By The type of fabric used for an outfit can provide valuable information to help determine its suitability for wear (such as comfort, durability and feel) before the outfit is even designed, sewn or put on the body. People often base their impressions of clothing solely on colour or style; however, the “real” fabric story is communicated through the fabric itself. Learning to “read” the characteristics of fabric gives us all a better understanding of what we are wearing and why these garments feel the way they do.
Fabrics Have Unique Personalities
Each individual piece of fabric has a unique personality. When your fingers touch a piece of fabric, your body responds to that contact. This response is not coincidental; it happens as a result of the properties of the fabric.
What Can You Learn From Fabric?
There are three major qualities present in all fabric: texture, weight, and drape or flow.
Texture indicates the “smoothness/roughness”, “crispness/softness”, etc., of the fabric. The weight indicates how the fabric behaves on the body. Light weight fabrics will “drape” and have a breathable feel whereas heavier weights provide stability and warmth. Drape or flow also affects how the fabric will hang. Some fabrics will hang/swish naturally while others will hold stiffness/shape. All three characteristics have a significant impact on how a garment fits and moves on the body once worn.
The qualities of the fabric are apparent without speaking a word.
You don’t need to be a skilled person to tell if the fabric is of quality.
The way the fabric is woven will dictate its feel, strength, and durability. The tighter the fabric is woven, the better it will stand up to wear. The looser the fabric is woven, the softer it will feel; however, it may wear out quicker. The weight and quality of the thread used to create the fabric will determine how smooth the finished product feels against your body. A Quality fabric will finish has to feel balanced not rigid, scratchy or slippery.
Quality fabrics will hold their shape, will not pill and continue to look good for many washings.
The comfort of a fabric can be one indicator of quality.
Fabrics are Breathable, Which Prevents Moisture Build-Up And Improves Comfort.
Breathable fabrics allow air to move through them, thereby, keeping you cooler. That is why cotton and linen fabrics are used for every day wear. Absorbent fabrics will aid in controlling your perspiration and keeping your skin dry. Cheap fabrics will retain body heat and become uncomfortable causing irritation over time.If the fabric does not feel good in your hand, it will cause more discomfort when it is worn on your body.
Colour and Print Influence based on Fabric Type
Fabrics impact how colours and prints present.
Fabrics Change How Colour and Print Present Visually
Smooth fabrics produce bright colours, whereas textured fabrics produce dimensional quality. Matte fabric has an unnoticeable character, whereas shiny fabric has ostentatious quality. The printed designs on fabric appear clear on tightly-woven fabrics. A fabric type will change how one colour may visually present in various ways.
Understanding the above-mentioned will assist in selecting a fabric that matches your personality and purpose.
- Durability Tells You How Long Your Fabric will Last
- How long something will last is determined by the quality of the fabric.
- Fabric for Daily Wear and Durability
Fabric with a high-stretch capability is durable and won’t tear, stretch or lose colour over time. Blended fabrics are always a compromise between softness and durability. Quality fabrics (well-constructed) are the best choice for greater frequent washing and daily wear and use without losing their original shape or texture. Poor quality fabrics may look attractive when purchased, but lose their colour quickly over time.
Durability of a fabric silently promises you will receive a good “buy.”
How to Check Fabric Before Purchase
You do not need tools to check for fabric — only your touch.
Quick Fabric Checks
Gently run your fingers along the surface of the fabric, and apply a slight pull/stretch to see if the fabric regains its original shape. Check the thickness of the fabric by holding it against the light. Feel the surface and edges of the fabric. A confident, well-made fabric should feel strong, balanced, and comfortable. The above processes are very simple; however, they are quite informative.
Final Thoughts: What The Fabric Is “Saying”
There is no silence with fabric; however, we often ignore the signal of a fabric telling us something just by the way it feels, its weight, how it breathes, and it’s texture. By learning how to “read” fabric, you have the ability to choose comfort versus trends, and quality versus looks. Fashion is ever changing; but, the good fabric always tells the truth. When you go to shop or create your next piece, take the time to listen to the fabric. The fabric has a story just waiting to be told!