“Fabric” refers to a material made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, felting, or braiding fibers together. These fibers can be natural (like cotton, wool, or silk) or synthetic (like nylon or polyester). The word “fabric” can also be synonymous with “cloth” and “material.” When it comes to the types of fabric for clothing, there are numerous options available.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Fibers: The raw material of fabrics. They can be short, staple fibers (like cotton) or long, filament fibers (like silk). They can also be natural, coming from plants (like cotton or flax), animals (like wool from sheep or silk from silkworms), or minerals (asbestos, though not commonly used anymore due to health concerns). Additionally, many synthetic fibers, produced from chemicals, are now widespread, such as polyester and nylon.
- Yarn: Fibers are twisted together to produce long strands called yarn. The yarn can vary in thickness, length, and texture.
- Construction: Once you have yarn, it can be transformed into fabric through various methods:
- Weaving: This is the process of interlacing two sets of yarns (warp and weft) at right angles to each other. The type of weave (plain, twill, satin) determines the fabric’s properties. Different types of fabrics with names are associated with various weaving styles.
- Knitting: This involves interlocking loops of yarn. Think of typical sweaters or jersey t-shirts.
- Crocheting: This is similar to knitting but usually uses a single hook to interlock loops of yarn.
- Knotting: A process of tying knots in the yarn to create fabric.
- Felting: These binds fibers together using heat, moisture, and pressure. Wool is often felted because of its unique properties.
- Braiding: Yarns are intertwined in a diagonal manner, often used in making ropes or trimmings.
- Finishing: After fabric construction, various finishing processes can be applied to enhance or modify the fabric’s properties, like dyeing, printing, and applying chemical finishes for fire resistance, water repellence, or wrinkle resistance.
Fabrics are essential in our daily lives. When considering types of clothes, the fabric plays a crucial role in determining the garment’s comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Applications range from clothing and home furnishings to industrial uses like car airbags or geotextiles. The diversity of fibers, construction methods, and finishes means there’s a vast array of types of fabric with different appearances, feels, and functionalities.
Types of Fabrics With Pictures And Images
Fabrics, central to many cultures including the vast range of types of fabrics in India, are generally classified into two categories; Natural and Man-Made (Synthetic) Fabric. These fabrics define the types of clothes we wear and the aesthetics of our environments.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics are textiles made from fibers obtained directly from plants, animals, or minerals. These fabrics, like the types of fabric material found in cotton and silk, have been used for centuries, are biodegradable, and derive from renewable resources. Natural fabrics are always recommended by professional tailors.
Advantage of Natural Fibers
There are several advantages of natural fibers, making them a preferred choice for many types of fabric for clothing:
- Environmentally friendly: Natural fibers come from plants and animals, which are renewable resources. They are biodegradable and do not contribute to pollution in the same way that synthetic fibers do.
- Breathable: Natural fibers like cotton and linen are breathable and allow air to circulate, which can help keep the wearer cool and comfortable.
- Hypoallergenic: Some natural fibers, like cotton and wool, are hypoallergenic and do not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Durable: Linen and hemp are naturally strong, perfect for heavy-duty types of clothes and home textiles.
- Comfort: Natural fibers like cotton and wool are soft and comfortable to wear, and can be made into a wide variety of fabrics, including lightweight cotton and thick woolen coats.
- Natural look and feel: Natural fibers often have a unique texture and look. Different types of organic fabric feel to clothing and home textiles.
- Versatile: Natural fibers can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including clothing, upholstery, and industrial applications.
- Biodegradable: Natural fibers can decompose naturally and return to the earth, reducing pollution and waste.
It should be noted that some natural fibers like cotton and wool may require chemical treatment to make it usable, so not all natural fibers are produced in an environmentally friendly way.
Disadvantage of Natural Fibers
While natural fibers enrich our choices in types of fabric materials, they come with disadvantages:
- Cost: Natural fibers are often more expensive to produce than synthetic fibers, making them more expensive for consumers.
- Shrinking and wrinkling: Natural fibers like cotton and linen are more prone to shrinking and wrinkling than synthetic fibers, which can be a disadvantage for some garments and home textiles.
