textile terms & phrases

7/31/2019 Textile Terms & Phrases

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Textile Short Terms & Phrases

Acrylic

A synthetic fiber with a soft wool-like hand. It is machine washable, dries quickly and is often

wrinkle resistant.Angora

The hair of the Angora goat, also known as angora mohair. Angora may also refer to the fur of

the Angora rabbit. The FTC requires any clothing containing Angora rabbit hair to be labeled as

such on each garment.

Barathea

A soft fabric consisting of silk and cotton, silk and wool or all wool, woven with top quality two-

ply yarns.

Batiste

A lightweight, plain weave fabric, semi-sheer and usually made of cotton or cotton blends.

Bedford

A lengthwise ribbed weave that resembles corduroy. Fibers may be wool, worsted, cotton, silk

and rayon.

Bi-stretch

A blend of polyester, rayon and spandex that is woven in a way that allows the fabric to stretch in

both a horizontal and vertical direction (referred to as two-way stretch). It has non-clingy

properties, is soft next to the skin and is machine- washable.

Broadcloth

A plain weave tightly woven fabric that is characterized by a slight ridge effect in one direction,

usually the filling. The most common broadcloth is made from cotton or cotton/polyester blends.

Brocade

A heavy, exquisite jacquard type fabric with an all-over floral design or raised pattern.Canvas

A strong, durable, closely woven cotton fabric often used for raincoats, handbags and boots.

Cashmere

A luxury natural fiber with a very soft hand found from the soft fleecy undergrowth of the

Kashmir goat, found in Tibet, Mongolia, China, Iraq, Iran and India. It is most commonly used in

sweaters, shawls, suits, and outerwear.

Chambray

A plain woven fabric that incorporates a colored warp (often blue) and white filling yarns. It can

be made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers, but is most commonly cotton.

CharmeuseThe trade name of silk and silk-like fabrics that are characterized by a shiny, soft, satin-like

appearance.

Chenille

A fabric whose name comes from the French word for "caterpillar," characterized by soft, fuzzy

yarns standing out around a velvety cord.


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Chiffon

A soft silk that is a plain woven, lightweight and sheer fabric containing highly twisted filaments

of yard. The fabric is used for scarves and evening gowns, but can also be made from rayon and

other synthetic fibers.

ChintzA printed and glazed cotton fabric usually of bright colors.

Cotton

A natural fiber that grows in the seed pod of the cotton plant. Fibers are typically 1/2 inch to 2

inches long. The longest staple fibers, such as the Pima and Egyptian cottons, which have staple

fibers longer than 1-1/2 inch, generate the highest quality cotton fabrics.

Cotton Gauze

A lightweight and comfortable fabric that is sheer and open with a plain-weave.

Cotton Poplin

A light weight and durable cotton with a plain-weave that has a texture similar to canvas. Also

known as cotton broadcloth.

Cotton Voile

A type of cotton created with high-twist yarns in a high yarn-count construction. It is crisp,

lightweight and has a semi-transparent plain weave; it is similar in appearance to organdy and

organza.

Combed Cotton

A fabric with a silk-like hand.

Coolmax(R)

The DuPont trademark for polyester. A specific process at the fiber-making stage helps wick away

moisture from the body, keeping it cool and comfortable.

Corduroy

A medium to heavyweight fabric, usually made of cotton or a cotton blend, utilizing a cut-pileweave construction. Most commonly used for jackets, pants and skirts.

Crepe

Fabrics with a crinkly, crimped or grained surface. It is used to describe all kinds of fabrics-wool,

cotton, silk, rayon, synthetics and blend.

Crepe de chine

A high quality, lightweight crepe generally made of silk.

Crinkle Silk

(also known as plisse: pronounced plee-say) Silk that is chemically treated or mechanically

altered to give it a crinkled or pleated effect.

Cross-dyed LinenA type of linen with vivid, two-dimensional color. The cross-dyed effect is created when two (one

colored and one white) strands of linen are "crossed" in opposite directions during the weaving

process.

Damask

Fabric with floral or geometric prints that has been woven on a jacquard loom. A damask pattern

is flat and reversible. It is similar to brocade but has a flatter surface texture.


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Denim

A twill-weave cotton-like fabric made with different colored yarns in the warp and the weft. The

twill construction allows for one color to dominate on surface of the fabric.

