Types Of Fabrics

What is Fabric & Types of Fabrics

The word ‘textile' arises from the Latin word “textiles” which signifies ‘woven'. Fabric is a pliable substance constructed by the entwining web of fibers which can be natural as well as an artificial set of filaments. However, globalization has made different types of fabrics readily available.

The Textile Fabrications essentially deal in design, manufacturing, and dispersal of yarn, cloth, and clothing. The unprocessed matter used in these fabrications is either be natural or synthetic.

Classification of Different Types of Fibers

On the basis of its origin: Different Types of Fabrics which are natural as well as synthetic fibers through which cloth is entwined.

1. Natural Fibers: Filaments obtained from plants and several other physiographical phenomena are titled as natural fibers. Example: cotton and jute from plants, silk from silkworms.
2. Synthetic Fibers: Are devised wholly from synthetic matter such as petrochemicals, dissimilar to those built by man procured from natural matter such as polyose or protein.

List of 60+ Different types of most popular fabrics and their properties

1. Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a purely natural fiber that is extracted from cotton plants. Cotton is grown mostly in hot regions, the cotton bolls are white, fluffy as well as soft and the farmers pick them with their hands. It's a fact that natural fabric is always better than synthetic fabric and that's why most people prefer cotton clothing. Apart from this, there are different types of cotton like Pima cotton, Egyptian and Sea island cotton etc. Whether its  apparel like shirts, pants, dresses, or bedding like bed sheets, pillows, comforters, all these can be made with cotton. This fabric makes the cloth more smooth, long-lasting, comfortable to wear. 

2. Velvet Fabric

Velvet is a shiny and smooth-to-touch fabric; it is made in  the pile weave of silk, rayon, and synthetic fibers. Silk velvet is most popular and is textured from the blend of rayon and silk. Generally, velvet is made  with a fusion of cotton and polyester. Velvet clothing is very expensive because it takes much time to produce velvet-made clothes. Silk velvet is most popular and is also expensive which is made from blend of rayon and silk.  Chiffon velvet, crushed velvet, embossed velvet, hammered velvet, ponson velvet, plain velvet are some of the velvet types.

3. Jersey Fabric

Jersey fabric can be called synthetic, natural, and man-  made as it can be made from cotton, polyester, wool, and viscose. It is a  knitted and stretchable fabric with soft-to-touch quality. Jersey is softer and single knit cotton fabric. Jersey is not only used to make shirts but is also used for making bedding sheets. Cotton jersey sheets are breathable and great for children’s bedding.

4. Silk Fabric

Silk is considered a natural protein fiber as it is produced by  silkworms. Most of the insects produces silk but for textile industry, the silk of moth caterpillars is used, as this silk is appropriate for clothing. Mulberry silk, Tasar silk, and Eri silk are some types of silk; the silk-made clothing looks royal and is smooth and slippery. Mulberry silk is most popular as it is the highest quality silk. Silk make the clothing so elegant that women love to wear silk saree.

5. Wool Fabric

The fiber from the floccus of a sheep or the hair of an Angora  or cashmere goat is called wool. It is a natural, crimp, elastic, and fire- resistant fabric. Wool clothes hold heat well that's why it is best for winter wear, like jackets, sweaters, coats, etc. The different types of wool fabric include Shetland, mohair, merino, Melton, angora, alpaca and many more.

6. Denim Fabric

Denim is the most commonly worn fabric Denim is dyed before weaving and is mill-finished; Denim fabric is all cotton; it is so much durable because of its twill weave. Denim jackets and jeans remain in trend all the time, people love to wear clothes made of this type of fabric. Indigo denim, crushed denim, Sanforized denim, raw denim is the different types of denim; all of which have qualities of their own.

7. Satin Fabric

Satin is a type of weave which is made using filament fibers like polyester, silk and nylon. Satin can be made from silk, thus natural and synthetic fibers both can be used for manufacturing it. This type of fabric has an ultimate lustrous and soft face side. Satin fabric remains in high demand as evening gowns, wedding dresses, interior furnishing fabrics, and bedding are made using it. Satin is such a graceful and glossy fabric.

