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Typically, when we think of fashion we tend to think of colours, styles or trends. However, we rarely pay any attention to the fabrics used in clothing. In fact, fabrics have an “invisible” influence on how clothing feels, how it fits, how it moves and how long it lasts. Fabrics also have a direct impact on comfort, confidence and style.
The fabric used in a particular outfit, morning business attire or an evening casual outfit, is important to the way the customer feels about themselves and the way they look.
Fabric: The Base of Every Outfit
Every outfit begins with a piece of fabric. Each dress is sewn together before the shirt is created, after choosing the type of fibre, weave and texture of the fabric. Some of the most commonly used types of fabric used in clothing include cotton, linen, silk, wool, denim, polyester and blended fabrics. All of these types of fabrics will have a different feel, responsiveness, how they breathe and how long they will last.
Cotton is soft, breathable, easy to wear every day, while cotton keeps you cool in the heat. Polypropylene is typically used to manufacture synthetic clothing which will provide durability and wrinkle-free clothing, while linen is naturally absorbent and therefore will wick moisture away from the body.Without the correct fabric, even a well designed garment will not meet your expectations.
Comfort Begins with the Correct Material
The most potent attribute of material is its comfort level. We typically wear clothing for extended periods of time; thus, materials directly impact our level of comfort on our skin.
There are three main distinctions among textiles related to comfort:
Breathable:
Allows air to circulate through the material, keeping us cooler and dryer when worn.
Stretchy:
Provides flexibility and free movement when worn.
Willie:
Provides insulation to stay warm during the colder months.
A material’s comfort level is evident by how it feels (itchy, heavy, or restrictive). For instance, a shirt may look stylish, but if it is itchy or heavy, it will not be comfortable.
Materials Determine How Clothing Appears
Materials also determine how clothing appears and hangs. Light, flowing fabrics create elegantly flowing silhouettes; while heavy/structured fabrics produce bold or strong shapes.A soft fabric dress drapes differently than a stiff fabric dress. The sparkle (shine), matte finish, or texture of a material can add depth and character to the clothing. Therefore, it is customary to hear designers say that “the material determines the final outcome.”
The daily wearability and durability of fabrics is essential for everyday clothing to hold up after the washing, getting active, and everyday wear. The best-quality fabrics will maintain their colour, shape and strength with years of use.
- Inferior-quality fabrics can:
- Quickly lose their colour
- Become rough
- Rips and pills easily
The durability of garments is increased by having well-constructed fabrics made from the best-quality fabric and using good manufacturing practices such as using proper weaving methods.
Choosing good-quality fabrics does not cost a lot of money, and is a smart investment.
Fabrics and the Environment
As more and more people learn about the environmental impact of their clothing choices, consumers are turning to more sustainable fabric options such as: organic cotton, recycled fabrics, bamboo fabrics, and low-impact dyes.
- Sustainable fabrics are attributed to:
- Reduction of environmental impacts
- Less use of water and chemicals
- Encouraging responsible manufacturing
Fashion is not just about how we look; it is also about how we make smart choices through our choice of fabrics.
How Fabric Affects Us Emotionally
The feeling of fabric has an emotional connection for most of us. Where soft fabrics feel calming; crisp fabrics would be considered business forward; luxurious would create a feeling of self-confidence i.e., an increased sense of self-worth and attractive.
Even when we do not verbally express our emotions towards fabric—what it feels like on us—we remember this sensation throughout the duration of our day. The way we respond to fabrics provides certain elements of the hidden power that fabrics carry when it comes to fashion on a daily basis.
Why Being Fabric Educated Makes You A More Fashionable Shopper
Being an educated shopper with regard to fabrics allows for better shopping opportunities. Knowing the difference between knit and woven fabric—knowing the difference between a breathable textile and a heavier weight fabric—enables you to make better buying decisions.
You no longer make purchases based solely upon how good of a look you feel an item brings you—rather, you begin to consider quality/performance when selecting an item.
Final Thoughts—Fabrics Do All Of The Real Work
Fabrics will always be the part of the outfit design that is not seen; however, they are the components that make your entire outfit work together. Fabrics contribute to fashion from inside to out, provide support—provide form and shape—provide comfort—provide an expression of you—without a single word being verbally communicated.
Next time you wear an outfit—consider more than just the style of the item; have a physical response to the fabric. In everyday fashion, fabrics provide most of the real power associated with the garments you select.