Woven fabrics, made by weaving yarns together in a structured pattern, have always been essential in the textile industry. They are known for their strength and versatility and are crucial for creating durable outerwear and finely tailored garments.
The wide variety of woven fabrics available—from delicate chiffon to sturdy denim—offer distinct textures and qualities ideal for various uses. Understanding the characteristics and applications of each type ensures that the chosen fabrics meet the particular requirements and desired outcomes for each project.
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What is Woven Fabric?
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing at least two sets of yarns at right angles. This weaving process creates solid and durable materials. Because they resist stretching, these fabrics are often used in outerwear like coats and suits. Woven garments can be cut into various shapes, making them great for different garment styles.
However, their raw edges can only fray with proper finishing. Fabrics with more warp and weft yarns hold their shape better. Low-count fabrics are less durable and may snag or stretch. Woven fabrics come in different widths, with apparel fabrics usually 90 cm wide and sheeting materials ranging from 140 cm to 180 cm wide.
Key Features of Woven Fabrics
- Woven fabrics combine warp and weft threads at right angles using various weaving techniques.
- They can vary in weight, texture, and breathability depending on the weave pattern.
- Woven garments are robust and stable, making them suitable for structured garments.
- These fabrics absorb less moisture than knitted fabrics and have high ironing properties but are prone to wrinkling.
- They are easier to cut and sew due to their stable structure, making them ideal for tailored clothing.
Types of Woven Fabrics
In today’s world, with numerous advancements and innovations, people are increasingly drawn to novelty and freshness in all aspects. The type of fabric is vital, as different textiles have unique properties that significantly influence how you should handle your clothing. For instance, the fiber content of one fabric can necessitate a completely different approach compared to another. Below, I present ten different types of woven garment products in Bangladesh to help you navigate this complexity.
Velvet
Velvet is characterized by its luxurious pile surface. It is achieved by weaving an extra set of warp or weft threads that are then cut to create a soft texture. Due to its rich appearance velvet is commonly used in evening wear and decorative applications.
Satin
Satin is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which results from a weaving technique where the warp threads float over multiple weft threads. This creates a lustrous finish that beautifully reflects light. Satin fabrics are often used in formal wear, lingerie, and accessories where a luxurious drape is desired.
Gabardine
Gabardine is a durable fabric woven in a diagonal twill pattern, which gives it a characteristic ridged texture. It’s known for its strength and resistance to wrinkles, making it ideal for trousers, suits, and outerwear. Gabardine can be made from various fibers, including wool, cotton, and synthetic blends.
Blazer
Initially used for sports jackets, blazer fabric is characterized by its heavy weight and raised surface texture. It’s often woven in a twill weave with a noticeable diagonal pattern. Blazer fabrics are sturdy and structured, making them suitable for tailored jackets and coats.
Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric woven from fine, high-twist yarns such as silk or synthetic fibers like polyester. It has a delicate, ethereal appearance and drapes beautifully. Due to its elegant and flowing nature, chiffon is commonly used in evening gowns, scarves, and lingerie.
Denim
Denim is woven in a twill weave with a colored warp (usually blue) and a white weft. It’s known for its durability and versatility. Denim is primarily used in jeans and it is also found in jackets, skirts, and accessories. Denim fabrics can vary in weight and texture, offering different styles, from rugged to refined.
Broadcloth
Broadcloth is a tightly woven garment typically made from cotton or wool. It has a smooth surface and a dense, uniform texture, often used in shirts, blouses, and other garments requiring a crisp appearance. Broadcloth made from merino wool is particularly valued for its softness and warmth.
Tergal
Tergal is a type of polyester fabric woven from textured yarns, known for its strength and durability. It’s versatile and can be used for clothing, upholstery, and outdoor gear. Tergal fabrics often have good wrinkle resistance and color retention properties.
Voile
Voile is a thin cotton fabric with a sheer finish. It’s woven in a plain weave structure using fine yarns, resulting in a delicate and airy texture. Voile is prized for its softness and breathability, making it suitable for curtains, dresses, blouses, and scarves.
Sheeting
Sheeting is a lightweight and smooth plain weave fabric often made from cotton. It’s commonly used for bed linens, curtains, and sometimes apparel like shirts and blouses.
Each type of woven garment offers distinct characteristics in terms of texture, appearance, and performance, catering to different needs in fashion, interior design, and beyond.
What Do We Use Modern Woven Fabrics for?
For centuries, people have used weaving to create various textile products by hand, including blankets, baskets, and clothing.
That was long ago. Nowadays, finding a genuine hand loom to weave fabrics is quite rare. However, some are still used to create unique and expensive one-of-a-kind woven garment masterpieces.
Most woven garments in Bangladesh today are made using mechanical looms, which follow the same basic process as traditional ones. However, modern technology has made the weaving process faster and more efficient, allowing for both small and large fabric runs and utilizing a wide range of fibers, from delicate silk to durable cotton and everything in between.
Woven fabrics, like non-woven fabrics, have distinct characteristics. The use of woven garments depends mainly on the type of fiber being woven. Various factors, including whether the fabric is synthetic or natural, as well as its unique properties, such as thickness and weight, play a crucial role in determining its application.
Why Should You Prefer Woven Fabric?
Woven fabrics provide a wide range of options for different garment types, particularly outerwear and structured clothing. They offer durability, ease of cutting and sewing, and the ability to design in various patterns and textures. Although they are less stretchy than knitted fabrics, they are preferred in clothing manufacturing for their strength and tailored appearance.
The Bottom Line
Woven fabrics are essential in fashion and beyond due to their durability and versatility. They offer extensive options, from delicate chiffon to robust denim, each serving specific needs in clothing and home textiles. By knowing their characteristics and uses, you can confidently select woven garments that meet your requirements for comfort, durability, and style.
