Fabric & Fiber Glossary | Textile Terms Explained

Glossary

Discover fabric terms made simple

The Yardblox Glossary is your go-to guide for understanding fibers, weaves, and fabric finishes. Whether you’re sourcing for your next collection or sewing your own garments, this page explains each term in plain language, so you can choose fabrics confidently and find the perfect material for your project.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Acetate

Acetate is a semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose derived from wood pulp. Known for its smooth, silky texture and elegant drape, it resists shrinking and moth damage. Often used as a silk alternative, acetate fabrics are found in linings, eveningwear, and flowy dresses.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber known for its softness and wool-like warmth. Lightweight and quick-drying, it’s resistant to moths and sunlight. Commonly used in knitwear, sweaters, and blankets, acrylic offers an affordable and easy-care alternative to wool.

Artemisia

Artemisia fiber, made from the mugwort plant, has natural antibacterial, deodorizing, and bug-repellent properties. It’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable against the skin, often blended with cotton. Artemisia fabrics are ideal for warm-weather clothing.

B

Bamboo

Bamboo fabric is created from bamboo pulp and prized for its smooth, soft texture. Naturally breathable and antibacterial, it wicks moisture and drapes well. A sustainable fiber choice, it’s popular for underwear, loungewear, and baby apparel.

Batiste

Batiste is a lightweight plain-woven fabric, usually made from linen, lyocell, or other blends. It has a smooth surface and soft handfeel, ideal for shirts, blouses, linings, and delicate dresses.

Bouclé

Bouclé fabric features looped or curled yarns that give a textured, cozy surface. It’s soft yet structured, commonly used in jackets, skirts, and lightweight coats.

Broadcloth

Broadcloth is a tightly woven plain fabric with a smooth, even surface and slight sheen. Traditionally cotton, it’s popular for shirts, blouses, and uniforms due to its crisp finish.

C

Canvas

Canvas is a heavyweight plain-woven fabric often made from cotton or polyester. Durable and structured, it’s used for trousers, jackets, and utility garments that need strength and shape.

Challis

Challis is a lightweight, soft-draping fabric, often made from linen or lyocell. Smooth and breathable, it’s favored for dresses, skirts, and blouses.

Chambray / Oxford

Chambray and Oxford fabrics are plain or basket weaves using colored and white yarns for a subtle texture. Soft yet durable, they’re staples for casual shirts and dresses.

Chiffon

Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight fabric with a slightly rough texture and elegant drape. Commonly made from polyester or silk, it’s used for dresses, overlays, and blouses.

Coating / Jacketing

Coating or jacketing fabrics are medium to heavyweight textiles designed for outerwear. They’re often wool, blends, or structured synthetics that provide warmth, body, and shape retention.

Coolmax

Coolmax is a performance polyester fiber engineered to wick moisture away from the skin. It keeps wearers cool and dry, making it a popular choice for activewear, sports uniforms, and warm-weather apparel.

Corduroy

Corduroy is a textured fabric with raised parallel ribs or “wales.” Soft, durable, and warm, it’s commonly used for trousers, jackets, and skirts.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft, breathable natural fiber harvested from cotton plants. Known for its comfort, durability, and versatility, it’s one of the world’s most widely used materials, ideal for shirts, dresses, and everyday fabrics.

Crepe

Crepe fabric has a slightly crinkled or pebbled surface, offering fluid drape and texture. Available in many fibers, it’s ideal for dresses, blouses, and trousers.

Cupro

Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from cotton linter, the fine fibers surrounding cotton seeds. With a silky handfeel, excellent drape, and breathability, it’s often used as a vegan silk alternative for blouses, linings, and dresses.

D

Denim

Denim is a twill-woven fabric with diagonal ribs and indigo warp yarns. Durable yet comfortable, it’s used in jeans, jackets, and casualwear.

Dobby / Jacquard

Dobby and jacquard fabrics feature woven-in geometric or ornate patterns created by special looms. They add subtle texture and are popular for shirts, dresses, and statement pieces.

Double Gauze

Double gauze consists of two layers of fine cotton loosely joined together, creating a soft, airy, and breathable texture. Perfect for blouses, dresses, and baby clothing.

Double Knit

Double knit fabrics are constructed with two interlocked knit layers, giving structure and stretch stability. They’re used for dresses, skirts, and pull-on trousers.

F

Faux Suede

Faux suede is a synthetic microfiber fabric that mimics real suede’s softness and texture. It’s durable, easy to care for, and commonly used for jackets, skirts, and accessories.

FDY (Fully Drawn Yarn)

FDY refers to smooth, fully stretched synthetic yarns used to create fabrics with strength, uniformity, and sheen. FDY fabrics often appear sleek and drapey in dresses or linings.

Flannel

Flannel is a brushed soft fabric made from cotton or wool blends. Warm and cozy, it’s ideal for shirts, pajamas, and lightweight outerwear.

Fleece / Sherpa

Fleece and sherpa are pile fabrics with a plush surface for insulation. Soft, stretchy, and lightweight, they’re commonly used for jackets, hoodies, and loungewear.

French Terry

French terry is a knit fabric with smooth face and looped back, offering comfort and breathability. It’s used for sweatshirts, joggers, and casual wear.

G

Gabardine

Gabardine is a tightly woven twill fabric with a smooth face and sturdy drape. Often cotton or wool, it’s used for trousers, uniforms, and tailored jackets.

Georgette

Georgette is a light, slightly crinkled fabric with a matte finish and fluid drape. Usually polyester or silk, it’s used for blouses, dresses, and layering pieces.