- Staining: Natural fibers like wool and silk are more prone to staining and discoloration than synthetic fibers.
- Insect damage: Natural fibers are more susceptible to insect damage, which can be a problem for items like woolen clothing and upholstery.
- Weather-sensitive: Natural fibers can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause them to shrink, stretch, or lose their shape.
- Limited Colors: Natural fibers are often limited to the colors that they are found in, or the colors that can be dyed.
- Limited stretch: Natural fibers do not have the same stretch as synthetic fibers, which can be a disadvantage for some garments and applications.
- Limited resistance to wear and tear: Natural fibers are not as resistant to wear and tear as synthetic fibers, which can be a disadvantage for items like footwear and outdoor gear.
It’s important to highlight that many of these limitations can be managed with the right care and handling. When exploring what are the different types of fabric materials, one must weigh the pros and cons based on their specific needs.
Difference Between Plant Based & Animal Based Fabric
| Feature | Plant-Based Fabric | Animal-Based Fabric |
| Source | Derived from plants. | Derived from animals. |
| Examples | Cotton, Linen, Hemp, Jute, Bamboo. | Wool, Silk, Cashmere, Mohair, Alpaca. |
| Moisture Absorbency | Generally absorbent (e.g., cotton). | Varies; wool can be absorbent, silk less so. |
| Thermal Properties | Usually cool to wear (e.g., linen). | Typically, insulative (e.g., wool). |
| Durability | Varies; cotton is durable, linen even more so. | Wool and silk are known for their durability. |
| Texture | Can range from very soft (cotton) to coarse (jute). | Generally soft, especially cashmere and silk. |
| Care | Often machine washable, though some like linen may require special care. | Many require gentle care, hand washing, or dry cleaning. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally biodegradable, especially when untreated. Hemp and bamboo are particularly eco-friendly due to their growth characteristics. | Biodegradable. Wool is renewable but concerns exist regarding ethical treatment of animals. Silk production involves boiling silkworms. |
| Allergenic Potential | Lower, especially for organic plant-based fabrics. Some people might be allergic to specific treatments or dyes. | Some individuals are allergic to wool. Silk is usually hypoallergenic. |
List of Plant Based Fabrics
- Cotton: One of the most popular and widely used plant-based fabrics, cotton is derived from the cotton plant’s fluffy seed fibers. It’s vital to understand that cotton is indeed a type of fabric when addressing the query, “is cotton a type of fabric?”. Known for its breathability, softness, and natural feel, types of fabric cotton are comfortable to wear, especially in warmer climates, and are commonly used for T-shirts, jeans, and various household textiles.
- Linen (from flax): Produced from the flax plant, linen is one of the elegant types of fabric in clothes. Lightweight and durable, it’s known for its coolness in hot weather. Although it wrinkles easily, linen boasts a unique texture and drape often associated with luxury. In other words, this type of fabric is used in summer season.
- Hemp: This stands among the oldest types of fabric and their names. Made from hemp plant stalks, it’s environmentally friendly, durable, and resistant to UV light and mold. Its versatility sees hemp blended with other fabrics for enhanced properties.
- Jute: Beyond being associated with burlap, jute, a long and shiny vegetable fiber, offers durability and a coarse texture, making it apt for sacks. However, apparel also benefits from finer versions of jute.
- Bamboo: A sustainable choice, bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of the bamboo plant. It’s known for its softness, breathability, and antibacterial properties. Bamboo fabric has natural moisture-wicking abilities and is biodegradable.
- Ramie: Originating in Asia, ramie is one of the oldest fiber crops. The fabric produced is durable, resistant to bacteria and mildew, and can hold its shape well. However, it wrinkles easily and is often blended with other fibers to improve its characteristics.
- Sisal: Derived from the Agave sisalana plant native to southern Mexico, sisal is a stiff fiber used primarily for making twine and ropes. It’s durable and resistant to deterioration in saltwater.
- Coir (from coconut): Coir is a coarse fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts. It’s tough and resistant to seawater, mainly used in making mats, brushes, and ropes.
