The Different Types of Fabric

First, “fabric” is a material made by entwining fibers together. Generally, a fabric is named after the fiber user to manufacture it; some fabrics will even use a blend of different fibers. The fabric is then named depending on the fiber(s) used, its pattern and texture and the production process implemented. Some fabrics also consider where the fibers originated from.

Based off this, there are actually two sets of categories that first separate the types of fabric: the fibers used (natural vs. synthetic) and the production processes (woven vs. knitted).

Natural vs. Synthetic

The first differing detail with fabrics is dependent on what type of fiber is used. There are two types: natural and synthetic.

Natural fibers are obtained from plants and animals. For example, cotton comes from plants while silk comes from silkworms.

Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, are made entirely synthetic matter created by man.

Woven vs. Knitted

The second differing detail is the production process used. Again, there are two types: woven and knitted.

Woven fabrics are made up of two pieces of yarn that interweave horizontally and vertically on a loom. Since the yarn runs at a 45-degree angle, the fabric doesn’t stretch and is usually tauter and sturdier than knit fabrics. The fabric consists of a weft (when the yarn goes across the width of the fabric) and a warp (when the yarn goes down the length of the loom).

There are three types of woven fabric: plain weave, satin weave and twill weave. Examples of popular woven fabrics are chiffon, crepe, denim, linen, satin and silk.

For knit fabric, think of a hand-knit scar; the yarn is formed into an interconnecting loop design, which allows it to stretch significantly. Knit fabrics are known for being elastic and keeping shape.

There are two types of knit fabric: warp-knitted and weft-knitted. Examples of popular knit fabrics are lace, lycra and mesh.

Now, let’s take a look at the 12 different types of fabric.

1. Chiffon

Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight, plain-woven fabric made from twisted yarn that gives it a slightly rough feel. The yarn is usually made of silk, nylon, polyester or rayon.

Chiffon can be easily dyed and is usually seen in scarves, blouses and dresses, including wedding gowns and prom dresses, due to its light, flowing material.

2. Cotton

Known as the most popular material in the world, cotton is a light, soft natural fabric. The fluffy fiber is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant in a process called ginning. The fiber is then spun into cloth, where it can be woven or knit.

This fabric is praised for its comfortableness, versatility and durability. It is hypoallergenic and breathes well, though it doesn’t dry quickly. Cotton can be found in virtually any type of clothing: shirts, dresses, underwear. However, it can wrinkle and shrink.

Cotton yields many types of additional fabrics, including chino, chintz, gingham and muslin.

3. Crepe

Crepe is a lightweight, twisted plain-woven fabric with a rough, bumpy surface that doesn’t wrinkle. It is often made from cotton, silk, wool or synthetic fibers, making it a versatile fabric. Due to this, crepe is usually called after its fiber; for example, crepe silk or crepe chiffon.

Crepe is often used in suit and dressmaking since it’s soft, comfortable and easy to work with. For example, georgette is a type of crepe fabric often used in designer clothes. Crepe is also used in blouses, pants, scarves, shirts and skirts.

4. Denim

Another type of fabric is denim. Denim is a woven cotton twill fabric made from entwined cotton wrap yarn and white cotton stuffing yarn. It is often known for its vivid texture, sturdiness, durability and comfortableness.

Denim is mostly dyed with indigo to create blue jeans, but it is also used for jackets and dresses.

5. Lace

Lace is an elegant, delicate fabric made from looped, twisted or knitted yarn or thread. It was originally made from silk and linen, but lace is now made with cotton thread, wool or synthetic fibers. There are two main elements to lace: the design and the ground fabric, which holds the pattern together.

Lace is considered a luxury textile, as it takes time and expertise to create the open-weave design and web-like pattern. The soft, transparent fabric is often used to accent or embellish clothing, especially with bridal gowns and veils, though it can be found in shirts and nightgowns.

6. Leather

Leather is a unique type of fabric in that it is made from animal hides or skins, including cows, crocodiles, pigs and lamb. Depending on the animal used, leather will require different treatment techniques. Leather is known for being durable, wrinkle-resistant and stylish.

