments
The choice between different types of fabrics depends on many factors such as the season, the cut of the garment, the desired fit and the aesthetic result. Each category of fabric offers unique properties that adapt to specific sartorial or industrial uses.
Natural fabrics – specific applications
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Cotton : ideal for t-shirts, shirts, underwear, summer garments and children's clothing due to its breathability.
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Linen : perfect for summer suits, trousers, day dresses and formal shirts with a natural creased effect.
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Wool : Used for coats, jackets, winter trousers, knitwear and tailored suits.
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Cashmere : used in luxury garments such as sweaters, scarves and light but thermal coats.
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Silk : Choice for quality blouses, evening dresses, lingerie, scarves and linings.
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Alpaca and mohair : popular for sweaters, voluminous coats and elegant winter garments.
Artificial fabrics – specific applications
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Viscose : Great for flowy dresses, feminine shirts, wrap skirts and lightweight summer pieces.
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Modal : Preferred for fitted T-shirts, high-end underwear, and performance apparel with a natural feel.
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Lyocell (TENCEL™) : perfect for sustainable jeans, cool shirts and urban activewear.
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Cupro : ideal for linings, lightweight men's shirts and loose-fitting suits.
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Acetate and triacetate : used in linings, formal dresses, skirts with permanent pleats.
Synthetic fabrics – specific applications
| Tissue | Main applications |
|---|---|
| Polyester | Technical jackets, sweatshirts, track pants, durable linings, crease-resistant clothing |
| Nylon | Activewear, shapewear, windbreakers, raincoats, swimwear |
| Elastane (Lycra) | Leggings, bodysuits, racing suits, stretch clothing and technical sportswear |
| Acrylic | Cheap sweaters, wool-effect coats, scarves and blankets |
| PVC and PU | Waterproof clothing, bags, faux leather details, fashion shoes |
| Gore Tex | Trekking jackets, ski pants, technical gloves, high-performance outerwear |
| PLA | Eco-sustainable capsule collections and green fashion accessories |
When talking about types of fabrics , it is essential to consider the behavior of the material during cutting, sewing and finishing, as well as the final visual and tactile effect on the garment. Knowing the various types of fabrics in depth allows you to obtain results that are consistent with the creative concept and production needs of each collection. Carefully selecting among the many types of fabrics available is a strategic gesture that impacts the fit, durability and perception of value of the garment.
How to evaluate the choice of different types of fabrics for fashion and tailoring
The correct evaluation of the different types of fabrics involves a structural, technical and performance analysis of the main categories, taking into account the tailoring needs and the packaging specifications required by the fashion industry. Each class of fabric types has distinctive parameters that influence the performance of the finished garment, the workability during production and the response of the material to external agents.
Natural fabrics – general technical characteristics
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High breathability and hygroscopicity
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Irregular cell structure, with variations from one batch to another
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Ease of dyeing with natural or reactive pigments
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Sensitivity to mold and insects (especially in humid environments)
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Thermal behavior varies depending on the fiber (e.g. silk vs wool)
| Property | Average value |
|---|---|
| Stretching | Low (2-10%) |
| Abrasion resistance | Average |
| Dimensional stability | Medium-low, subject to shrinkage |
| Pilling | Low (except carded wool) |
| Thermoregulation | High |
Artificial fabrics – general technical characteristics
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Uniformity in spinning and yarn structure
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High absorption capacity of dyes and special finishes
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Good yield when cutting and packaging
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Greater delicacy in frequent washing compared to synthetics
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Sensitivity to humidity in some versions (e.g. traditional viscose)
| Property | Average value |
|---|---|
| Stretching | Medium (10-20%) |
| Abrasion resistance | Medium-low |
| Dimensional stability | High, if stabilized |
| Pilling | Medium |
| Drapeability | High |
Synthetic fabrics – general technical characteristics
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Technical yarns obtained from controlled chemical processes
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High mechanical and thermal resistance
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Predictable reaction to physical and chemical agents
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Low breathability, compensated by technical treatments (e.g. micro-perforations)
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Excellent workability on industrial plants
| Property | Average value |
|---|---|
| Stretching | High (20-40%) |
| Abrasion resistance | Very high |
| Dimensional stability | High |
| Pilling | Medium-high (depends on processing) |
| Thermoregulation | Low, can be improved with composites |
The technical comparison between different types of fabrics allows the professional to orient himself consciously between performance, aesthetic yield and production requirements. In the design phase, the selection between the various types of fabrics must be based not only on the appearance or composition, but also on the mechanical and chemical properties necessary to guarantee the quality and durability of the garment. For more details on this aspect, you can consult this in-depth study .
Buy Fabrics Online: Wide Selection of Materials for Designers and Craftsmen
Buying the best types of fabrics online is now a real opportunity for designers, tailors and brands looking for selected and professional raw materials. A curated, updated and technically described assortment allows you to precisely explore the types of fabrics best suited to each creative project, from tailored clothing to the production of series collections. Thanks to a platform designed for the fashion industry, you can quickly access a variety of natural, artificial and synthetic fabrics, which can be consulted by composition, weight, structure and intended use. Whether you are developing a prototype, making garments to order or planning an entire collection, the online catalog offers a wide range of types of professional fabrics ready for purchase, with detailed technical sheets for each material.
Buy fabrics .