- Kapok: This lightweight fiber, silky and fluffy, emerges from kapok tree seed pods. Its buoyancy and water-resistance make it popular for pillow stuffing. Some types of fabric are waterproof, and kapok shows potential in this regard due to its water-resistant nature.
- Abacá (or Manila hemp): Native to the Philippines, abacá fibers are extracted from the leaf-stems. It’s durable and resistant to saltwater, often used for ropes, twine, and specialty papers.
- Piña (from pineapple leaves): Sourced from the leaves of the pineapple plant, piña fabric is lightweight, translucent, and soft. It’s prized in the Philippines for traditional wear, especially for formal occasions.
- Nettle: Extracted from the nettle plant, this fiber has been used for centuries. It produces a fabric that’s soft, lightweight, and can be similar in feel to linen or hemp.
- Tencel/Lyocell (from wood pulp): An environmentally friendly rayon form, made from eucalyptus tree pulp, tencel offers softness and a silky touch.
- Modal (from beech trees): This rayon type originates from beech trees and is known for its high stretchability and softness. It retains its quality even after repeated washing.
- Rayon/Viscose: Often labeled as artificial silk, rayon or viscose emerges from wood pulp. Although soft and cool, it might weaken when wet.
This compilation showcases a diverse array of plant-based fabrics. Whether for clothing or other applications, each fabric brings unique properties and potential uses to the table.
List of Animal Based Fabrics
- Wool: Derived primarily from sheep, wool is known for its excellent insulation properties. Its unique fiber structure allows it to retain warmth in cold weather and wick moisture away in warmer conditions. Often considered one of the strongest fabrics, wool is durable, elastic, and naturally fire-resistant. It also resists wrinkles and is frequently used in both casual and formal wear.
- Cashmere: Originating from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat, cashmere is renowned for its luxurious softness and warmth. Lighter than other wools, it’s more delicate than sheep’s wool, marking it a sought-after material for high-end sweaters and scarves.
- Mohair: Produced from the hair of the Angora goat, mohair is a silky, lustrous, and durable fabric. Its sheen and dye-accepting capabilities make it a favorite for vibrant garments, scarves, and even in some types of fabric used in embroidery.
- Angora: Harvested from the Angora rabbit, this fiber is known for its supreme softness and fluffiness. Often blended with other materials, it enhances warmth and softness in garments. Ethical concerns regarding rabbit treatment have spurred calls for humane sourcing.
- Alpaca: Sourced from the alpaca, a South American camelid, alpaca fiber is soft, warm, and slightly silky. It comes in various natural shades, from black and brown to silver and rose. Its hollow core provides excellent insulation, making it a favorite for winter wear.
- Camel Hair: Procured from camels, this fabric’s lightweight nature and superior insulation link it with luxury outerwear, particularly iconic tan-colored camel hair coats.
- Silk: Silkworms produce this natural protein fiber during their cocoon phase. Its shimmering appearance has favored it for luxury garments for ages. Silk’s strength and softness see it used in dresses, shirts, ties, and various types of fabric used in embroidery.
- Pashmina: Found in the Himalayas, pashmina, similar to cashmere, is crafted from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat. Its ultra-fine texture and warmth make it a staple for high-quality shawls, especially in regions where fabrics are popular in India.
- Vicuña: Originating from the Vicuña, a camelid native to South America, this is one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics. Its fibers are incredibly soft, lightweight, and warm, and the animals can only be shorn once every three years, contributing to its exclusivity.
- Qiviut: Sourced from the musk ox’s undercoat, qiviut surpasses cashmere in softness and warmth. Native to Arctic areas, this fiber ensures the musk ox survives freezing temperatures, making qiviut a luxury for its warmth.
- Leather: Derived from various animal hides, leather is versatile and durable. After tanning, it gains decay resistance, becoming apt for clothing, accessories, and upholstery. Its natural grains bring unique textures.
- Suede: A type of leather with a napped finish. It’s softer and more pliable than standard leather and is prized for its velvety touch. Suede is commonly used in shoes, bags, and jackets.
- Fur: Various animal pelts offer fur, long used for its warmth and luxury. Each fur type brings unique traits. Ethical considerations have spurred faux fur’s rise.