Suede is a type of leather (usually made from lamb) that has the “flesh side” turned outward and brushed to create a soft, velvety surface. Leather and suede are often found in jackets, shoes and belts since the material keeps the body warm in cold weather.

7. Linen

The next fabric is linen, which is one of the oldest materials known to humankind. Made from natural fibers, this strong, lightweight fabric comes from the flax plant, which is stronger than cotton. The flax strands are spun into yarn, which is then blended with other fibers.

Linen is absorbent, cool, smooth and durable. It is machine-washable, but it needs regular ironing, as it creases easily. Though it can be used in clothing, including suits, jackets, dresses, blouses and trousers, linen is mostly used in drapes, tablecloths, bedsheets, napkins and towels.

8. Satin

Unlike most of the fabrics on this list, satin is not made from a fiber; it is actually one of the three major textile weaves and is made when every strand is well-knitted. Satin was originally made from silk and is now made from polyester, wool and cotton. This luxurious fabric is glossy, elegant and slippery on one side and matte on the other.

Noted for its sleek, smooth surface and lightweight, satin is often used in evening and wedding gowns, lingerie, corsets, blouses, skirts, coats, outerwear and shoes. It can also be used as a backing to other fabrics.

9. Silk

Known as the world’s most luxurious natural fabric, silk is another soft, elegant fabric choice with a smooth touch and shimmering look. Silk comes from the silkworm’s cocoon, which are found in China, South Asia and Europe.

It is the most hypoallergenic, durable, strongest natural fabric, though it is difficult to clean and delicate to handle; many fabric weaves tighten or pucker when washed, so it’s best to hand wash or dry clean silk. Like lace, satin is expensive due to the time-consuming, delicate process or turning the silk thread into yarn.

Silk is mostly used in wedding and evening gowns, shirts, suits, skirts, lingerie, ties and scarves. The two most popular types are Shantung and Kashmir silk.

10. Synthetics

Unlike the other fabrics listed here, synthetics actually cover several fabric types: nylon, polyester and spandex. Synthetics don’t shrink, unlike delicate fabrics, and are usually resistant to water-based stains.

Nylon is a completely synthetic fiber made up of polymers. It is known for its strength, flexibility and resilience. Nylon is also long-lasting and handles wear and tear, which is why it is often seen ins outerwear, including jackets and parkas.

Polyester is a man-made synthetic fiber and fabric created from petrochemicals. Though it is strong, durable and wrinkle and stain-resistant, polyester is not breathable and doesn’t absorb liquids well. Instead, it is designed to move moisture away from the body. Most T-shirts, trousers, skirts and sportswear are made from polyester.

Arguably the most popular synthetic material is spandex, which is made from polyurethane. Also known as Lycra or elastane, spandex is known for its lightweight, elasticity and strength after being blended with several fiber types. This comfortable, form-fitting material is often used in jeans, hosiery, dresses, sportswear and swimwear.

11. Velvet

Another different type of fabric is the soft, luxurious velvet, which has mostly been associated with royalty due to its rich, opulent finishing and complex production process. This heavy, shiny woven warp pile fabric has a smooth pile effect on one side. The textile’s quality is determined by the pile tuft’s density and the way they are anchored to the base fabric.

Velvet can be made from cotton, linen, cool, silk, nylon or polyester, making it a versatile material that is either inelastic or stretchy. It is often used in blouses, shirts, coats, skirts, evening wear and outerwear.

12. Wool

Our last different type of fabric is wool. This natural fiber comes from sheep, goat, llama or alpaca fleece. It can be knitted or woven.

Wool is often noted for being hairy and itchy, though it keeps the body warm and is durable and long-lasting. It is also wrinkle-free and resistant to dust and wear and tear. This fabric can be a bit expensive, as it needs to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Wool is mostly used in sweaters, socks and gloves.

Types of wool include tweed, Cheviot fabric, cashmere and Merino wool; Cheviot fabric is made from Cheviot sheep, cashmere is made from cashmere and pashmina goats and Merino wool is made from Merino sheep.