Fabric Types Explained

Fabric Types Explained

Fabric is not a simple product — it is a result of countless decisions made at the fiber, yarn, construction, finishing, and end-use level. Understanding fabric types requires more than just knowing “cotton” or “polyester.” It requires knowing how they are spun, woven, finished, and transformed. This guide explains what makes a fabric unique — and why not all “cotton fabrics” are equal.

What Defines a Fabric?

Each fabric is made through a combination of the following elements:

– Material: Cotton, polyester, viscose, microfiber, bamboo, etc.
– Yarn Construction: Ring spun, open end, filament, hollow fiber, low melt, etc.
– Weaving or Bonding Method: Plain weave, twill, sateen, jacquard, or non-woven
– Thread Count or GSM: Higher count = finer feel, but GSM (grams per square meter) reflects weight
– Finishing Processes: Bleaching, dyeing, mercerizing, sanforizing, brushing, anti-pilling, etc.

Even when two fabrics use the same raw material, these variables can create entirely different products — in feel, price, strength, and durability.

Types of Fabrics We Commonly Work With

1. Canvas

A heavyweight plain weave fabric made from coarse cotton or cotton-poly blends. Canvas is unique due to its thickness, stiffness, and multi-purpose use — from industrial covers to drop cloths and tote bags. It’s available in various GSM (7 oz to 20 oz) and often requires reactive dyeing or waterproof finishing.

2. Terry Fabric

Woven fabric with loops on one or both sides. Primarily used for towels, bathrobes, and bath mats. Terry can be open-end or ring-spun cotton, dyed or yarn-dyed, with high water absorbency. Quality depends on GSM, loop structure, twist level, and dyeing method.

3. Percale & Plain Weave

A tightly woven, balanced fabric often used in bedsheets and pillowcases. Percale uses fine yarns and high thread count, giving a crisp, smooth finish. Poly-cotton percale is used in hospitals and budget hotels, while 100% cotton percale is preferred in luxury settings.

4. Sateen

A weaving technique that creates a soft, shiny surface. Typically used in high-end bedding. Often confused with satin (which is usually synthetic), sateen is made from cotton yarns and gives a silky finish.

5. Non-Woven Fabric

Not made by weaving or knitting. Instead, fibers are bonded together by heat, chemicals, or pressure. Used in mattress protectors, disposable items, and industrial packing. Has no thread count — GSM is the only reliable measure.

6. Microfiber

Extremely fine synthetic fibers (often polyester or polyamide) used in cleaning cloths, bed sheets, and pillow fillings. Although 100% polyester, microfiber behaves very differently from standard woven polyester. Soft, quick-drying, and lint-free.

7. Twill & Drill

Characterized by diagonal ribbing. These fabrics are durable, flexible, and used in workwear, upholstery, or heavy-duty hotel applications. Drill is a heavier twill, used for industrial or military-grade use.

8. Poplin

A plain weave fabric with a tight structure and fine ribs. Used in uniforms, shirts, and bed linen. Usually made from cotton, polyester blends, or even viscose — depending on price point and feel.

9. Knitted Fabrics

Used in fitted sheets, mattress covers, and garments. They stretch and move with the body. Can be single jersey, rib knit, or interlock. Often paired with elastic or waterproof layers for hospitality use.

10. Specialty Fabrics

We also produce and source specialty fabrics on request — including blackout, fire-retardant, water-repellent, and stain-resistant textiles. These are engineered based on your application and budget.

Beyond the Fabric — Why It’s Never Just One Thing

Even if two fabrics are made from the same cotton, they can behave differently depending on:

– Yarn source and quality
– Type of loom or knitting machine
– Bleaching and dyeing technique
– Finishing process (e.g., anti-pilling, wrinkle-free, flame retardant)
– Shrinkage control (sanforizing)
– After-treatment handling and folding

It takes deep experience to choose the right construction and finishing combination for your need. And even more skill to do it within a specific budget.

Let Us Guide You

Whether you’re looking to develop a new textile product or improve an existing one, we’ll help you break down every element of your fabric specification. From cost-saving changes to quality upgrades, we’ll guide you at every step — and help you create the perfect balance between performance and price.Fabrics finishing