- Shearling: This is the skin of sheep or lamb tanned with the wool intact. Valued for its warmth, it appears in winter attire and interior products.
- Horsehair: Taken from the manes and tails of horses, horsehair is stiff and resilient. Historically, it’s been used in upholstery, brushes, and certain garments. In fashion, it can be found in the stiff linings of high-end garments to maintain their shape.
Man-made (Synthetic) Fabric
Man-made or synthetic fabrics are textiles created from chemicals and polymers. These fabrics are often produced through industrial processes and can be designed to achieve specific characteristics, such as strength, resilience, or resistance to water and stains.
Advantage of Synthetic Fibers
There are several advantages of synthetic fibers:
- Cost: Synthetic fibers are generally cheaper to produce than natural fibers, making them more affordable for consumers.
- Durability: Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are strong and resistant to wear and tear, which makes them suitable for heavy-use items like outdoor gear and industrial fabrics.
- Resistant to shrinking and wrinkling: Synthetic fibers are less prone to shrinking and wrinkling than natural fibers, which can be an advantage for some garments and home textiles.
- Resistant to staining: Synthetic fibers are more resistant to staining and discoloration than natural fibers.
- Weather-resistant: Synthetic fibers are more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than natural fibers, which can be an advantage for outdoor gear and industrial fabrics.
- Variety of colors: Synthetic fibers can be made in a wide variety of colors and textures, which can be an advantage for fashion and design applications.
- Stretch: Synthetic fibers have more stretch than natural fibers, which can be an advantage for some garments and applications.
- Easy care: Synthetic fibers are generally easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried.
- Lightweight: Many synthetic fibers are lightweight, which can be an advantage for clothing and other items that need to be carried around.
- Hypoallergenic: Some synthetic fibers, like acrylic, are hypoallergenic and do not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
It should be noted that synthetic fibers are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, which can be an environmental concern.
Disdvantage of Synthetic Fibers
While synthetic fibers have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Environmental concerns: Synthetic fibers are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, which can contribute to pollution and strain landfills.
- Non-breathable: Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are not breathable and can trap heat, which can make them uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.
- Melting point: Synthetic fibers have a lower melting point than natural fibers and can melt or burn when exposed to high heat.
- Static electricity: Synthetic fibers can generate static electricity, which can be a problem for some garments and home textiles.
- Pilling: Synthetic fibers are more prone to pilling, which is the formation of small balls of fibers on the surface of the fabric.
- Limited absorbency: Synthetic fibers are less absorbent than natural fibers, which can be a disadvantage for some garments and home textiles.
- Chemical sensitivity: Some synthetic fibers can be sensitive to chemicals, which can cause them to degrade or lose their shape.
- Not as comfortable: Synthetic fibers are not as comfortable as natural fibers, which can be a disadvantage for clothing and other items that are worn next to the skin.
May be produced with harmful chemicals: Some synthetic fibers are produced with harmful chemicals, which can have negative environmental and health impacts.
Difference Between Natural & Synthetic Fabric
| Feature | Natural Fabric | Man-made Fabric |
| Source | Derived from plants, animals, or minerals. | Derived from chemical processes using polymers. |
| Examples | Cotton, Linen, Wool, Silk. | Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Rayon, Spandex. |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable and derived from renewable resources. | May take longer to degrade; production can be resource-intensive. Some synthetics are recycled from plastics. |
| Texture and feel | Varies; generally soft and breathable. | Can be engineered to desired texture; some can feel plastic-like, others very soft. |
| Durability | Natural wear over time but can be durable (e.g., linen). | Typically, more resilient and can be more durable than natural fabrics. |
| Care | Often needs delicate care, especially for fabrics like silk and wool. | Generally resistant to shrinking and wrinkling; many are machine-washable. |
| Moisture Absorbency | Generally absorbent, especially cotton and wool. | Varies; some (like polyester) are less absorbent, others (like rayon) are more so. |
| Thermal Properties | Naturally insulating; wool keeps warm, cotton and linen are cool. | Varies; some synthetics can be hot due to less breathability. |
| Allergenic Potential | Generally hypoallergenic unless treated with chemicals. | Some people might react to certain synthetic materials or chemicals used in production. |
| Cost | Can be more expensive, especially organic varieties. | Often cheaper to produce and buy, but this varies based on the quality and brand. |
List of Synthetic Fabric
- Polyester: Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics due to its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ability to retain shape. It’s often blended with natural fibers to enhance their properties. Since it can be made into various textures and finishes, polyester is found in everything from shirts to home furnishings. It’s also non-biodegradable, raising environmental concerns. Hence, if you are looking for the types of fabric for shirts then Polyester is a good choice.
