Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight, plain-woven fabric with a slight shine. Chiffon has small puckers that make the fabric a little rough to the touch. These puckers are created through the use of s-twist and z-twist crepe yarns, which are twisted counter-clockwise and clockwise respectively. Crepe yarns are also twisted much tighter than standard yarns. The yarns are then woven in a plain weave, which means a single weft thread alternates over and under a single warp thread. The sheer fabric can be woven from a variety of textile types, both synthetic and natural, like silk, nylon, rayon, or polyester.
Chiffon fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, nightgowns, blouses, wedding gowns, scarves, lingerie, ribbons, decorative fabric, and accessories.
Type: Synthetic/organic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used.
Average Price: $2–$6 per meter = $1.8–$5.5 per yard*
Fabric density: 50–100 g/m2
Durability: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used. Synthetic chiffon is more durable than organic chiffon.
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Light, sheer, drapes well, easy to dye, frays easily
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made of polyester, nylon, or rayon. Organic fibers made of silk or cotton.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used.
Heat retention abilities: Chiffon is good for summer as it’s a lightweight and breathable fabric type. It isn’t good for winter as it doesn’t retain heat well.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Cotton
Cotton is a staple fiber, which means it is composed of different, varying lengths of fibers. Cotton is made from the natural fibers of cotton plants. Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound crucial to plant structure, and is a soft and fluffy material. The term cotton refers to the part of the cotton plant that grows in the boil, the encasing for the fluffy cotton fibers. Cotton is spun into yarn that is then woven to create a soft, durable fabric used for everyday garments, like t-shirts, and home items, such as bed sheets. Cotton prints and cotton solids are both available designs.
Cotton fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Shirts, dresses, blouses, underwear, socks, sweaters, sheets, blankets, bags, jeans, skirts
Type: Organic
Average Price: $3 per meter = $2.7 per yard*
Fabric density: 130–230 g/m2
Durability: High when well-made
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Low on its own, but can be combined with stretch fabrics to make it stretchier
Properties: Soft, versatile, water absorbent, hypoallergenic, dye friendly, no static cling, may wrinkle and shrink
Fabric composition: Organic fibers from the seeds of the cotton plant
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Cotton is one of the best fabrics for hot weather, but not as good for cold environments due to the water retention formula of the fabric.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
Lamé
Lamé is a shimmering material that’s created by combining metallic threads and natural or synthetic fibers into a woven or knit fabric. For a more affordable version, metal-coated plastic can also be used. Lamé fabric regained its popularity in the 1960s when Hollywood stars were often seen wearing lamé garments on the red carpet. Today imitation lamé fabric has become increasingly popular for costumes, especially cosplay.
Lamé fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, blouses, costumes, cosplay, bags, skirts, shoes
Type: Organic/synthetic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average price: $4 per meter (imitation) = $3.6 per yard*
Fabric density: 70 g/m2
Durability: Low
Breathability: Low
Stretchability: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used—either no give or highly stretchy
Properties: Light, shiny, semi-sheer, drapes well
Fabric composition: Woven metallic threads interspersed with natural or synthetic yarn
Heat retention abilities: Lamé fabric isn’t suitable for everyday use because of its low breathability.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Georgette
Georgette is a type of crêpe fabric that is typically made from pure silk but can also be made from synthetic fibers like rayon, viscose, and polyester. Crêpe georgette is woven using tightly twisted yarns, which create a slight crinkle effect on the surface Georgette is sheer and lightweight and has a dull, matte finish.. Silk georgette is very similar to silk chiffon, which is also a type of crêpe fabric, but georgette is not as sheer as chiffon because of the tighter weave. Georgette fabrics are sometimes sold in solid colors but often georgette is printed and boasts colorful, floral prints.
Georgette fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, blouses, shirts, gowns, skirts, sarees, home decor
Type: Organic/synthetic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $2 per meter = $1.8 per yard*
Fabric density: 30–80 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: Medium
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Light, drapes well, easy to dye, semi-sheer, textured, hypoallergenic, tear-resistant
Fabric composition: Organic fibers made of silk. Synthetic fibers are made of polyester, viscose, or rayon.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Heat retention abilities: It’s not the best choice for summer because of poor breathability, but it’s great for winter if made from synthetic materials.
