What’s Your Favourite Clothes Fabric for Garment Making?
What’s Your Favourite Clothes Fabric for Garment Making?
Fabric choice is the base of any garment making process. The type of fabric you choose affects more than just the look of the garment – it affects quality, durability, comfort, and the ease of sewing. For garment manufacturers, clothing manufacturers, textile traders and wholesalers, knowing which fabrics work best for which use is key to making successful products.
This blog will cover the key considerations for fabric selection, some top performing fabrics and how to source and work with quality fabrics. By the end you’ll have a better understanding of how fabric choices can help your business and set you apart in the competitive clothing industry.
What is the Perfect Fabric?
When choosing a fabric, manufacturers need to consider the following:
1. Durability
For manufacturers, fabric durability is key especially for uniforms, sportswear or everyday wear. A durable fabric resists wear and tear, maintains its structure after multiple washes and remains functional for a long time. Polyester, denim, and tightly woven cotton are popular options here because they are durable and easy to sew.
2. Comfort
Comfort is key to meeting customer expectations. Fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and Tencel are soft against the skin and breathable. For activewear, moisture-wicking fabrics like blends of polyester and spandex are preferred to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
3. Sustainability
Consumers today are aware of the environmental impact of clothing production. Sustainable options like organic cotton, recycled polyester and biodegradable Tencel are getting popular, both for preserving the Earth’s resources and ethical practices.
4. Versatility
For manufacturers who cater to diverse customer base, choosing versatile fabrics can simplify operations. Fabrics like jersey, chiffon and linen can be used for various designs across casual, evening or professional wear.
Versatile fabrics can also be used to create a range of accessories, such as scarves, which are popular across different seasons.
5. Cost-effectiveness
Scalability of production is tied to material cost. Fabrics like cotton-poly blends are affordable and practical – perfect for wholesalers and large scale manufacturers.
Purchasing fabrics at a discounted price can further enhance cost-effectiveness, making it easier for manufacturers to scale production.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your next project can be overwhelming, especially with the vast array of options available. When selecting a fabric, consider the type of garment you want to create, the season, and the desired look and feel. For example, if you’re making a summer dress, you may want to choose a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton or linen. On the other hand, if you’re making a winter coat, you may want to choose a thicker, warmer fabric like wool or fleece.
It’s also important to consider the fabric’s texture, drape, and stretch. For instance, if you’re making a fitted dress, you may want to choose a fabric with some stretch, like spandex or knit. If you’re making a flowy skirt, you may want to choose a fabric with a lot of drape, like chiffon or organza.
Ultimately, the right fabric will depend on your personal preference, skill level, and the specific requirements of your project. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics and techniques to find what works best for you.
Understanding Apparel Fabrics
Apparel fabrics come in a wide range of types, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some common types of apparel fabrics:
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Cotton fabrics: Cotton is a popular choice for apparel because it’s breathable, soft, and durable. It’s often used for casual wear, like t-shirts and jeans.
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Synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, are often used for activewear and outdoor gear because they’re quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
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Knit fabrics: Knit fabrics, like jersey and spandex, are stretchy and comfortable, making them ideal for fitted garments like t-shirts and leggings.
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Woven fabrics: Woven fabrics, like cotton and linen, are often used for more structured garments like dresses and jackets.
Understanding the different types of apparel fabrics can help you make informed decisions when choosing a fabric for your next project.
Fabric and Apparel Picks
Based on our years of experience in the textile industry, here are 5 fabrics for making great clothing along with their uses and benefits. These fabrics are not only great for clothing but also for creating a variety of accessories, enhancing their overall utility.
1. Tencel
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Pros: Soft texture, biodegradable, moisture-wicking.
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For: Summer collections, casual wear, eco-friendly designs.
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Case Study: A boutique switched to Tencel for their summer range and saw a 20% increase in sales due to customer love for the breathable and comfortable fabric.
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For: T-shirts, children’s wear and ethical fashion brands.
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Case Study: A sustainable brand switched to organic cotton and grew their customer base by 30% in a year, targeting environmentally conscious customers.
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You can shop for Tencel fabric at specialty fabric stores or online retailers that focus on sustainable materials.
