Material

Types of fabric and textile raw material

The choice of fabric and textile materials significantly impacts the end-use of the product. Purchasing these materials in bulk will enable you to decide on a suitable material depending on the intended use, whether for fashion clothing, home textile products, or tech fabrics.

• Cotton

  Cotton is one of the most popular fibers in the world. It is widely used because of its softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. This fabric raw material is derived from cotton plants and made into denim, sateen, voile, muslin, etc. All of them have different characteristics and applications. For example, denim is heavy, twilled, and long-lasting, often used for trousers. Voile is light and sheer and is often used for dresses. Muslin is thick and open weave; it is mostly used in cheap garments or as a base layer over other clothes.

• Linen

  Linen is another natural material that comes from flax plants and is highly valued for its cool and fresh feel in warm weather. It is more durable than cotton and also has a distinctive textured look. Many suppliers also offer linen blends such as linen viscose to improve the draping ability and avoid excessive wrinkling of pure linen fabrics.

• Wool

  Wool is a warm and elastic natural fiber that comes from sheep and other animals such as goats (cashmere and mohair), alpacas, and rabbits (Angora). This fiber is absorbent, insulating, and resistant to wrinkles and fire. The most common forms of processed wool include merino, worsted, felt, etc. The fabrics are used in garments for cold weather and suits.

• Synthetic fibers

  Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are, for the most part, more affordable and more durable than natural fibers. Nylon is valued for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion, while polyester is valued for its quick-drying ability and wrinkle resistance. Spandex is added to many fabrics to increase their elasticity, making them ideal for fitted clothing.

• Blended fabrics

  Blended fabrics capitalize on the advantages of the constituent fibers while downplaying their disadvantages. Cotton-polyester blends, for instance, combine the breathability and comfort of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. Such blends are commonly sourced for many textiles, as they create a balanced fabric that is suitable for various applications, from clothing to home textiles.

Properties of fabric and textile raw material

• Texture

  The texture of a fabric is important as it determines how the fabric feels on the skin, which is also known as drape. Depending on their texture, fabrics could be rough or coarse, like linen, or smooth, like satin. Soft fabrics like cashmere and silk come in lightweight clothing and sensitive skin underwear. Heavier-textured materials, like corduroy and tweed, are mostly used in outerwear and upholstery, where durability and comfort are key factors. Understanding texture helps in achieving the desired look and feel in garments and interiors.

• Durability

  Durability refers to how long the fabric can last under conditions of usage, washing, and exposure to elements such as sun and pollution. Wool and nylon are very durable and are usually used in heavy wears like exterior clothing and gear. Cotton and linen, although not as long-lasting as synthetic fibers, are very comfortable and hold great utility in many textile products. Fabrics such as blends are also worn over extended periods. Recognizing durability assists in selecting fabrics ideal for the intended end use, whether daily wear, home decor, or industrial applications.

• Breathability and moisture wicking

  Breathability and moisture wicking are important features in apparel, especially in athletic and outdoor wear. Polyester and nylon are good at moisture wicking but are not as breathable, while natural fibers like cotton and wool have better air permeability. Advanced textile technologies combine different fibers to achieve breathability and moisture wicking to keep wearers dry and comfortable. When purchasing fabrics, you have to consider the climate and activity level of the intended use to determine if the fabric will allow adequate airflow and moisture management.

• Thermal Properties

  The thermal properties of fabrics determine what they will be like in heat retention or dissipation. Fabrics like wool and polyester trap air and provide insulation, making them ideal for warm clothing for cold climates. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are better for warm climates. Advanced materials like Gore-Tex combine different properties: breathability, moisture wicking, and insulation. Thermal properties help decide the seasonality and functionality of clothing and other textiles that are comfortable and serve their purpose.

Uses of fabric and textile raw material

• Clothing

  The largest area of application of fabric and textile materials is in the apparel industry. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon hold this spot. Clothing materials are chosen for comfort, aesthetics, and performance. Advancements in textile technologies also enable the production of performance wear for sports and outdoor activities, including moisture-wicking, quick-dry, and breathable fabrics.

• Home textiles

  Fabrics and textiles are used in upholstery, curtains, bed linens, and carpeting in home textile products. Natural fibers like linen and cotton and synthetic fibers like polyester are also used because of their durability, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal. Specialized fabrics like blackout curtains or hypoallergenic beddings improve the comfort and functionality of textile products for homes.

• Industrial applications

  Fabric and textile materials are also extensively used in industries. Materials with high tensile strength and durability, such as nylon and Kevlar, are used in industrial textiles in safety gear like helmets and body armor. Other textile materials are also used in filtering, insulation, packaging, and transportation. Specialty fabrics like coated nylons and polypros are also used for tarps, tents, and outdoor gear. It enables lightweight constructions while ensuring durability and weather resistance.

• Agriculture and horticulture

  In agriculture and horticulture, textile materials such as geotextiles are used in soil reinforcement, erosion control, and as protective coverings for crops. Fabrics such as cotton are also used in agricultural clothing like overalls and gloves. They provide worker protection and comfort on the job.

• Medical textiles

  In the medical industry, textile materials such as polyester and polypropylene make bandages, sutures, artificial organs, and meshes. These materials provide comfort to the wearer and durability and biocompatibility, enabling them to be used on the skin without adverse effects. Tech development leads to fabrics with antibacterial properties for greater hygiene.

How to choose fabric and textile raw material

When the materials are based on different combinations of composed fibers, each one is more unique than diverse and possesses specific qualities that suit certain uses better than others. Knowing these attributes will help buyers know which fabrics to purchase in bulk to fulfill customers' needs.

• Orders of appearance

  Consider the first appearance when buying fabrics in bulk. Different fabrics have different appearances, and you should consider who will wear these fabrics, their occupation, and the climate they inhabit when choosing the right fabric. For instance, lightweight and breathable fabrics are preferred in warm climates, while heavy-textured fabrics are suitable for cold-weather gear.

• Functionality and performance

  Treat the fabric's functionality and performance in its intended end use as primary considerations. Look for moisture-wicking and breathable materials for activewear. Fabrics that resist wrinkles and stains are most appropriate for uniforms and workwear. Buyers may also ask about blends and technologies added to these fabrics to enhance their performance.

• Material composition and blends

  The composition and blend of the material used will determine the texture and feel of the fabric and its strength, stretchability, and care. Cotton-poly blends combine the breathability of cotton and the durability of polyester. Pure silk has a luxurious feel and is often used in luxury garments. Each blend possesses unique characteristics better suited for certain applications; understanding them helps to make informed decisions on the fabric to purchase.

• Consider costs and suppliers

  Factor the cost of the fabrics and the supplier's reliability. It is tempting to choose lower-priced fabrics, but this may end up being costly in other ways, such as their not being durable enough or looking worn out in a short time. A reputable supplier provides consistent quality, transparent pricing, and reliable stock levels. Consider minimum orders and lead times when making your selection, as these may affect your business operations.

Q&A

Q. Which are the most common natural fiber raw materials for fabrics?

A. The most common natural fibers are cotton, wool, linen (from flaxseed), and silk (from the silkworm).

Q. Which are the most common blended fabrics?

A. The most common blended textiles are cotton-polyester, linen-viscose, and nylon blends.

Q. What are the most common specifications of fabrics?

A. The most common specifications for fabrics and textile materials are GSM denier width and length.

Q. What are the properties of textile materials for clothing?

A. The properties of textile materials intended for garments are softness, comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking.

Q. What are the properties of fabric materials for home textiles?

A. The properties of textile materials for home decor are aesthetic appeal, durability, colorfastness, and ease of maintenance.