It can be challenging to know which fabric is appropriate for what purpose. That’s why Qurat Clothing Fabric Guide is here to make it easier for you to choose.

Whether you choose natural or synthetic fabrics, different types work better for some needs than others. Beyond knowing which material to choose when making clothing, proper fabric care can help your garments last longer, stretching your money.

In warmer climates or under high activity, synthetic fabrics (certain tri-blends, jersey) perform better than some natural fabrics (cotton, linen). This is because natural fabrics can cause skin irritation and chafing with lots of movement because the material doesn’t stretch easily. However, natural fabrics are more breathable and are best for low-activity, warm weather. In cooler climates, you’ll need to consider insulation and moisture retention with your clothing choices, since moisture retains cold.

To help you to choose the right fabric for you, consider these 8 common fabrics below:

Cotton

Prized for its softness and breath-ability, cotton is a beloved fabric. It’s often used in favorite tees, baby clothes (particularly organic cotton), pajamas, and clothing used in warm weather; however, it’s less commonly used in athletic-wear because it can cause some skin types to chafe under warm weather conditions or high mobility. Screen printing on cotton can be a little tricky, but likely, your favorite tee is made of it, since it wears better over time. Cotton softens with age if it’s been cared for properly – washed on cold and dried on medium heat.

Polyester

In contrast to natural fabrics, polyester is more stretchable and doesn’t wrinkle as easily. From athletic wear to fine clothing, you can find polyester in most clothing types, even in higher-end dresses and slacks. This is because unlike silk or linen, polyester is more durable and can withstand some beating, perfect for work clothes or uniforms. There are also several kinds of polyester – from polyester/cotton to polyester/viscose – which all have different challenges when screen printing on polyester.

Tri-blends

One of the newest fabrics in this list, tri-blends, consists of a 50-25-25 mix of polyester, rayon, and spun cotton. Tri-blends are more expensive than cotton but are extra soft and wick moisture. They’re perfect for athletic clothing, particularly yoga tops, because they drape better than pure cotton. Tri-blends are also used in higher quality band t-shirts and some office clothing, particularly women’s blouses. Screen printing on tri-blends is particularly challenging because, if you choose a design that requires flash cures, the rayon in tri-blends may melt under heat. To print on tri-blends, use a wet-on-wet approach.

Fleece

Fleece is ideal for cold weather, such as in sweaters and jackets, because it wicks moisture and is highly durable while providing wool-like warmth. Initially, fleece was a natural fiber derived from longhaired goats or domestic sheep. While natural fleece exists, it’s more expensive; polyester fleece has all but replaced its more labor-intensive cousin. Today, polyester fleece is used in hiking and outdoor clothing, as well as blankets, because it’s as warm as wool but much lighter. To screen print on fleece, it need more ink and simpler designs.

Jersey

Jersey has become highly popular due to its stretchiness and lightweight. Jersey is most used in leisurewear, sportswear, undergarments, and even dressier clothing, such as dresses, because of its drape and softness. A type of cotton knit, jersey, was once made of wool but is now made of synthetic fibers. Jersey drapes well, like tri-blends, and resists wrinkling, making it ideal for traveling. It also tolerates hot water and ironing when laundered, so it’s not delicate like silk.

Knit

Knit fabrics, unlike those that are woven, are more flexible, making them ideal for small items like socks, scarves, hats, and mittens. It’s also still used for cool-weather dresses and light sweaters. Knits are made of either natural or synthetic yarn, which can be thick or fine, depending on how much you’d like any item of clothing to drape. While Coco Chanel elevated jersey knit in 1916, it’s still used today in elegant suits and dress, particularly in wrap dresses, cardigans, and light sweaters, which stay in place due to knit’s heavier drape.

Rayon

While technically a natural fiber, rayon is chemically processed from natural fibers, or cellulose, into lyocell, viscose, and modal. Because rayon exists in so many grades, it can imitate the feel of natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk, or fine wool. As a result, rayon is ideal for women’s clothing, particularly dresses and tops, as well as any fine clothing that resembles artificial silk. It’s also used in scarves meant to feel like silk or stockings. Unlike its silk, rayon lacks the same delicacy and is more durable, making it also ideal for exceptional workwear.

Spandex

Because it’s so strong when stretched, spandex is best used for leggings, undergarment compression wear (such as girdles), underwear, athletic wear, and hosiery garments. Textiles originally conceived spandex to replace rubber in clothing. Given its strength, spandex is ideal for swimwear. When laundering spandex, you should always forgo fabric softener, wash on cold, and air dry.

In reality, there are five basic types of fabric or cloth: silk, cotton, linen, wool, and worsted. All other fabrics are derived from them.   

 
  Angora  – ( a fabric made of Angora rabbit hair)
  Baft        – (inexpensive coarse cotton cloth)
  Baldachin – (an embroidered material, woven with silk and gold thread)
  Batiste – (light, smooth, dense cotton or linen fabric)
  Corduroy – (thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs)
  Chiffon – (a light, sheer fabric typically made of silk or nylon
  Crinoline – (a stiff fabric made of horsehair and cotton or linen thread)
  Damask – (a figured woven fabric with a pattern visible on both sides)
  Denim – (a sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, used for jeans, overalls, and other clothing)
  Dungarees – (pants made of blue denim)
  Flannel – (a kind of soft-woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised)
  Gabardine – (a smooth, durable twill-woven cloth, typically of worsted or cotton)
  Jacquard – (a fabric made on a loom fitted with jacquard, with an intricate variegated pattern)
  Jersey – (a soft, fine, knitted fabric)
  Lustring – (a glossy silk fabric, or a satin-weave fabric resembling it)
  Mackintosh – (cloth waterproofed with rubber)       
  Mohair – (yarn or fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat, typically mixed with wool)
  Moleskin – (thick, strong cotton fabric with a shaved pile surface)
  Muslin – (lightweight cotton cloth in a plain weave)
  Organza – (a thin, stiff, transparent fabric made of silk or a synthetic yarn)
  Sateen – (cotton fabric is woven like satin with a glossy surface)
  Satin     – (densely woven silk with a glossy surface)
  Tweed – (rough-surfaced woolen cloth, typically of mixed flecked colors)
  Velvet – (a closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side)
  Venise lace – (a needle lace with a complex pattern)
   

While choosing the right fabric for your clothing can be difficult, consider these fabric guidelines from Qurat Clothing Online.