Fabric Terms
A fundamental aspect of a luxury product is the choice of materials from which it is crafted. A garment's drape, handfeel, sheen, colour, contribute more to its character than any other constituent property. To enjoy a successful career in the luxury industry necessitates a thorough understanding of natural and synthetic materials.
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.
- 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.