8. Jacquard Fabric

Jacquard fabric means any type of pattern which is directly woven into the material rather than being printed or embroidered. This is a textured fabric and made with cotton, silk or wool, etc. It is an ultra – durable fabric but because of its heavy weight and high cost, it is not used in casual clothes. The manufacturers use jacquard to make formal clothes like evening gowns and men’s suit. Apart from this jacquard is a desirable fabric in texturing of furniture upholstery, drapes and duvets.

9. Linen Fabric

Linen fabric is made from fine fibers extracted from the flax plant. It is a natural fiber and the best fabric when it comes to bedding; however manufacturing linen takes much time as compare to cotton. But linen has its own unique qualities which makes it a desirable fabric. It is lightweight and the strongest fabric. Bed sheets, pillowcases, shirts, pants, dresses, napkins, night gowns, blazers, table cloths, etc are made using linen.

10. Rayon Fabric

Rayon is made with natural material like bamboo; it also undergoes a chemical process that’s why it is considered a semi-synthetic fiber. Right from dresses to bed sheets all the clothing can be made from rayon fabric. Rayon is a cheaper fabric that is why many manufacturers use rayon for manufacturing clothes and the quality of rayon is same as natural fibers. Rayon clothing is highly absorbent, breathable, durable, and smooth.

11. Chiffon Fabric

Chiffon can be made from nylon, polyester, silk, and cotton. A weaving process produces a plain weave fabric that has a slight shine which is called chiffon. It is a smooth, strong, and see-through fabric. For adding luxuriousness to the wedding dresses, evening dresses, the chiffon fabric is mostly used. In addition to that sheer curtains for home decor, traditional Indian dresses are made with this fabric.

12. Chenille Fabric

Chenille fabric is a cloth material which is popular for chairs, pillows, couches and is the main accessory in home decor. This type of fabric is used in texturing cozy bedding like comforters, decorative pillows. This fabric is woven tighter and remains durable for a long time. This type of fabric is fuzzy, long lasting and shiny.

13. Baize Fabric

Baize is a woven fabric which is used in industries and decorative purposes like a cover for gaming tables or casino, cover for cushions etc. Baize fabric is synthetic in nature. It is made from woven strands of wool and is a strong fabric.

14. Charmeuse Fabric

Charmeuse Fabric is woven from the satin weave. It is the best fabric for making drapery clothing like nightwear or evening dresses. This type of fabric is made from rayon, silk, polyester, and blended fibers. Charmeuse fabric seems shiny from front but dull from back side, the use of this fabric is more in bedding rather than in apparel and it is a heavy weight fabric.

15. Cheviot Fabric

Cheviot is a woolen fabric made from the wool of Cheviot sheep.  It is a mid weight fabric that looks glossy and bright. Sweaters, jackets, socks are made from this fabric because of its soft, flexible, and finest qualities.

16. Dimity Fabric

Dimity Fabric is textured with cotton yarn; this is a strong fabric with stripes. It has a unique texture that is used in the manufacturing of figured clothes for women. Generally, we can say that dimity is a lady's dress fabric; this fabric is lightweight.

17. Drill Fabric

Drill is a durable cotton fabric that has a white base. It is woven tightly which makes this fabric more durable, it is used mostly in manufacturing clothing like khaki, school uniforms and other than this shirts, jackets, sportswear are also made with this fabric.

18. Felt Fabric

Felt fabric is prepared by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together. This fabric can be made by natural fibers like wool or synthetic fibers like rayon. Felt has a variety of uses such as for clothing, shoes, decorations, rugs, etc. Felt is a durable, thicker, inexpensive, warm and versatile fabric. There are different kinds of felt fabric such as pressed felt, needled felt and woven felt.