Gingham
Gingham is a cotton fabric, or sometimes a cotton blend fabric, made with dyed yarn woven using a plain weave to form a checked pattern. Gingham is usually a two-color pattern, and popular combinations are red and white gingham or blue and white gingham. The checked pattern can come in a variety of sizes. Gingham pattern is reversible and appears the same on both sides. Gingham is a popular fabric due to its low cost and ease of production. Gingham is used frequently for button-down shirts, dresses, and tablecloths.
Jersey
Jersey is a soft, stretchy, knitted fabric originally made from wool. Today, jersey is also made from cotton, cotton blends and synthetic fibers. The right side of the jersey fabric is smooth and has a light ribbed pattern, while the back of the jersey has loops. The fabric is usually light to medium weight and is used for various garments and household items such as sweatshirts or bed sheets.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric made from yarn or thread, characterized by open-weave designs and patterns created through a variety of different methods. Lace fabric was originally made from silk and linen, but today cotton thread and synthetic fibers are both used. Lace is a decorative fabric used to accent and embellish clothing and home decor items. Lace is traditionally considered a luxury textile, as it takes a lot of time and expertise to make.
Lace fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Embellishment for clothing and home decor items
Type: Organic/synthetic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average price: $2–6 per meter = $1.8–$5.5 per yard*
Fabric density: 50–150 g/m2
Durability: High if spandex is added
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Light, soft, sheer, abrasion-resistant
Fabric composition: Organic fibers made of silk, cotton, or linen. Synthetic fibers made of polyester or rayon.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Leather
Leather is any fabric that is made from animal hides or skins, and different leathers result from different types of animals and different treatment techniques. While cowhide is the most popular animal skin used for leather, comprising about 65 percent of all leather produced, almost any animal can be made into leather, from crocodiles to pigs to stingrays. Leather is a durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric, and it can take on many different looks and feels based on the type of animal, grade, and treatment.
Leather fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Jackets, coats, pants, wallets, belts, gloves, bags, shoes, seat covers
Type: Organic
Average Price: $3 per meter = $2.7 per yard*
Durability: High
Breathability: Low
Stretchability: Low
Properties: Soft, thick, and resistant to water, stains, and abrasions
Fabric composition: Organic material made from animal hides or skins
Sustainability: Unprocessed natural leather is completely organic and easily biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Leather isn’t the best option for summer as it isn’t very breathable. But, it’s good for fall because it blocks the wind well.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Linen
Linen is an extremely strong, lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. Linen is a common material used for towels, tablecloths, napkins, and bedsheets, and the term “linens,” i.e. bed linens, still refer to these household items, though they are not always made out of linen fabric. The material is also used for the inner layer of jackets, hence the name “lining.” It’s an incredibly absorbent and breathable fabric, which makes it ideal for summer clothing, as the lightweight qualities allow air to pass through and moderate the body temperature.
Linen fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Shirts, skirts, shorts, dresses, bedsheets, towels, napkins, curtains
Type: Organic
Average Price: $6 per meter = $5.5 per yard*
Quality: High-quality fabric
Fabric density: Lightweight linen: 90–130 g/m2, mid-weight linen: 140–190 g/m2, heavyweight linen: 200–300 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Low on its own, but can be combined with stretch fabrics to make it stretchier
Properties: Great conductor of heat, hypoallergenic, dries fast, dye-friendly, wrinkles a lot
Fabric composition: Organic fibers from the flax plant
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Linen is a great fabric choice for hot and humid climates. It’s also good for winter because it’s temperature-regulating.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Jacquard
Jacquard fabric is any fabric woven in a jacquard pattern. Usually, patterns are created using cotton, polyester, silk, or wool fibers. The weave of jacquard dates back to the 4th century. However, it became popular only after the invention of the Jacquard Loom at the end of the 18th century in France. This type of machine can weave complex patterns directly into the fabric, making beautiful designs. Jacquard isn’t often used for casual garments due to its complexity and relatively high cost. This fabric is perfect for costumes, furniture upholstery, and duvet covers.
Jacquard fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, jackets, costumes, formal attire, ties, ribbons, drapes, curtains, upholstery, tablecloths, duvet covers, pillow covers
Type: Synthetic/organic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $4 per meter = $3.7 per yard*
Fabric density: 250+ g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
Stretchability: Low
Properties: Heavy, wrinkle-resistant, textured, drapes well
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made of polyester. Organic fibers are made of cotton, silk, or wool.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Heat retention abilities: It depends on the type of fabric fiber used: linen, cotton, and silk jacquards are lightweight and more suitable for summer. Wool and polyester jacquards are better for winter.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
Nylon
Nylon is a polymer that was first produced in America in the 1930s. It grew in popularity during World War || when silk stockings were in significantly shorter supply. Because of its temperature resilience, strength, and chemical compatibility, nylon is also used in car tires, rope threads, and certain types of mechanical equipment. Nylon can even be used as a substitute for low-strength metals.
