Fabric Terms

Different fabric words to know

Appliqué

Decorative fabric sewn onto another fabric.

Batiste

A fine, soft, semi-sheer fabric made from cotton, linen, wool, or polyester.

Bouclé

A fabric made from looped yarn, giving it a textured, curly surface.

Brocade

A rich, decorative fabric often made from silk, with intricate patterns usually in gold or silver thread.

Challis

A lightweight, soft fabric typically made from wool, cotton, or rayon, often printed with floral designs.

Charmeuse

A lightweight, satin-weave fabric with a shiny front and dull back, commonly made from silk.

Chenille

A fabric with a fuzzy pile, similar to velvet, created from the yarns that produce a soft, plush texture.

Chiffon

A lightweight, sheer, and flowing fabric with a slightly textured finish.

Crepe de Chine

A lightweight fabric made from silk or polyester, known for its matte finish and slightly crinkled texture.

Damask

A reversible fabric with a pattern woven into it, usually made from silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers.

Deadstock

Unused fabric from previous collections.

Denim

A sturdy cotton twill fabric typically used for jeans and other casual clothing, characterized by its diagonal weave and blue color (though other colors exist).

Drapé

The way fabric hangs and falls on a body or object, creating folds and movement.

Dupioni

A silk fabric made from twin cocoons, characterized by irregular slubs and a crisp texture.

Eco-Friendly

Fabrics and processes with minimal environmental impact.

Faille

A ribbed fabric with a slightly glossy finish, often made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.

Gauze

A very lightweight, sheer fabric made from cotton or silk, often used for blouses, dresses, and curtains.

Georgette

A sheer, lightweight fabric, typically made from silk or polyester, with a slightly crinkled texture.

Handfeel

The tactile sensation of a fabric, including its softness, smoothness, texture, and drape.

Houndstooth

A classic pattern of broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, typically in black and white.

Jacquard

A type of fabric with complex patterns woven directly into it using different colored threads.

Lame

A fabric interwoven with metallic threads, often used in evening and formal wear.

Matelassé

A fabric that appears to be quilted or padded, but is actually woven on a jacquard loom to create a raised pattern.

Moire

A fabric treated to give it a rippled or watered appearance, often made from silk or a synthetic fiber.

Ninon

A sheer, lightweight fabric, often made from silk or synthetic fibers, with a smooth surface.

Organdy

A fine, sheer fabric, typically made from cotton, that is crisp and lightweight.

Organic Cotton

Cotton grown without harmful chemicals.

Ottoman

A heavy, textured fabric with a raised, ribbed pattern, typically made from wool or silk for a luxurious feel.

Piqué

A fabric with a raised, patterned texture, often used in cotton shirts and dresses.

Print

A design or pattern applied to fabric, often through various techniques like stamping, dyeing, or weaving.

Seersucker

A lightweight, puckered fabric, usually made from cotton, with alternating smooth and rough stripes.

Taffeta

A smooth, crisp fabric with a high sheen, typically made from silk or polyester and used for formal wear.

Terrycloth

A fabric with loops on both sides, known for its absorbency and softness, commonly made from cotton.

Tie-Dye

A dyeing technique creating colorful, swirling patterns.

Tulle

A fine, lightweight net fabric often used for veils, skirts, and decorations, characterized by its airy and transparent nature.

Velour

A plush, knitted fabric similar to velvet, but stretchier, often made from cotton or synthetic fibers.

Voile

A lightweight, semi-sheer fabric, usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, often used for dresses and blouses.