Fashion designers transform fabrics into beautiful and functional clothes that are worn by people all over the world. Choice of fabric is very important; the look of a garment can change dramatically, depending on what fabric is used. Color, texture, and function, are all affected by fabrics. Whether it’s a warm wooly sweater, or a light-weight linen jacket, the fabrics really do make the clothes.
With so many fabrics to choose from, how do you know what textiles to choose? Allow this handy guide to take you through the world of fabrics.
Natural Fabrics
Vegetable- These fabrics are cellulose based which basically means they are derived ...
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Fashion designers transform fabrics into beautiful and functional clothes that are worn by people all over the world. Choice of fabric is very important; the look of a garment can change dramatically, depending on what fabric is used. Color, texture, and function, are all affected by fabrics. Whether it’s a warm wooly sweater, or a light-weight linen jacket, the fabrics really do make the clothes.
With so many fabrics to choose from, how do you know what textiles to choose? Allow this handy guide to take you through the world of fabrics.
Natural Fabrics
Vegetable- These fabrics are cellulose based which basically means they are derived from plants. The most used fabric in the world is vegetable-based - cotton.
Animal Fibers- Protein based fibers make up fabrics like wool, cashmere, camel hair, and silk.
Man-made Fabrics
Man-made fabrics refer to any fabric that does not occur in nature, even though it may be composed of some natural substances. Man-made fabrics come in polymer and synthetic varieties.
Natural Polymers- Fabrics made from natural materials like wood and rubber.
Synthetic- These fabrics are made from petrochemical derivatives.
Popular Fabrics:
Cashmere
Cashmere is an indulgence in pure luxury. The softest hair is gathered from the belly, shoulder and neck of the Cashmere goat and spun into long yarn. Cashmere is one of the most coveted fabrics in the world.
Cotton
The most widely used natural fiber in clothing. The fabric is soft, and breathable, making it comfortable to wear. Cotton is often used to make other highly desirable fabrics like terrycloth and denim.
Denim
Denim is made by taking a rugged cotton twill fabric and passing a weft under two or more warp fibers. Blue jeans are the most popular use of this fabric.
Hemp
Production of hemp has declined in the modern age, but hemp used to be a popular fiber. The first pieces of fabric found were made of hemp, and the fabric was also used to make early versions of paper. In recent years, the clothing industry has developed a system that can soften hemp into a usable fabric, increasing its popularity.
Polyester
Synthetic, and man-made, polyester is used to produce clothing at a lower cost than natural fabrics. Often used blended with a natural fabric like cotton, polyester can be found in many items of clothing.
Silk
The strongest natural fiber in the world, silk is gathered from cocoons made by silkworm larvae. The shimmering appearance and soft texture make it an ideal fabric to use in fashion. Cultivation of silk fibers results in the death of the silkworm larvae, so it is often shunned by animal-rights activists.
Tweed
Tweed is a rough, woolen fabric, with a flexible texture. Tweed is popular in the fashion world, and is made into durable and long lasting jackets, pants, and skirts.
Wool
A natural, animal based fabric, wool is made from the hair of sheep. Wool is usually used for cooler weather clothing, like winter coats and sweaters.
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