Fabric Types: A Complete Guide to Clothing Materials

In the world of professional clothing, knowledge of different fabric types is key to ensuring quality, functionality, and design consistency. Whether it's product development, pattern making, or tailoring, every textile choice directly impacts the aesthetic, technical, and commercial outcome of the garment. This comprehensive guide to fabric types is designed to support designers, artisans, and brands in the informed selection of materials, through a structured analysis of natural, man-made, and synthetic fibers, 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 working in the fashion industry who want to accurately choose the most suitable raw material for each creation. From natural fibers to cutting-edge technical fabrics, the types of fabrics available today offer almost infinite possibilities in terms of style, comfort, and functionality.

This guide is designed for designers, tailors, and brands who want to delve deeper and visualize at a glance the universe of fabric types, divided by origin: natural, man-made, and synthetic.

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics derive from animal or plant sources and are prized for their authenticity and quality:

• Cotton

• Linen

• Hemp

• Ramia

• Textile nettle

• Wool

• Alpacas

• Cashmere

• Mohair

• Angora

• Yak

• Silk

• Tussah

• Eri

• Sea silk

Artificial Fabrics

Among the types of artificial fabrics, we find those obtained from chemically modified natural raw materials:

• Viscose

• Rayon

• Modal

• Cupro

• Acetate

• Triacetate

• Lyocell (TENCEL™)

• Bamboo rayon

• Algacel

• Milk (casein)

• Soy

Synthetic fabrics

These types of synthetic fabrics are developed entirely from synthetic polymers and offer high technical performance:

• Polyester

• Nylon (polyamide)

• Elastan (Spandex, Lycra®)

• Acrylic

• Polypropylene

• PVC

• PU (polyurethane)

• Kevlar

• Gore-Tex

• Neoprene

• PVA

• PLA (bioplastic)

   

  Prodotti Correlati

  

  Stretch jacquard with flower motif

  Acquista

  

  Stretch jacquard with polka dot motif

  Acquista

  

  Stretch jacquard with polka dot motif

  Acquista

  

  Stretch jacquard

  Acquista

  

  Shiny stretch satin

  Acquista

  

  Glossy two-way stretch fabric

  Acquista

  

  Glossy two-way stretch fabric

  Acquista

  

  Plain satin

  Acquista

   

Guide to choosing fabrics: how to identify the right material for your garments

The choice between the different types of fabrics depends on numerous factors such as the season, the cut of the garment, the desired fit, and the aesthetic result. Each fabric category offers unique properties that adapt to specific tailoring or industrial uses.

Natural fabrics – specific applications

• Cotton: ideal for t-shirts, shirts, underwear, summer garments, and children's clothing due to its breathability.

• Linen: Perfect for summer suits, trousers, day dresses, and formal shirts with a natural creased effect.

• Wool: Used for coats, jackets, winter trousers, knitwear, and tailored suits.

• Cashmere: Used in luxury items such as sweaters, scarves, and lightweight yet thermal coats.

• Silk: A choice for blouses, evening dresses, lingerie, scarves, and quality linings.

• Alpaca and mohair: Popular for sweaters, voluminous coats, and elegant winter garments.

Artificial Fabrics – Specific Applications

• Viscose: Excellent for flowing dresses, feminine shirts, wrap skirts, and lightweight summer garments.

• Modal: Preferred for fitted T-shirts, high-end underwear, and performance apparel with a natural feel.

• Lyocell (TENCEL™): Perfect for sustainable jeans, cool shirts, and urban activewear.

• Cupro: Ideal for linings, lightweight men's shirts, and suits slipped.

• Acetate and triacetate: used in linings, formal dresses, and skirts with permanent pleats.

Synthetic fabrics – specific applications

When talking about fabric types, it is essential to consider the material's behavior during cutting, sewing, and finishing, as well as the final visual and tactile effect on the garment. An in-depth knowledge of the various fabric types allows you to obtain results 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 perceived 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 packaging specifications required by the fashion industry. Each class of fabric types has distinctive parameters that influence the performance of the finished garment, its workability during production, and the material's response to external agents.

Natural fabrics – general technical characteristics

• High breathability and hygroscopicity

• Irregular cell structure, with variations from one batch to another.

• Ease of dyeing with natural or reactive pigments.

• Susceptibility to mold and insects (especially in humid environments).

• Variable thermal behavior depending on the fiber (e.g., silk vs. wool)

Artificial fabrics – general technical characteristics

• Uniformity in spinning and yarn structure

• High absorption capacity of dyes and special finishes

• Good performance when cut and sewn.

• More gentle when washed frequently than synthetics.

• Some versions are sensitive to humidity (e.g., traditional viscose).

Synthetic fabrics – general technical characteristics

• Technical yarns obtained from controlled chemical processes

• High mechanical and thermal resistance

• Predictable reaction to physical and chemical agents

• Low breathability, compensated by technical treatments (e.g., micro-perforations)

• Excellent workability on industrial plants

The technical comparison between the different fabric types allows the professional to make an informed choice between performance, aesthetics, and production requirements. During the design phase, the selection between the various fabric types must be based not only on 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 analysis.

Buy fabrics online: a wide selection of materials for designers and artisans

Buying the best fabric types online is now a real opportunity for designers, tailors, and Brands looking for select, professional raw materials. A curated, updated, and technically described assortment allows you to precisely explore the types of fabrics best suited to every creative project, from custom clothing to mass-produced collections. Thanks to a platform designed for the fashion industry, you can quickly access a variety of natural, man-made, and synthetic fabrics, searchable by composition, weight, structure, and intended use. Whether developing a prototype, creating made-to-order garments, or planning an entire collection, the online catalog offers a wide range of types of professional fabrics ready for purchase, with detailed technical data sheets for each material.

Buy fabrics.