3. Anti-microbial Fabrics
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Pros: Reduces bacteria growth, odor-resistant, durable in high use environments.
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For: Uniforms for hospitality or healthcare industries.
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Case Study: A uniform manufacturer used anti-microbial fabrics and saw a reduction in uniform replacements while increasing customer satisfaction.
4. Ethically Sourced Wool
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Pros: Luxurious feel, long lasting, breathable.
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For: High end fashion collections and tailored garments.
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Case Study: A luxury designer’s wool collection got international recognition and 50% revenue increase after collaborations with top retailers.
5. Moisture-wicking Polyester Blends
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Pros: Sweat resistant, durable, quick drying.
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For: Activewear brands and high performance sports apparel.
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Case Study: A sportswear brand incorporated moisture-wicking fabrics and created durable garments that increased customer loyalty and praise.
Fabric Care and Maintenance
Proper fabric care and maintenance can extend the life of your garments and keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for your fabrics:
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Read the care label: Before washing or dry cleaning your fabric, always read the care label to make sure you’re following the recommended care instructions.
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Wash fabrics separately: Washing fabrics separately can help prevent colors from bleeding or fabrics from getting damaged.
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Avoid over-drying: Over-drying can cause fabrics to shrink or lose their shape. Remove garments from the dryer while they’re still slightly damp and hang them up to air dry.
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Iron fabrics while they’re still slightly damp: Ironing fabrics while they’re still slightly damp can help remove wrinkles and creases.
By following these tips, you can keep your fabrics looking their best and extend the life of your garments.
Fabric Shops for Clothes
Finding the right suppliers is as important as finding the right fabric. Here are 5 tips to get top quality materials for your garment production.
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Partner with Established Fabric Suppliers
Work with fabric mills and wholesalers who are well known for their great products. Ask for performance certificates like ISO or OEKO-TEX to verify the fabric.
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Attend Worldwide Textile Trade Shows
Première Vision or Intertextile Shanghai are great events to meet textile manufacturers and get an idea of what’s trending.
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Leverage Digital Tools
Use textile directories or online fabric stores for instant access to a huge range of apparel fabrics and flexibility in sampling. Look for online fabric stores with great customer reviews and quality guarantee.
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Request Samples First
Before you place a bulk order, always ask for fabric swatches to check texture, weight and color fastness. This will ensure your project is compatible.
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Build Long term Partnerships
Reliable suppliers can be your best long term partners. Having strong relationships with your textile suppliers will ensure your fabric needs are met on time. Look for shops that offer a wide range of sewing supplies to ensure you have everything you need for your projects.
Garment Making Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making garments:
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Use a pattern: Using a pattern can help ensure that your garment fits well and looks professional.
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Choose the right needle: Choosing the right needle can make a big difference in the quality of your stitches. For example, a sharp needle is best for woven fabrics, while a ballpoint needle is best for knit fabrics.
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Press your seams: Pressing your seams can help create a crisp, professional finish.
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Don’t be afraid to experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and experiment with different fabrics and patterns. This is a great way to learn and improve your skills.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create beautiful, professional-looking garments that you’ll love wearing.
The Future of Apparel Fabric – Innovation Ahead
Textile innovation is happening and it’s exciting for garment manufacturers and clothing brands.
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Eco-Friendly Materials
The focus on sustainability is bringing new materials like Piñatex from pineapple leaves, mushroom leather and algae based fabrics.
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Smart Fabrics
Wearable technology is starting to be integrated into clothing, fabrics that can measure body temperature, UV exposure and heart rate – important for fitness and health applications.
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Recycled Textiles
Materials like recycled polyester and upcycled cotton are in line with zero waste production trend, creating garments that are fashionable and eco-friendly.
Choose the Right Fabric for Your Product
Fabric selection is more than a technical decision – it’s the foundation of creating clothes that resonate with customers. By focusing on durability, comfort, sustainability and quality sourcing, garment manufacturers can win in a crowded market.
Need advice on how to choose the perfect fabric for your next collection? Our fabric experts can help. Check out our fabric selection services or get in touch to discuss options for your business. Comment below and tell us your favorite fabric!