Nylon fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Swimwear, leggings, stockings, yoga pants, windbreakers, bags, umbrellas
Type: Synthetic
Average Price: $1.50 per meter = $1.4 per yard*
Fabric density: 20–180 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: Low
Stretchability: High
Properties: Light, tough, abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, wrinkle-resistant, easy to dye
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made from petroleum oil
Sustainability: Significant negative environmental impact during production and disposal—not sustainable, renewable, or biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Nylon isn’t good for summer as it’s water-repellent and doesn’t breathe very well. However, nylon is great as an outer layer in winter because of its water-repellent properties.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
Organza
Organza is a lightweight, sheer, plain-woven fabric that was originally made from silk. The material can also be made from synthetic fibers, primarily polyester, and nylon. Synthetic fabrics are slightly more durable, but the fabric is very delicate and prone to frays and tears. Organza is also characterized by very small holes throughout the fabric, which are the spaces between the warp and weft thread in the plain-weave pattern. The quality of organza is defined as the number of holes per inch—more holes indicate better quality organza. Organza is extremely popular for wedding gowns and evening wear, as it is shimmery and translucent quality which creates decadent silhouettes.
Organza fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, blouses, scarves, decorations, curtains
Type: Organic/synthetic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $3–$5 per meter = $2.7–$4.6 per yard if organic, $1 per meter = $0.9 per yard if synthetic*
Fabric density: 25–40 g/m2
Durability: Low
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Light, sheer, stiff, easy to dye, wrinkles a lot
Fabric composition: Organic fibers made of silk. Synthetic fibers made of polyester or nylon.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Prone to pilling/bubbling: None
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made synthetic fiber created from petrochemicals, like coal and petroleum. Polyester fabric is characterized by its durable nature; however, it is not breathable and doesn’t absorb liquids, like sweat, well. Polyester blends are also very popular as the durable fiber can add strength to another fabric, while the other fabric makes polyester more breathable.
Polyester fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Outdoor clothing, shirts, trousers, suits, bags, coats and anoraks, footwear, sheets, duvet covers, sleeping bags
Type: Synthetic
Average Price: $1–2 per meter = $0.9–$1.8 per yard*
Fabric density: 200–300 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: Low
Stretchability: High
Properties: Water repellant, dries quickly, wrinkle-resistant, blends easily with other fabrics, retains shape very well, easy to dye
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made from polyethylene terephthalate or PET
Sustainability: Significant negative environmental impact during production and disposal—not sustainable, renewable, or biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Polyester isn’t good for summer, but it’s great for winter as it doesn’t absorb moisture.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: High
Satin
Satin is one of the three major textile weaves, along with plain weave and twill. The satin weave creates an elastic, shiny, soft fabric with a beautiful drape. Satin fabric is characterized by a soft, lustrous surface on one side, with a duller surface on the other side. This is a result of the satin weaving technique, and there are many variations on what defines a satin weave.
Satin fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses, robes, shirts, shorts, blouses, lingerie, bed sheets, bags, shoes
Type: Organic/synthetic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $1.5 per meter = $1.4 per yard*
Fabric density: 100–200 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: High, if made from organic materials
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Soft, light, shiny, drapes well, wrinkle-resistant
Fabric composition: Organic fibers made of silk. Synthetic fibers made of rayon, polyester, or nylon.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Heat retention abilities: Satin is great for summer if made from organic materials. For winter, it’s better to wear satin clothes paired with some warmer items.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Medium
Silk
Silk is a natural fiber produced by the silkworm, an insect, as a material for their nests and cocoons. Silk is known for its shine and softness as a material. It is an incredibly durable and strong material with a beautiful drape and sheen. Silk is used for formal attire, accessories, bedding, upholstery, and more.
