Different Types of Fabric According to Application

Last Updated on 30/10/2021

Fabric is the basic element for making garment. The fabrics are made from fibers and yarns by adopting different techniques. Knitting and Weaving are the two major systems adapted for making fabrics using yarns, whereas nonwoven techniques are used for making fabrics directly from fibers. Different types of fabric have different properties and uses. For example, the fiber content in one fabric will influence how to clean the garment completely differently from another fabric’s fiber content.

different types of fabric

Fabric can be classified according to:

  1. Uses
  2. Fiber content
  3. Structure etc.

In this article I will discuss different types of fabric according to application.

Different Types of Fabric by Uses:

  1. Apparel fabric
  2. Beachwear fabric
  3. Blanket fabric
  4. Curtain fabric
  5. Drapery fabric
  6. Home furnishing fabric
  7. Hosiery fabric
  8. Industrial fabric
  9. Interlining fabric
  10. Mattress fabric
  11. Outdoor fabric
  12. Packing fabric
  13. Pin tuck fabric
  14. Quilting fabric
  15. Rugs and carpets
  16. Tapestry fabric
  17. Tent fabric
  18. Terry fabric
  19. Umbrella fabric
  20. Upholstery fabric

Above all types of fabric are described below:

1. Apparel Fabric:
A woven fabric which is used in clothing and garments or for decoration and covering purposes. Use of these fabrics dates back to the 16th century when various fabrics like cotton, silk, wool etc. were used for making garments or apparels.

2. Beachwear Fabric:
Beach Wear fabric should be carefully chosen to give it a dignified yet comfortable feel. Nylon Lycra is the standard swim wear fabric that allows the beach wear to be stretchy yeast retains its shape and support. Neon prints and solids, Velvets are the other fabrics used for beach wear.

3. Blanket Fabric:
This is a heavy, loosely woven fabric, usually of wool, used in bed clothing. Nothing lasts as long as wool and reversible fabrics backed with a Sherpa pile are as warm and soft as they are warm.

4. Curtain Fabric:
Light weight and loosely woven fabrics are used in making curtains because these have the ability to control the amount of light to be let in. Some fibers like Cotton, Linen and Polyester hold up better under sun and are pretty safe fabrics for sewing curtains.

5. Drapery Fabric:
Drapery fabric must suit the decor and have the right properties for the window’s treatment styling. Cotton, Linen, Acrylic Blends, Polyester Blends, Acetate, Nylon are the right choice of fabrics because of factors like strength, crease resistance, durability, wash-ability and reasonable price.

6. Home Furnishing Fabric:
The textile fabrics are used to make bed spreads, blankets, quilts, curtain, table cloths etc. All home furnishing fabrics are of high quality such as Silk, 100% Cotton, Australian Merino Lamb’s Wool, Baby Camel Hair, Cashmere, Lama Alpaca, wool etc.

7. Hosiery Fabric:
Hosiery are tailored coverings for the feet and its usage dates back to pre-history. Wool was once a primary material but nowadays cotton is much more common.

8. Industrial Fabric:
Industrial fabrics are a strong and durable woven textile and are made from high performance, a made fibers such as fiberglass, carbon, and aramid fibers. Most of these fabrics are used in industries where high heat is present and high strength and dimensional stability are required.

9. Interlining Fabric:
This fabric is used to provide warmth to any. Lycra, Sheer and Light weight Fabrics, Wool and Mohair Blends, Blends of Cashmere, Silk, Teflon treated Fabrics etc. are mostly used for interlining purpose.

Interlining Fabric
Fig: Interlining fabric

10. Mattress Fabric:
A comfortable mattress will help in a good night’s sleep and so the proper fabric should be used in the making of a mattress. For ex: Mattress protectors have an advanced polypropylene fabric with a luxuriously soft texture. Thus these mattresses are more comfortable to sleep in.

11. Outdoor Fabric:
Available in a vast variety, outdoor fabrics possess thermal, fire and abrasion resistant properties. Made from natural as well as man-made fibers, these fabrics are further manufactured into casual and sportswear.

12. Packing Fabric:
Packing fabric is widely used to protect goods and materials while in transportation from one place to another. Generally made of stretch material, these fabrics retain their shape for long time to come.

13. Pin Tuck Fabric:
Pin tuck fabrics are used to beautify or decorate the garments. They are mostly used for women blouses and other clothing.

14. Quilting Fabric:
Quilting is used for padding a fabric; this two layered fabric is easy and comfortable. Cotton, silk and wool blends, polyester are popular options.

15. Rugs and Carpets:
The fabric used to manufacture rugs and carpets are made of both natural as well as synthetic fibers, they can not only be easily cleaned but also easily moved.

Rugs and carpets
Fig: Rugs and carpets

16. Tapestry Fabric:
One of the oldest forms of woven fabric, tapestry fabric is available in multi colors and multi patterns to enchant the onlooker.

17. Tent Fabric:
Tent fabric is generally made from strong and durable material to weather all conditions. Natural fabrics are blended with synthetic ones for making it stronger.

18. Terry Fabric:
Made of cotton, terry fabric has a lot of absorbing capacity; it is extensively used to make towels, bathrobes and bath gowns.

terry fabric
Fig: Terry fabric

19. Umbrella Fabric:
Beautiful and useful umbrella fabric is made of canvas, linen, duping, as they are durable and strong. It also protects from the harmful UV rays.

Umbrella fabric
Fig: Umbrella fabric

20. Upholstery Fabric:
Upholstery fabrics are woven into beautiful and eye caching patterns and designs. They are not only tough and durable but also do not soil or fade; easy to maintain.

You may also like:

  1. Types of Fabric Mostly Used for Garments
  2. What Types of Fabrics Used for Men’s Shirt
  3. Georgette, Chiffon, Voile, Poplin, Dotted Swiss and Flannel Fabric: Types, Features & Uses

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