With a rich and diverse fabric market, the garment industry is increasingly colorful with countless materials to create many different outfits.
Fabric is a material consisting of synthetic or natural fibers. These fibers are often called threads. Natural fibers are fibers made from certain plants such as cotton, flax, hemp, or made from silkworm cocoons or animal hair.
Natural fibers are soft, even, and highly absorbent. They are usually very friendly to human skin and do not cause allergies. Except for some people with a history of allergies to animals, fabrics made from plants can be used.
Thousands of years ago, people knew how to make fabric to make clothes from naturally available materials such as cotton, jute, flax, and animal hair such as sheep, goats, camels, and cocoon silk. Since the 1930s, when synthetic fibers such as Nylon, PE, and Viscose were discovered, humanity has truly entered a textile revolution. Among them, there are all kinds of fabrics made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and man-made blended fabrics.
Most natural fibers are insoluble in water and are not corroded by termites. Synthetic fibers are fibers that are processed after being exploited for petroleum minerals, then distilled, spun, and then formed. This type of fiber has poor absorbency, but it keeps warm well in winter. The outside is shiny, soft, and smooth.
Due to this diversity, many people have difficulty knowing which fabric is suitable for sewing or buying clothes. Below, Vishimex will introduce to readers the most popular fabrics today for the most comprehensive reference and to be able to choose the fabric suitable for your work and life.
1. Cotton
Cotton fabric is a synthetic fabric made from many natural ingredients that are very friendly to human skin, originating from the cotton plant, and is completely non-irritating like many other artificial fibers. Cotton fabric appears everywhere, from popular to luxury outfits can be sewn from this fabric. This is the most widely used natural fiber in the garment industry today.
Cotton fibers have very high absorbency, can absorb up to 65% of water by weight. In addition, this type of fiber is very easy to clean, easy to dye, friendly to human skin, and does not cause irritation.
Cotton materials in general have many types: 100% cotton, 65% cotton, 35% cotton… depending on the proportion of natural cotton in the composition. The higher the cotton ratio, the better quality the fabric will be, fully promoting the positive properties of cotton fiber, and of course, the price will also be slightly higher.
2. Khaki
Khaki, also known as Khaki, was used by the British army in India in 1848 as camouflage clothing for the army because the color resembled the color of dirt. Khaki fabric is usually woven from 100% cotton or cotton twill with synthetic fibers, depending on the purpose of use. The common weaving method is machine weaving, combining warp and weft yarns, resulting in a fabric with diagonal grain. The fabric is thick but quite soft and smooth.
There is also Khaki Cotton which is woven from natural cotton fibers so this material is very cool and comfortable, absorbing sweat well. This type of fabric is more popular with women and is widely used in office attire such as suits and dresses.
Khaki material is durable, long-lasting, less elastic, and wrinkled thanks to the weaving method that creates a sturdy fabric structure. Khaki fabric is easy to dye and durable, minimizing fading during washing. However, due to its sturdy material characteristics, khaki fabric is only used in some types of clothing that require a hard form such as vests, suits, office clothes… and is not suitable for diverse and sophisticated designs.
3. Denim/Jeans
The world’s first pair of jeans was born in 1873 at the hands of “father” Levis Strauss, with the original purpose being for gold diggers because the material was durable and did not wear out. It was not until after World War II that jeans were introduced to Europe by American soldiers, becoming a symbol of unbound freedom for young people.
The popularity of this fabric has remained until the 21st century, being a favorite item among many different ages and classes. Under the hands of famous designers, jeans products are increasingly diverse and rich in design, becoming one of the indispensable outfits in fashion.
Based on elasticity and fabric composition, people divide jeans into the following types: Skinny jeans (elastic jeans); Cotton jeans; Cotton and poly blend jeans; and Recycled jeans.
Jeans are considered one of the most durable fabrics, Jeans create a unique style and personality for the wearer. Jeans have been, are, and will always be favorite and indispensable items in the fashion world. However, compared to other popular fabrics, jeans have relatively poor elasticity and are rarely used in active or sports clothing.
4. Linen
Linen is one of the oldest materials in the world, woven from fibers in the flax plant. Linen fibers are stronger and smoother than cotton, tightly woven by hand and relatively large, with visible fibers on the surface.
Linen is cool and absorbs sweat well, is of natural origin, so it is absolutely safe for children, so this fabric is extremely popular in the summer. However, linen is not suitable for dyeing. Their original color is usually ivory white, rustic brown, or yellow brown. Linen types include linen powder, wet linen, wet linen, and silk linen.
This fabric is cool and absorbs sweat well. In addition, linen has good heat resistance and is less affected by heat and sunlight, so it can be used well in sun protection clothing. In addition, linen has extremely strong and durable structural properties if used and stored properly. It is also one of the fabrics that is benign to both the user and the environment.
In addition to its smoothness and good sweat absorption, the biggest disadvantage of linen is that it wrinkles easily, especially after washing.
5. Felt
Felt fabric began to be used in everyday life in the 1990s, and has become increasingly popular. At first, felt fabric was made for the purpose of making blankets and sofa covers, but later it was developed and applied to make children’s clothes, astronauts’ clothes, or climbing gear.
This type of fabric is very popular in Western countries, especially countries with cold climates. It keeps warm very well because it is covered with a layer of short, smooth fur. Felt fabric is a type of fabric that is a combination of regular fabric fibers and wool fibers, the outside is covered with a layer of short hair, when you touch it you will feel soft and smooth. When used, it will be very warm.
Felt fabric is a soft, non-ruffled fabric and has good water absorption. It is also available in a variety of colors and designs. Felt types include Korean fabric and regular felt fabric.