There are so many fabrics with different colours, textures, designs, and qualities. This makes it difficult to know all of them. But, not to worry, here’s a crash list of the ABCs of fabrics, so you know what to look for when you’re looking for the perfect fabric for your new outfit.
A
Aso oke
Aso oke fabric
Literally meaning, “high cloth” is a traditionally spun fabric indigenous to the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria, West Africa. The fabric is made of cotton and silk manually spun on a loom in intricate patterns. The end product is a stiff and heavily braided fabric resembling a mat. It’s name is derived from the status of the fabric as it was originally worn by the elites in the society.
Adire
Also known as Batik, Adire is an indigenous fabric in Nigeria made with plain cotton, linen, and sometimes denim fabrics. Adire is dyed in the traditional method of tye-and-dye in pits of indigo solution, which gives it its name, “a dì í, a rẹ́” (we tie and then dye it).
B
Broadcloth
Also called Poplin, this fabric is made from spun cotton, to give it a thinly woven look. A cotton and polyester blend leaves a little sheen, making it suitable for dress shirts.
C
Chambray
Chambray is a cotton fabric made from plain white and coloured yarns woven together.
Chiffon
Light and smooth, chiffon gives the feeling of water when touched. The most suitable fabric for billowing skirt and dress styles.
Corduroy
Corduroy is woven cotton fabric, stripped in length to resemble ribs.
Crepe
Generally, crepe are heavily textured fabrics thickly woven in layers. They are smooth to the touch and most times stretchy as they are a combination of natural and synthetic fibres. They are a go-to fabric for choir uniforms (see here for more)
D
Damask
Damask is a woven silk, linen, cotton, or polyester fabric colourfully patterned in flowery designs. It is smooth to the touch and heavily textured.
Denim
We’re sure you have a clothing made from denim, jeans are the most popular. Denim fabric is made from cotton, and is heavily textured.
F
Flannel
Flannel is made from woven wool, cotton, and more recently, synthetic and vegetable fibers. It is then beaten to give it a slightly dense look.
Fleece
Fleece fabrics are made from woven and beaten cotton or polyester, till they are heavily dence and soft to touch with a wooly look.
G
Garbadine
Garbadine is a tightly woven and heavily corded fabric usually used for uniforms. They can be light and smooth to the touch.
Georgette
This fabric is a kind of lace with a velvet or synthetic background, embellished with beads and sequins at the bottom of the length of fabric.
Here’s the list for today. We will discuss more fabrics in our next post. Watch this space.