- Nylon: Invented in the 1930s, nylon was the first truly synthetic fiber. It boasts high strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. Commonly used for stockings, swimwear, and outdoor gear, nylon dries quickly but can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
- Acrylic: This lightweight, soft, and warm fabric is often used as a wool substitute. Acrylic is resistant to sunlight, doesn’t shrink, and retains color well. However, it can be prone to pilling and lacks the breathability of natural fibers. It’s popular in knitwear such as sweaters and blankets.
- Spandex (or Lycra/Elastane): Known for its exceptional elasticity, spandex can stretch up to five times its initial length. This property makes it a favorite in sportswear, lingerie, and any clothing where a snug fit is desired. It’s often blended with other fabrics to add stretch.
- Polypropylene: Often used in activewear, polypropylene is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and retains heat. It’s resistant to chemicals and UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications. However, it has a low melting point and can be degraded by sunlight if not treated.
- Aramid (e.g., Kevlar, Nomex): Aramid fibers are renowned for their strength and heat resistance. Kevlar, for example, is used in bulletproof vests, while Nomex finds its place in fire-resistant clothing. These fibers don’t melt but decompose at high temperatures, offering protection in extreme conditions.
- Microfiber: Microfibers are extremely fine synthetic fibers, typically made from polyester or nylon. They are soft, durable, and excellent at trapping dirt and moisture, which makes them popular for cleaning cloths and certain athletic wear. Their fine texture also makes them comfortable in bed linens and towels.
- Neoprene: This synthetic rubber offers excellent flexibility and is water-resistant. Originally developed as an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber, neoprene is now commonly used in wetsuits, laptop sleeves, and orthopedic braces. It insulates well and is also resistant to UV radiation.
- Vinyl: Vinyl or polyvinyl is a plastic material that’s durable and resistant to moisture and abrasion. Because of its versatility, vinyl can be found in upholstery, clothing, shoes, and wall coverings. Its shiny appearance and smooth texture can sometimes resemble leather.
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): PVC is a widely-used plastic known for its durability and versatility. In the textile industry, PVC is used to produce rainwear, boots, and certain types of bags. It’s waterproof and can be produced in a range of colors and patterns. However, the production and disposal of PVC can raise environmental concerns.
- Faux Leather (e.g., pleather, vegan leather): As the name suggests, faux leather is a synthetic alternative to animal leather. It can be made from various materials including PVC or polyurethane. Faux leather is used in fashion, upholstery, and other products where a leather-like finish is desired but without using animal products. It’s less breathable than genuine leather but can be more affordable and resistant to water.
- Faux Fur: A synthetic alternative to natural fur, faux fur is made from synthetic fibers, typically polyester or acrylic. Designed to look and feel like real fur, it’s used in clothing, home decor, and accessories. Faux fur offers warmth without using animal products and is easier to care for.
- Polyurethane: A versatile polymer, polyurethane can be tailored to mimic the feel and appearance of leather, making it popular for vegan or faux leather products. It’s durable, water-resistant, and can be found in clothing, footwear, and upholstery. It’s more breathable than PVC-based faux leather.
- Tyvek: A brand of flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Resistant to water and most chemicals, it’s often used in protective wear, envelopes, and house wrap. Its lightness and durability make it popular for various applications.
- Gore-Tex: A waterproof, breathable fabric membrane, Gore-Tex is widely used in outerwear, especially in jackets and shoes. Composed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), it allows sweat to evaporate while blocking rain and snow, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.
