
Fabrics are essential to the success of apparel but finding the right fabric can be a headache for fashion startups. This guide covers all the commonly used types of cloth fabrics, including traditional fabrics like cotton, leather, and wool, popular special weave fabrics such as lyocell and fleece, eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, and technological fabrics. We offer fabric-sourcing services, or you can also provide your own fabric for production (CMT manufacture). In addition, we support custom weaving and dyeing of fabrics. For more information, please contact our fabric experts.
How to Find the Right Fabric as a Beginner?
Easiest method: Feel the clothes in your wardrobe or go shopping to find textures you like. Check their washing labels.
If this doesn’t work: Consider the following questions and share your answers with us:
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What is the purpose of the clothing? Evening dress, gym wear, or daily wear?
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Are there any functional requirements? Breathable, waterproof, elastic, or durable?
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What is your budget? We'll recommend the best options within your price range.
Becoming an expert starts with understanding four key concepts:
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GSM (Grams per Square Meter): GSM is a crucial measure of fabric weight, indicating how much a square meter of fabric weighs. Higher GSM usually means a heavier, thicker fabric, while lower GSM indicates a lighter, thinner fabric.
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Pantone Color System: Developed by Pantone Inc., this standardized color-matching system assigns specific numbers to colors, ensuring accurate color communication. You can explore the Pantone Color Finder.
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Natural fibers vs. Synthetic Fibers
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Natural fibers: Natural fibers are materials derived from nature, primarily from plants or animals. They typically have good breathability and moisture absorption, making them comfortable to wear. Additionally, they are biodegradable in natural environments, resulting in a lower environmental impact.
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Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers are materials synthesized through chemical processes from petrochemical products or other chemical raw materials. They are usually more abrasion-resistant and durable, and they do not wrinkle easily. Synthetic fibers typically retain brighter colors during dyeing and are less prone to fading.
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Blended vs. Single-Fiber Fabrics:
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Single-Fiber Fabrics: Made from one type of fiber, such as 100% cotton or 100% wool.
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Blended Fabrics: Created by combining two or more different fibers to enhance the overall performance of the fabric. For example, a blend of 96% cotton and 4% spandex retains the benefits of cotton while adding the stretch of spandex, making it ideal for garments that require flexibility, like activewear or fitted clothing. (Note: Any fabric can be blended, and the ratio can be adjusted based on requirements.)
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If You're Interested in Learning More...
Some of The Most Commonly Used Single-Fiber Fabrics
Some of the Popular Special Weave Fabrics
Eco-friendly Fabric
Sustainable Certification of Our Suppliers





*Due to the involvement of suppliers across multiple industries and companies, please consult in advance for relevant certification qualifications.
Technical Fabric
Technical fabrics are widely used in outdoor sports, fitness, fashion, and medical applications to provide functionality and comfort. Common types of technical fabrics include quick-drying, waterproof and breathable, antibacterial and deodorant, warmth, and other different functions. Following are some common tech fabrics and their descriptions:
Gore-Tex®
Waterproof and Breathable Fabric
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Company: W.L. Gore & Associates
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Introduction: Gore-Tex is a waterproof yet breathable membrane widely used in outdoor gear like jackets, hiking boots, and gloves. It effectively keeps water out while allowing sweat and moisture to escape, keeping the wearer dry.
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Features:
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Excellent waterproof and windproof properties.
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Highly breathable, suitable for long outdoor activities.
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Ideal for extreme weather conditions such as hiking and skiing.
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Coolmax®
Moisture-Wicking Fabric
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Company: The LYCRA Company
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Introduction: Coolmax is a moisture-wicking fabric designed for high-intensity sports. It quickly absorbs and evaporates moisture, keeping the skin dry. It is often used in sportswear and fitness apparel.
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Features:
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Fast moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
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Lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot weather and intense exercise.
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Common in running and cycling gear.
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Polartec®
Insulating Fabric
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Company: Polartec, LLC
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Introduction: Polartec is a high-performance insulating fabric commonly used in cold-weather apparel. It traps air to provide warmth while maintaining excellent breathability.
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Features:
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Lightweight and warm, with good breathability.
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Fast-drying and durable.
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Used in outdoor jackets, fleece, and thermal wear.
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Thinsulate™
Thin Insulation Material
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Company: 3M
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Introduction: Thinsulate, developed by 3M, is a thin insulating material often used in winter apparel and gloves. It provides excellent warmth without adding bulk.
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Features:
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Provides warmth without adding weight or bulk.
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Water-resistant and retains warmth in damp conditions.
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Ideal for winter jackets, gloves, and hats.
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Outlast®
Temperature-Regulating Fabric
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Company: Outlast Technologies, LLC
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Introduction: Outlast is a temperature-regulating fabric originally developed for NASA spacesuits. It absorbs, stores, and releases heat to help maintain a comfortable body temperature.
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Features:
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Automatically regulates temperature for added comfort.
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Moisture-wicking, ideal for environments with fluctuating temperatures.
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Commonly used in underwear, bedding, and athletic clothing.
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UV Protection Fabric
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Company: Various Companies
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Introduction: UV protection fabric is treated to block harmful ultraviolet rays from penetrating the garment, protecting the skin from sun damage. It is widely used in outdoor clothing and swimwear.
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Features:
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Blocks UV rays to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
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Breathable, ideal for summer and outdoor activities.
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Used in swimwear, outdoor jackets, and hats.
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Softshell
Windproof and Breathable Fabric
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Company: Various Companies
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Introduction: Softshell is a fabric type designed to provide windproof, breathable, and flexible protection for outdoor activities. It offers good insulation and weather resistance, though it's not as fully waterproof as hard-shell fabrics like Gore-Tex.
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Features:
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Windproof and breathable, with a soft and flexible feel.
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Suitable for mild weather protection and insulation.
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Commonly used for hiking, climbing, and outdoor activities.
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Lycra®
Elastic Fiber
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Company: The LYCRA Company
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Introduction: Lycra is an elastic fiber trademarked by The LYCRA Company. It is often blended with other fabrics to increase stretch and comfort, making garments more flexible and shape-retentive.
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Features:
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High elasticity, providing a comfortable and form-fitting feel.
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Resistant to deformation, ideal for activewear and tight-fitting clothing.
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Common in yoga wear, athletic gear, and compression garments.
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