Silk fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Dresses and gowns, blouses, skirts, nightgowns, lingerie, scarves, ties, face masks, bedding
Type: Organic
Average Price: $10–$30 per meter = $9–$27 per yard*
Fabric density: 80–120 g/m2
Durability: High if blended with other fibers, such as cotton
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Soft, shiny, light, moisture-absorbent, hypoallergenic, builds up static electricity easily
Fabric composition: Organic fibers made from fibroin, which is a protein that certain types of insect larvae secrete to make cocoons
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable
Heat retention abilities: Silk is a natural insulator and it has temperature-regulating properties, making it great for both summer and winter.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Tulle
Tulle is a soft, lightweight yet durable mesh fabric type made from various fibers, including polyester, nylon, cotton, and silk. In 1809, the specialized weaving machine was invented to make the process easier. Nowadays, tulle is largely used for wedding gowns, evening dresses, and lingerie. It’s also frequently used to wrap gifts and create ornamental accents.
Tulle fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Tutus, veils, gowns, underskirts, petticoats, lingerie, decorative ornaments
Type: Synthetic/organic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $1 per meter = $0.9 per yard*
Durability: High
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Stiff, soft, light, easy to dye
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made of polyester, rayon, or nylon. Organic fibers made of silk.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Prone to pilling/bubbling: No
Twill
Twill is one of the three major types of textile weaves, along with satin and plain weaves. The distinguishing characteristic of the twill weave is a diagonal rib pattern. Twill weaves have a distinct, often darker-colored front side (called the wale) with a lighter back. Twill has a high thread count, which means that the fabric is opaque, thick, and durable. Twill fabrics are rarely printed on, though multiple colored yarns can be used to achieve designs like tweed and houndstooth. The fabric is durable with a beautiful drape, and it is used for denim, chinos, upholstery, and bed linens.
Twill fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Jeans, chinos, khaki pants, work clothing, bags, furniture coverings, curtains, towels
Type: Synthetic/organic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $2 per meter = $1.8 per yard for cotton twill, $5 per meter = $4.5 per yard for linen twill*
Fabric density: 400+ g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: Medium
Stretchability: Low
Properties: Opaque, hides stains well, doesn’t wrinkle and crease, sturdy, drapes well
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made of polyester; organic fibers made of cotton, linen, or wool
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Heat retention abilities: Fabrics with a twill weave are not very suitable for summer, but they’re good for colder climates because this kind of weaving structure forms a particularly dense fabric.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Depends on the type of fabric fiber used
Velvet
Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric that is characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap. Velvet has a beautiful drape and a unique soft and shiny appearance due to the characteristics of the short pile fibers. Velvet fabric is popular for evening wear and dresses for special occasions, as the fabric was initially made from silk. Cotton, linen, wool, mohair, and synthetic fibers can also be used to make velvet, making velvet less expensive and incorporated into daily-wear clothes. Velvet is also a fixture of home decor, where it’s used as upholstery fabric, curtains, pillows, and more.
Velvet fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Eveningwear, jackets, trousers, robes, hats, upholstery, curtains, wall hangings
Type: Synthetic/organic, depending on the type of fabric fiber used
Average Price: $2–$6 per meter = $1.8–$5.5 per yard*
Fabric density: 300+ g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Low
Properties: Heavy, soft, shiny, drapes well (if organic), builds up static electricity easily, frays easily
Fabric composition: Synthetic fibers made of polyester or rayon. Organic fibers made of silk, wool, or cotton.
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable when organic fibers are used
Heat retention abilities: Velvet isn’t good for summer because it’s quite thick and heavy. However, it’s suitable for winter because it retains heat well.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Low
Viscose
Viscose is a semi-synthetic type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp that is used as a silk substitute, as it has a similar drape and smooth feel to the luxury material. It is a silk-like fabric and is appealing because it is much cheaper to produce. Viscose is a versatile fabric used for clothing items such as blouses, dresses, and jackets, and around the home in carpets and upholstery.
Viscose fabric characteristics and specifications
Suitable for: Blouses, dresses, jackets, t-shirts, sportswear, bedding, carpets, upholstery
Type: Semi-synthetic
Average Price: $2 per meter = $1.8 per yard*
Fabric density: 80–150 g/m2
Durability: High
Breathability: High
Stretchability: Medium
Properties: Soft, lightweight, water-absorbent, dye-friendly, drapes well, blends well with other fibers, easily damaged by scraping
Fabric composition: Fibers that are made from wood cellulose and synthetic substances, like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide
Sustainability: Sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable. However, there’s a significant negative environmental impact during production because of the chemicals used.
Heat retention abilities: Viscose is good for hot and dry weather because it’s lightweight and feels cool against your skin. However, viscose isn’t great for winter as it absorbs moisture easily.
Prone to pilling/bubbling: Medium
Read more: 28 Different Types Of Fabric
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