19. Twill Fabric

Twill is a versatile fabric used for jeans, furniture coverings, bags, etc. This fabric can be identified easily as its weave has diagonal lines. Cotton and polyester fibers are mostly used for twill's weave. Both the front and back side of twill is same, this fabric can be made in higher thread count that’s why bed sheets are mostly made with it. Natural twill, synthetic twill, zigzag twill, broken twill, diamond twill are some of the types of twill fabric.

20. Poplin Fabric

Poplin is a plain weave cotton fabric. Due to its qualities of elegance, lustrous and durability, women’s dresses are made most with this type of fabric. It can be said that poplin is a stylish and versatile fabric. Embroidering on poplin is very famous as it is easier to work with this fabric; some qualities of poplin fabric are – durable, soft to touch, comfortable, lightweight, lustrous etc.

21. Georgette Fabric

Georgette fabric can be made from silk, rayon, viscose, and polyester. It is a sheer and light weight fabric Pure Georgette is textured with silk only while the faux georgette is textured with rayon and polyester; this lightweight and delicate fabric is used for the manufacturing of evening dresses, sarees. This fabric is expensive yet royal.

22. Sateen Fabric

Sateen fabric is textured using the satin weave and spun yarns. Satin-made clothing is soft, luxurious, and silky; this fabric is skin-friendly and is mostly used for making bed sheets.

23. Lycra Fabric

Lycra is a highly elastic synthetic fabric that is also called spandex and elastane. Lycra is breathable, smooth, wrinkle – resistant and moisture absorbent.  It is used in clothing which is of shape fitting. Sportswear, dance wear, athletic wear and leggings are made using it.

24. Lace Fabric

The lace is an open knit fabric made by twisting, looping or knitting threads in a pattern. It is a sheer fabric and lace can be heavy or lightweight according to its type. Cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, and their blend are used for making lace. This fabric is used most in bridal wear and designer dresses, the more lace a bridal dress has, the more beautiful that dress is considered. 

25. Jute Fabric

Jute fabric is natural fiber made from jute plant. There is no doubt that jute is a strong, and long lasting fabric but it is also rough that is why it is used only in carpets, rugs, and furniture covers rather than apparel. This fabric is world’s most inexpensive textile. There are various types of jute, tossa jute, white jute, mesta jute and so on.

26. Polyester Fabric:

Polyester fabric is a synthetic textile known for its versatility and durability. It is made from petroleum-based fibers that are processed to create a range of textures and finishes. Polyester is a popular choice for clothing and home textiles due to its affordability and ease of care. It is resistant to wrinkles and shrinking, making it ideal for travel and everyday wear. Polyester is often blended with other fibers like cotton to improve breathability and comfort. It is commonly used in sportswear, raincoats, bedding, and curtains. While it may not have the luxurious feel of natural fibers, its strength and resilience make it a practical choice for a wide range of applications.

27. Crepe Fabric:

Crepe fabric is characterized by its unique, crinkled surface texture, created through a special weaving or treatment process. This distinctive texture gives crepe fabric a delightful drape and a slightly stretchy quality. Crepe can be made from various fibers, including silk, polyester, and rayon. Silk crepe is highly regarded for its luxurious appearance and is often used in high-end eveningwear and bridal gowns. Polyester crepe, on the other hand, is more affordable and easier to maintain, making it a popular choice for everyday dresses and blouses. Crepe fabric's textured surface hides wrinkles well, making it a practical option for travel or busy lifestyles.

28. Taffeta Fabric:

Taffeta is a smooth, shiny fabric known for its crisp and rustling texture. It is typically made from silk or synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. Taffeta's glossy surface is achieved through a tight weaving process and a finishing treatment that imparts a high sheen. This fabric is often used for formal wear such as evening gowns, wedding dresses, and special occasion attire due to its elegant appearance. Taffeta's stiffness and ability to hold its shape make it a favorite for creating structured garments and voluminous skirts. However, it can be somewhat noisy when worn due to its characteristic rustling sound. Taffeta is a classic choice for those seeking a glamorous and refined look.

