Fabric Types

Fabric names reflect a combination of fibre source, yarn properties, weave or knit structure, and finishing processes (dyeing, coating, brushing, chemical treatment).

Oxford

Fibre Cotton

Weave Basket (oxford) weave

Finish Mercerized, washed, sometimes wrinkle-resistant

Chambray

Fibre Cotton

Weave Plain weave

Finish Colored warp / white weft

Denim

Fibre Cotton

Weave Twill weave (3/1)

Finish Sanforized, stone-washed, enzyme-washed, raw

Corduroy

Fibre Cotton

Weave Twill weave

Finish Pile cutting, brushing, sometimes enzyme or garment washing

Tweed

Fibre Wool

Weave Twill or plain weave

Finish Brushed, milled, sometimes lightly felted

Cheviot

Fibre Wool

Weave Plain or twill weave

Finish Brushed, washed, or untreated. A type of tweed.

Poplin

Fibre Cotton

Weave Plain weave (fine warp, thicker weft)

Finish Calendered or lightly pressed, sometimes mercerized

Broadcloth

Fibre Cotton, wool, or blends

Weave Twill weave

Finish Brushed, washed, or untreated

Flannel

Fibre Wool or cotton

Weave Plain or twill weave

Finish Brushed (napped)

Velvet

Fibre Silk, cotton, wool, viscose, synthetic

Weave Cut pile weave

Finish Pile shearing and finishing