Dupioni

A plain weave silk that is characterized by irregular-sized, thick fibers that are spread out at

intervals throughout the fabric. Dupioni is similar to Shantung .Duchess satin

Commonly used for wedding and formal gowns, this fabric is a heavy, shiny, rich-looking satin

weave fabric.

Faille

A glossy, soft, finely-ribbed, silk-like woven fabric made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers.

Traditionally used for women's dresses, suits and coats.

Faille crepe

A dressy, double-faced fabric made with high-twist poly crepe yarns.

Faux Fur

Artificial fur made from synthetic material.

Felt

A non-woven fabric made from wool, hair, or fur, and sometimes in combination with certain

manufactured fibers, where the fibers are locked together in a process utilizing heat, moisture,

and pressure to form a compact material.

Flannel

A fabric made in tightly woven twill or plain weave, which is warm, soft, and finished with a light

napping.

Fleece

A synthetic knit fabric that has pile on one or both sides.

Foulard

A lightweight, lustrous twill fabric, usually with a small, repeating printed design. Originallyimported from India, it is popular for neckties and scarves.

French terry

A circular knit fabric with a looped pile back and smooth face.

Gabardine

A fabric with a slight diagonal line on the right side. It is tightly woven, twilled and worsted. Wool

gabardine is known as a year-round fabric for business suiting.

Gauze

A thin, sheer plain-weave fabric made from cotton, wool, silk, rayon, or other synthetic fibers.

Georgette

A sheer, lightweight plain-weave fabric with a fine crepe surface, often made of silk or from suchsynthetic fibers as polyester.

Gingham

A medium-weight, yarn-dyed, plain-weave fabric with a plaid or check pattern made of pure of

blended cotton.

Gossamer Rayon

This high quality, semi-sheer, ultra-light rayon with a crinkly texture originates from Japan . A

heat process is used to set the crinkles into this fabric. Washable unless otherwise noted.


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Hopsack

A loosely woven coarse fabric of cotton or wool.

Interlock KnitA type of cut and sewn knit fabric characterized by the interconnecting of the knit stitches. It

usually has stretch across the grain.

Iridescent Silk

A silk fabric that changes color as it is moves in the light. This effect is created by the weaving of

different colors for both the weft.

Jersey Fabric

The consistent interlooping of yarns in the jersey stitch to produce a fabric with a smooth, flat

face, and a more textured, but uniform back.

Knit

Fabrics made from only one set of yarns, all running in the same direction. Some knits have their

yarns running along the length of the fabric, while others have their yarns running across the

width of the fabric. Knit fabrics are held together by looping the yarns around each other.

Knitting creates ridges in the resulting fabric. Wales are the ridges that run lengthwise in the

fabric; courses run crosswise.

Linen

A fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen fabrics are much stronger than cottons and

are very cool and absorbent. Linen wrinkles very easily, unless blended with synthetic fabrics.

Lycra(R)

The DuPont trademark for its spandex fiber. Any time you see this fiber listed on a label, expect

comfort, movement and shape retention that won't wash away.

LyocellA synthetic fiber with a similar hand and drape to rayon made of regenerated cellulose (plant

fiber). Lyocell is stronger and more durable than Rayon, however, and takes color well.

Additionally, it is fairly wrinkle-resistant and absorbs moisture well.

Madras

Imported form India , a lightweight, plain weave, cotton fabric that has a striped, plaid or

checked pattern. It is often used for shirts and dresses.

Matte jersey

Dull, flat knit fabric made of high quality crepe yarn.

Merino wool

A type of High-quality wool that is made from the fleece of pure-bred merino sheep. It is strong,elastic, and takes dye well.

Mesh

A woven, knit, lace or crocheted fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance, and the

spaces between the yarns.

Microfleece

An extremely lightweight and soft synthetic knit fabric that has pile on one or both sides.

Mohair


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Hair fibers from the Angora goat. Often used for sweaters, coats, suits, and scarves.

Nubuck

A leather with a soft, velvety surface. This type of surface is created by being buffing and

brushing. Nubuck is produced using the grain (outer) side, which gives it added strength and

durability.

Nylon

A synthetic fiber which is fast drying, strong, elastic and washable. It is known for its strength and

resilience. Nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility.

Organza

A crisp, sheer, lightweight plain-weave fabric with a medium to high yarn count made of silk,

rayon, nylon, or polyester. Used primarily in evening and wedding gowns.

Ottoman

A tightly woven plain weave ribbed fabric with a hard slightly lustered surface. Often used in

coats, suits, dresses, upholstery, and draperies.

