Given the large number of types of clothing fabrics, creating a comprehensive list is a nearly impossible and time-consuming task. However, there are some common types that permeate most forms of daily fashion.
These are the types of garment fabrics you commonly see on a daily basis and some interesting information about each that you may appreciate if you are a garment fabric enthusiast.
Cotton – Any discussion of clothing fabrics ultimately begins with cotton, the most common fabric found in almost all forms of clothing. In reality, there are many other types of fabric that are not called cotton but are made from considerable percentages of cotton fabric. Some of the more common uses of cotton in clothing include denim for blue jeans, cambric which is used for blue work shirts and is the origin of the term “blue collar”, corduroy, and many others. Currently, the estimated annual world production of cotton is about 25 million tons, with a significant percentage going exclusively to the textile industry.
Wool: Wool is one of the types of clothing fabrics that is extracted from animals, in this case from sheep. Other fabrics harvested from animals include cashmere which is harvested from goats and qiviut from alpaca and camels. Rabbits are also a source of a type of fabric known as angora that is used for sweaters and suits. As for wool, the fabric is considered a staple in many clothing lines. Many business attire, especially slacks and slacks, are actually made of wool due to its heat retention properties, not to mention its classic, formal feel.
Leather – In keeping with the animal fabric theme, leather is one of the most popular and sought after products for expensive clothing lines. Leather is great because it is a durable and flexible material and has many uses, from jackets to pants to bags and even shoes and belts. Leather requires extensive treatment and processing to make it suitable for apparel applications, but in the hands of a master leather craftsman, leather is one of the most easily recognizable of the many types of apparel fabrics today.
· Silk – Silk has many specialized applications due to its fine and exquisite texture. Since ancient times, silk has been a highly prized commodity for kings and royalty. Today, the apps are still just as luxurious and appreciated. Silk production comes mainly from insects such as moth caterpillars, so there is also a limited amount of supply available, unlike fabrics made from cotton. This only adds to the allure of silk as the material of choice for scarves, sophisticated dresses, underwear and many other applications.
Synthetic fabrics – These are fabrics made from fibers manufactured through industrial processes. In recent years, the increase in demand for different types of garment fabrics has served to accelerate the growth of industries that produce synthetic fabrics. Common examples are nylon, polyester, and spandex, which are preferred due to their affordable price and easy availability.
Where would the world be without these many types of clothing fabrics? The fabrics express the epitome of human creativity in fashion and style. It’s the dream stuff of aspiring designers who want to make it big in New York, London, Paris or Milan. With so many fabrics to choose from and inspirations to inspire, all types of clothing fabrics will continue to be loved and adored. Everyone on earth will surely benefit because eventually we all end up wearing these fabrics in some way or form.
If you are interested in fabrics for clothing and what they are used for, be sure to visit our website and its extensive list of articles on different fabrics, where they come from and what they are used for.