Most common types of fabrics in fashion and their uses
Most common types of fabrics in fashion and their uses. Each piece of clothing has its unique characteristics. And between the design, style, appliqués, colors, the fabric with which it is made is the main character.
Indeed, all the elements add personality to a garment, but the fabric is undoubtedly what gives it life and reason.
The success of a piece will depend on the type of fabric you choose. The same goes for its functionality, depending on the texture, softness, elasticity, and flexibility.
That is why it is essential to make a correct choice at the design time. One that continuously turns the clothing into an adequate and successful piece in all its aspects.
Definition
The fabric is made with textile fibers, on a loom or by machine. And we use it to make clothes and cover objects.
Classification
As we already mentioned, choosing the type of fabric is highly fundamental when designing and making a garment.
Since it will be the one that will differentiate it from the rest. And will also provide it with that character that will make it unique.
Likewise, depending on the chosen textile, it will be possible to determine if a garment will be casual, informal, elegant.
And if it will be for hot or winter climates. It is vital to know its classification and the fabric types each integrates.
Plant-Based Fabrics
The fabrics of vegetable origin are those created from extractions made to various parts of a plant.
They are obtained by the hairiness of the seeds and other elements.
Types of plant-based fabric
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Linen
We know it as a highly resistant fabric, more so than cotton, and absorbing and releasing water quickly. This is a type of fresh and light fabric, making it ideal for hot climates. Its origin is ancient and, despite its age, is still in high demand.
It requires good care, as it could deform over time.
Among the most common uses of this type of fabric is the manufacture of summer clothing. And pieces for the home, such as sheets, bedspreads, rugs, and curtains.
Also, people consider it a type of luxurious and elegant fabric, so its cost can be high.
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Jute
It is another type of solid fabric. Due to its length, softness, and luminosity, it is identified as golden fiber.
It is also insulating and antistatic, being its ideal use to manufacture resistant garments.
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·Hemp
It stands out for favoring the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere.
And for keeping the products derived from this textile clean and durable for an extended period of time.
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Coir
It is obtained from the shell of the coconut used to make ropes, mattresses, brushes, and its internal fibers (white part) to make all kinds of pieces.
- Cotton
Its softness, absorbent capacity, durability, and versatility are the main qualities of this textile.
It is one of the most used materials for the manufacture of clothing.
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Polyester
It is a synthetic fiber created from water, air, coal, and petroleum products.
Because it is less expensive and more resistant than cotton, it is an alternative option to it.
However, it is not very resistant as it does not withstand high temperatures and is flammable.
Fabrics of animal origin
They are those that are derived from the fur of various species, secretions of others, and leather of animal origin.
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Mohair
It comes from the hair of Angora goats, a species that can be found in Turkey.
Because it is soft and shiny, it is often used to make jackets and sweaters, rugs, and coats.
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Alpaca
It is similar to wool, opaque, and extracted from the Alpaca of South America.
It is soft and delicate and used to make both elegant and sporty garments.
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Cashmere
Due to its softness and lightness, it is one of the world’s most appreciated and expensive textiles.
It has more insulating properties than wool and is extracted from the coverage of Himalayan goats, being able to make all kinds of garments.
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Angora
This fabric is from the fur of Angora rabbits in Turkey.
They can produce between 2,000 and 3,000 tons a year.
It is ideal for making thermal clothing and cold climates due to its capacity to absorb water and softness.
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Silk
This type of fabric is obtained from the threads made by silkworms.
Due to its high quality and finish, companies use it to manufacture elegant clothing.
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Leather
We extract it from a layer of tissues of some animals, and later professionals treat it through a tanning process.
Synthetic leather is currently more frequently for the face of complaints from animal protection associations.
Artificial Fabrics
Their structure comes from synthetic fiber threads such as nylon, Kevlar, leacril, rhovyl, saran, lycra, and merklon.
And they are commonly for creating clothing and lingerie for the home.
In this type of fabric, it is common to see a mixture of vegetable, animal, and artificial threads to achieve a specific finish.
Most used types of fabrics
These are the most used fabrics in the world for making clothing, among others:
- Polyester.
- Cotton.
- Wool.
- Silk.
- Leather.