29. Muslin Fabric:

Muslin fabric is a plain-woven, lightweight cotton fabric that is incredibly versatile. It is a natural, breathable material that is soft to the touch. Muslin is commonly used for a wide range of purposes, from making clothing and household linens to crafting and theatrical set design. It is a popular choice for test garments or prototypes in the fashion industry due to its affordability and ease of working with. Additionally, muslin is often used in culinary contexts for straining liquids and making cheese. Its natural, unbleached variety is a favorite among eco-conscious consumers. While muslin may lack the luxury and sheen of other fabrics, its utility and affordability make it a staple in many areas of daily life.

30. Organza Fabric:

Organza is a sheer fabric known for being lightweight and its delicate appearance. It's typically made from silk or synthetic fibers like polyester. Organza's fine weave gives it a crisp texture and a subtle shimmer. Often used for formal attire, wedding dresses, and decorative overlays, organza adds an ethereal quality to garments. Its translucency makes it suitable for layering and creating elegant, floating designs.

31. Flannel Fabric:

Flannel is a woven fabric that is soft and typically made of cotton or wool. Known for its warmth and comfort, flannel has a brushed surface that gives it a slightly fuzzy texture. It is widely used in making cozy clothing like pajamas, shirts, and blankets, especially for colder climates. Flannel's insulating properties and comfortable feel make it a popular choice for casual wear and loungewear.

32. Leather Fabric:

Leather is a durable and versatile material made from animal hides, most commonly cowhide. It is known for its natural texture, durability, and luxurious appearance. Leather is used in a variety of products, including clothing, accessories like belts and bags, furniture, and automotive interiors. Different types of leather, such as full-grain, top-grain, and suede, offer varying textures and finishes, making leather a timeless and highly sought-after material.

33. Corduroy Fabric:

Corduroy is a rugged cotton fabric distinguished by its raised rib pattern, called "wales." It is a durable material with a soft, velvety texture. Corduroy is often used in casual clothing like pants, jackets, and shirts. Its warmth and texture make it suitable for fall and winter wear. Corduroy comes in various weights, from lightweight options for shirts to heavy-duty varieties for outerwear.

34. Brocade Fabric:

Brocade is an ornate, richly patterned fabric often woven with metallic threads to create intricate designs. It's typically used for formal garments, upholstery, and home decor. Brocade's luxurious appearance and tactile quality make it a popular choice for special occasions and traditional attire. Its patterns, often floral or geometric, are woven directly into the fabric, adding depth and opulence.

35. Damask Fabric:

Damask is a reversible, patterned fabric known for its intricate and symmetrical designs. It's usually made from silk, although it can also incorporate synthetic fibers. Damask is favored for table linens, upholstery, and high-end bedding due to its timeless elegance. The weaving technique used in damask creates a subtle sheen, enhancing the beauty of its patterns.

36. Voile Fabric:

Voile is a lightweight, sheer fabric typically made from cotton or silk. Its fine weave gives it a soft, airy texture, making it perfect for curtains, drapes, and lightweight summer clothing. Voile adds a touch of delicacy and elegance to any setting, allowing diffused light to filter through while providing privacy.

37. Fleece Fabric:

Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric made from synthetic materials like polyester. It is known for its warmth and comfort and is often used in making cozy garments like jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets. Fleece is popular for outdoor activities in colder weather due to its excellent heat retention properties and moisture-wicking capabilities. It's also lightweight, making it a favorite for layering in varying temperatures.

38. Canvas Fabric:

Canvas is a sturdy and durable plain-woven fabric, typically made from cotton or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It is known for its robustness and is commonly used in making bags, tents, upholstery, and artist canvases due to its ability to hold up well under stress. Its coarse texture and strength make it a versatile choice for heavy-duty applications.