Oxford

A fine, soft, lightweight woven cotton or blended with manufactured fibers in a 2 x 1 basket

weave variation of the plain weave construction.

Percale

A medium weight, plain weave, low to medium count (180 to 250 threads per square inch)

cotton-like fabric. Can be used in sheets, blouses, and dresses.

Pima Cotton

A soft, high quality and medium staple-length type of American-bred Egyptian cotton.

Pinpoint Oxford

A high quality, lightweight, soft, cotton-like fabric with small 2x1 basket (rib) weave repeats. It

has a smooth surface and is often used for shirts.Pique

A knitted cotton fabric with a waffle (or diamond-shaped) pattern.

Pointelle

A very feminine, delicate-looking rib knit fabric made with a pattern of openings.

Polyester

A category of synthetic fibers that are lightweight, strong, quick drying, and resistant to creases,

stretching, abrasion and shrinkage.

Poplin

A durable, plain weave fabric made of silk, cotton, synthetic fibers, wool or blends. It is similar to

broadcloth, but with a heavier rib and weight.Rayon

A synthetic fiber made from cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable

matter, which is soft, highly absorbent, has a lustrous appearance, and has a good drape.

Ribbed Velour

A soft combination of cotton, nylon and spandex.

Rip-stop Nylon


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A lightweight, wind resistant, and water resistant plain weave fabric. Often used in active

sportswear and outdoor apparel.

Satin

A fabric utilizing a satin weave construction to achieve a lustrous surface. It is predominantlyused for evening and wedding apparel.

Seersucker

A cotton fabric with permanent woven crinkled stripes. It launders well, and generally does not

need to be ironed.

Shantung

A medium weight, plain weave, and silk-like fabric characterized by a ribbed effect, resulting

from slubbed yarns used in the warp or filling direction. (Slub means yarns are uneven or nubby).

It is primarily used for dresses and is similar to Dupioni Silk.

Shearling

The skin and wool of a shearling (a year-old sheep that has been sheared once) or a newly

sheared sheep or lamb that is removed and then tanned.

Silk

It is obtained from the cocoons of certain species of caterpillars. Known as one of the finest

textiles, silk is strong, soft, absorbent, and has a brilliant sheen.

Soft-ribbed Cotton

A fine-ribbed cotton knit using altering wales.

Spandex

A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking,

and will still return to its original shape. Lycra(R) is the name for DuPont brand spandex.

SuedeLeather that has been buffed with an emery wheel on the flesh side to raise a slight nap. It

usually has a good drape and soft hand.

Taffeta

A lustrous, medium-weight, plain-weave fabric with a slight ribbed appearance in the filling

(crosswise) direction. Often used for formal wear.

Tactel(R)

A soft, yet durable nylon fiber trademarked by DuPont. It is extremely easy to wash, allows the

skin to breathe, and easily regains its shape. Primarily used for active sportswear.

Terry

A woven fabric, usually cotton, with loop pile on one or both sides.Tissue Linen

Thin, sheer, lightweight linen often used for blouses.

Toile

A light/medium weight, plain weave, fine, and cotton-type fabric, usually with one colored,

printed scenic design. Used primarily for home furnishings and clothing.

Tulle


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A lightweight, extremely fine, machine-made netting, usually with a hexagon shaped mesh

effect. Often used on gowns and veils.

Tweed

A medium to heavyweight woolen, twill weave fabric that is characterized by colored stubby

yarns. Often used for coats and suits.

TwillFabric that shows a distinct diagonal wale on the face (e.g., denim, gabardine, tricotine).

Velour

A medium-weight, soft, plush, closely-woven fabric with a thick pile. It can be made using either

a plain weave or a satin weave construction.

Velvet

A medium-weight, luxurious, cut-pile constructed fabric in which the cut pile stands up very

straight. It has a rich and soft texture.

Velveteen

A cotton cut-pile weave fabric, utilizing extra fill yarn construction, with either a twill or a plain

weave back. It lacks the sheen and drape of velvet. Often used for jackets, pants and shirts.

Viscose

A manufactured fiber made of regenerated cellulose. It is soft, absorbent, and has a good drape

well.

Voile

A lightweight, sheer fabric with a crisp, wiry hand. Voile is can be made in cotton, silk, rayon or

acetate.

Wool

The fiber or fabric made from the fleece of sheep or lamb. However, the term "wool" can also

apply to all animal hairs, including Cashmere or angora goats, alpaca, vicuna, llama or camel.

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