Fabric Properties and Selection

Cotton is a natural fiber that is made from the seed hairs of the cotton plant.

Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum.

Woven fabrics are made from yarns that are interlaced at right angles, while knitted fabrics are made from yarns that are looped together. Woven fabrics are more durable and wrinkle-resistant than knitted fabrics.

The drape of a fabric is the way it falls or hangs. It is determined by the weight, texture, and fiber content of the fabric.

The weight of a fabric is the heaviness of the fabric per square yard.

The texture of a fabric is the way it feels to the touch. It is determined by the fiber content, weave, and finish of the fabric.

The breathability of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen are more breathable than fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Fabrics with a loose weave are more breathable than fabrics with a tight weave. And lightweight fabrics are more breathable than heavyweight fabrics.

The wrinkle resistance of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are more wrinkle-resistant than fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen. Fabrics with a tight weave are more wrinkle-resistant than fabrics with a loose weave. And heavyweight fabrics are more wrinkle-resistant than lightweight fabrics.

The drape of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from natural fibers such as silk and rayon have a good drape, while fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon have a poor drape. Fabrics with a loose weave have a good drape, while fabrics with a tight weave have a poor drape. And lightweight fabrics have a good drape, while heavyweight fabrics have a poor drape.

The durability of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are more durable than fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen. Fabrics with a tight weave are more durable than fabrics with a loose weave. And heavyweight fabrics are more durable than lightweight fabrics.

The colorfastness of a fabric is affected by the type of dye that is used to color the fabric. Some dyes are more colorfast than others. For example, vat dyes are more colorfast than disperse dyes.

The flammability of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen are more flammable than fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Fabrics with a loose weave are more flammable than fabrics with a tight weave. And lightweight fabrics are more flammable than heavyweight fabrics.

The shrinkage of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen shrink more than fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Fabrics with a loose weave shrink more than fabrics with a tight weave. And lightweight fabrics shrink more than heavyweight fabrics.

The pilling of a fabric is affected by its fiber content, weave, and weight. Fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon pill more than fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen. Fabrics with a loose weave pill more than fabrics with a tight weave. And lightweight fabrics pill more than heavyweight fabrics.

The fading of a fabric is affected by the type of dye that is used to color the fabric. Some dyes are more fade-resistant than others. For example, vat dyes are more fade-resistant than disperse dyes.