Fabrics Key Terms

Knowledge of fabrics key terms can help you find the right material

By Denise Brown

Sourcing fabrics for your apparel is a complicated process, but you can save time and effort if you become familiar with fabrics key terms. As you learn the key terms in this guide, you can look for fabric with these materials. Many of these fabrics last longer and look nicer through multiple cleanings. Many of the key terms listed here apply to fabrics in general, so look for terms that can guide your search, no matter what your market.

Anti-pill

Fabric pills are tiny lumps and twists that form on the outside of fleece or sweater fabric when two pieces of material rub together repeatedly. They do not affect the wear of the garment but they do affect the look. Anti-pill fabric resists the formation of these unattractive pills.
Try: You can see samples of anti-pill fabric from Hancock Fabrics.

Brushed cotton

To create brushed cotton fabric, the manufacturer removes all excess lint and fibers. Brushed cotton is soft and comfortable to wear. Look for brushed cotton in shirts for long wear and comfort.
Try: You can see samples of brushed cotton shirts are available at Cuda Buffalo Apparel.

Dyed to match

Dyed to match refers to notions such as buttons and zippers that exactly match the color of the garment's fabric. While manufacturers cannot actually dye buttons, they do dye buttons and trims to match.
Try: The shirts from WHP have dyed to match buttons.

Microfiber

Microfiber fabric has thin threads tightly woven together. Microfiber feels and looks like suede. Microfiber fabric is naturally water resistant and it can have waterproofing added as part of the manufacturing process. You can find jackets and pants, as well as other garments, with microfiber.
Try: Find out more about microfibers at Fabrics.net.

Twill

Twill fabric has small diagonal ribs that create a sturdy, comfortable, woven fabric. Common twill fabrics include chino, denim, gabardine and tweed.
Try: An example of men’s trousers made of twill is pictured at Orvis.

Stonewash

Stonewash fabric undergoes a chemical process or a wash cycle with stones to soften the fabric and make it appear worn. The color of a stonewashed garment may or may not be even. Stonewashing does reduce shrinkage on a garment, and is often part of the manufacturing process for denim jeans. This makes them as comfortable as a worn out pair of jeans from the first wearing.
Try: Read the discussion of the stonewash process from Apparel Search.