39. Cashmere Fabric:

Cashmere fabric is a luxurious and soft textile derived from the fine hair of cashmere goats. Known for its exceptional softness and warmth, cashmere is often used in high-end sweaters, scarves, and shawls. Its lightweight and insulating properties make it a coveted choice for winter apparel, providing both comfort and elegance.

40. Gingham Fabric:

Gingham is a checkered fabric pattern characterized by evenly spaced, colored squares on a contrasting background. Gingham Fabric is typically made from cotton or a cotton-blend. Gingham is popular for casual clothing like summer dresses, shirts, and picnic tablecloths due to its timeless and cheerful appearance. It comes in various sizes and color combinations, allowing for a range of design possibilities.

41. Modal Fabric:

Modal is a type of rayon fabric known for its silky smoothness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. It is derived from beech tree pulp, making it a natural and sustainable choice. Modal is often blended with other fibers, like cotton, to enhance its durability and comfort. It is commonly used in loungewear, underwear, and activewear due to its softness and moisture management capabilities.

42. Spandex Fabric:

Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is a synthetic fabric renowned for its exceptional stretch and recovery properties. It is commonly incorporated into sportswear, swimwear, and form-fitting clothing to provide elasticity and a snug fit. Spandex's ability to retain its shape even after stretching makes it a key component in garments designed for comfort and flexibility.

43. Suede Fabric:

Suede is a soft, velvety leather fabric made from the underside of animal hides, primarily sheepskin, but also cowhide and pigskin. It is cherished for its tactile quality and is often used in making jackets, shoes, and accessories. Suede's fine nap gives it a luxurious appearance, making it a favorite for adding a touch of sophistication to both fashion and interior design.

44. Toile Fabric:

Toile is a fabric characterized by its intricate, monochromatic scenic or narrative prints, typically on a white or cream background. It often depicts pastoral or historical scenes and is used in upholstery, curtains, and bedding to create an elegant and timeless ambiance. Toile fabric's delicate and story-telling patterns have enduring popularity in home decor.

45. Tweed Fabric:

Tweed is a rugged and coarse-textured fabric typically made from wool. It is known for its warmth and durability, making it a favored choice for traditional suits, blazers, and outerwear, especially in colder climates. Tweed's distinctive appearance comes from its tightly woven, multicolored yarns, creating a rich and textured surface that exudes classic style and sophistication.

46. Viscose Fabric:

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a versatile semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose fibers sourced primarily from wood pulp. It is highly prized for its silky, soft texture and excellent drape. Viscose is commonly used in making dresses, blouses, and linings due to its breathability and comfortable feel against the skin. It can mimic the look and feel of natural fibers like silk, making it a popular and more affordable alternative for various apparel.

47. Hemp Fabric:

Hemp fabric is a sustainable and eco-friendly textile made from the fibers of the hemp plant. Known for its durability and strength, hemp fabric becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash. It is used in clothing, bags, and home textiles. Hemp's resistance to mildew and UV rays makes it a practical choice for outdoor and rugged applications.

48. Acetate Fabric:

Acetate fabric is a synthetic material made from cellulose acetate, derived from wood pulp or cotton linters. It is appreciated for its lustrous appearance, drapability, and resemblance to silk. Acetate is often used in eveningwear, linings, and lingerie due to its elegant sheen and lightweight nature. However, it can be less durable than some other fabrics, particularly when exposed to moisture.

49. Furs Fabric:

Furs fabric, or faux fur, replicates the appearance and texture of animal fur without using real fur. It is typically made from synthetic fibers. Faux fur is widely used in fashion and home decor, providing a cruelty-free alternative to genuine fur. Its warmth, softness, and variety of textures and colors make it a popular choice for winter coats, accessories, and plush blankets.

50. Waffle Fabric:

Waffle fabric, often cotton-based, is named for its distinctive waffle-like texture created by weaving or knitting. It is highly absorbent and breathable, making it suitable for towels, robes, and thermal blankets. The texture also adds visual interest to clothing items like tops, dresses, and loungewear, giving them a unique and cozy appearance.

51. Elastane Fabric:

Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber renowned for its exceptional elasticity and recovery. It is commonly blended with other fabrics to add stretch and comfort to garments such as leggings, swimsuits, and athletic wear. Elastane allows clothing to retain its shape while providing freedom of movement, making it essential for form-fitting and activewear.

52. Batiste Fabric:

Batiste is a lightweight, semi-sheer cotton fabric known for its softness and smooth surface. It is often used in making delicate and breathable clothing items such as blouses, nightwear, and baby clothes. Batiste's fine weave and airy feel make it comfortable in hot weather, and it is frequently used for summer garments and linings.

53. Challis Fabric:

Challis is a soft, lightweight fabric made from wool, cotton, or rayon. It features a subtle texture and drapes beautifully, making it ideal for flowy dresses, skirts, and scarves. Challis is prized for its comfort and versatility, allowing it to transition seamlessly from casual to semi-formal wear. Its prints often include floral and abstract patterns, enhancing its appeal for feminine and bohemian styles.

54. Eyelet Fabric:

Eyelet fabric is a lightweight and delicate cotton material featuring small, patterned cut-outs, or "eyelets," typically in floral or geometric designs. This charming fabric is used for crafting breezy and breathable clothing items like summer dresses, blouses, and children's clothing. Eyelet's decorative appearance and breathability make it a popular choice for warm-weather apparel, giving garments an airy and feminine touch.

55. Gauze Fabric:

Gauze is an extremely lightweight and open-weave fabric known for its breathability and versatility. Made from natural or synthetic fibers, it is often used in medical dressings, but it's also favored for summer clothing like sundresses, beach cover-ups, and baby swaddling blankets. Gauze drapes effortlessly and is perfect for creating flowy, comfortable garments.

56. Organdie Fabric:

Organdie, or organdy, is a crisp, sheer cotton fabric with a stiff finish. It is popular for creating ruffled and structured designs in garments, such as wedding dresses, christening gowns, and formal blouses. Organdie's stiffness gives body and shape to clothing, making it ideal for adding volume and structure while maintaining an elegant, ethereal quality.

57. Lawn Fabric:

Lawn is a fine, lightweight cotton fabric known for its smooth texture and high thread count. It is typically used in making summer clothing like dresses, blouses, and handkerchiefs. Lawn fabric's softness and breathability make it comfortable in hot weather, and it often features delicate prints, making it a favorite for feminine and classic styles.

58. Tulle Fabric:

Tulle is a lightweight, fine netting fabric made from various fibers, including nylon and silk. It is most commonly used for creating layers and volume in bridal veils, ballet tutus, and formal gowns. Tulle's ability to hold its shape while remaining lightweight and airy makes it indispensable for achieving a dreamy and ethereal look in fashion and costume design.

59. Tana Lawn Fabric:

Tana Lawn is a high-quality, fine cotton fabric known for its softness and smooth surface. Produced by Liberty of London, it is often used for making luxury clothing, accessories, and quilts. Tana Lawn's exquisite prints, inspired by nature and art, contribute to its appeal for creating elegant and timeless pieces.

60. Net Fabric:

Net fabric is a lightweight, open-mesh textile made from various materials, including nylon and cotton. It is versatile and finds use in a wide range of applications, from bridal veils to sports equipment. Net fabric's breathable nature and flexible structure make it suitable for garments, accessories, and even decorative elements in fashion.

61. Terry Fabric:

Terry fabric is a soft, looped-pile textile, most commonly made from cotton. It is highly absorbent, making it ideal for towels, bathrobes, and baby products. Terry fabric's plush texture provides comfort and warmth, which is why it's a staple in loungewear and bathroom linens. It is also used in sportswear, such as tracksuits and sweatshirts, due to its moisture-wicking properties and cozy feel.