H

Hemp

Hemp is a natural bast fiber made from the stalks of the hemp plant. It’s durable, breathable, and softens with wear. Known for its sustainability and UV resistance, hemp is used in apparel and accessories.

J

Jersey

Jersey is a stretch-knit fabric known for softness, flexibility, and drape. It’s used for T-shirts, dresses, and casual garments across cotton, viscose, or blends.

K

Kapok

Kapok is a natural cellulose fiber from the seed pods of the kapok tree. Extremely light, soft, and buoyant, it’s traditionally used for insulation, bedding, and stuffing rather than woven fabrics due to its delicate nature.

L

Lace

Lace is an openwork fabric with decorative patterns formed by looping or twisting threads. It adds texture and transparency to dresses, blouses, and overlays.

Lawn

Lawn is a lightweight, fine plain-woven cotton fabric with a smooth, crisp surface. It’s ideal for shirts, blouses, and summer dresses.

Linen

Linen is a natural fiber made from the flax plant. It’s strong, breathable, and naturally cool to the touch, making it ideal for warm-weather garments. Linen fabrics have a distinctive texture that softens beautifully over time and are valued for their relaxed drape and timeless look in clothing.

Lining

Lining fabrics are smooth, lightweight materials used inside garments for structure and comfort. Common fibers include polyester, acetate, and Cupro.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp using a closed-loop process. Known for its silky softness, breathability, and biodegradability, it’s used in dresses, shirts, and sustainable fashion collections.

M

Merino Wool

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is finer and softer than regular wool. It regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and resists odor, making it ideal for base layers, sweaters, and activewear.

Mesh

Mesh is an open-knit or woven fabric with small holes that allow airflow. Lightweight and stretchy, it’s used in sportswear, linings, and fashion overlays.

Modal

Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from beech tree pulp. It’s smooth, breathable, and highly absorbent with a silky drape. Common in loungewear and underwear, Modal blends softness with everyday comfort.

Muslin

Muslin is a plain-woven cotton fabric with a soft hand and breathable structure. Used for draping, prototypes, and casual wear.

N

Nylon / Polyamide

Nylon, or polyamide, is a strong synthetic fiber known for elasticity and abrasion resistance. Smooth and lightweight, it’s often blended for durability and stretch in outerwear, activewear, and swimwear.

O

Organza

Organza is a sheer, crisp fabric made from silk or synthetics. It holds shape well and is used in formalwear, overlays, and structured garments.

Ottoman

Ottoman fabric has a distinct ribbed texture running across the width. Often made from polyester or silk blends, it offers structure for skirts, jackets, and eveningwear.

P

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is a premium long-staple cotton known for its exceptional softness, strength, and resistance to pilling. It’s smoother than regular cotton and often used in luxury shirts and t-shirts.

Piqué

Piqué is a textured knit or weave featuring raised geometric patterns or ribs. Breathable and structured, it’s often used for polo shirts and casual dresses.

Plain Woven

Plain woven fabrics are made with a simple crisscross structure of warp and weft. They’re durable, versatile, and used across shirting, dresses, and linings.

Pointelle

Pointelle is a delicate knit fabric featuring small openwork or lace-like patterns. Lightweight and stretchy, it’s used for tops, sleepwear, and layering pieces.

Polyester

Polyester is a durable synthetic fiber made from petroleum. Wrinkle-resistant and fast-drying, it maintains shape well and is often blended with natural fibers to enhance performance and reduce creasing.

Ponte De Roma

Ponte de Roma is a double-knit fabric with firm stretch and smooth surface. It holds its shape well, perfect for trousers, skirts, and structured dresses.

Poplin / Typewriter

Poplin, also called typewriter cloth, is a tightly woven plain fabric with a crisp feel and subtle sheen. Ideal for shirts, dresses, and uniforms requiring structure.

R

Ramie

Ramie is a natural bast fiber similar to linen, made from the stalks of the ramie plant. It’s crisp, strong, and resistant to shrinkage. Ramie fabrics have a natural sheen and are used in summer clothing, dresses, and tops.

Rayon

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp. Soft, breathable, and versatile, it mimics natural fibers like cotton or silk and is used widely in dresses, linings, and blouses.

Recycled Nylon

Recycled nylon is produced from pre- or post-consumer waste such as fishing nets and fabric scraps. It offers the same durability and flexibility as virgin nylon while reducing environmental impact, used in activewear and outerwear.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester (rPET) is made from recycled plastic bottles or textile waste. It offers the same strength and wrinkle resistance as standard polyester but with lower carbon emissions. Common in sportswear and sustainable fashion.

Rib Knit

Rib knit fabrics feature alternating raised and recessed lines for high elasticity. Used in cuffs, collars, and fitted tops for flexibility and comfort.

Ripstop

Ripstop is a lightweight woven fabric reinforced with crosshatch threads for tear resistance. Durable yet breathable, it’s used in outerwear and utility garments.

S

Sateen

Sateen is a cotton fabric with a satin-like weave that creates a soft luster. Smooth and comfortable, it’s used for blouses, dresses, and premium shirting.

Satin

Satin refers to a smooth, glossy fabric created by a satin weave. Lustrous and fluid, it’s used for eveningwear, linings, and lingerie.

Scuba

Scuba fabric is a thick, smooth double-knit with excellent stretch and recovery. It holds shape well and is used for bodycon dresses, skirts, and outerwear.

Seersucker

Seersucker is a lightweight puckered fabric made by alternating tight and loose yarn tension. It’s airy and low-maintenance, perfect for summer shirts and dresses.

Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber spun by silkworms. Renowned for its luster, smoothness, and strength, it’s breathable and luxurious, used in high-end fashion, scarves, and linings.

Slub

Slub fabrics feature intentionally uneven yarn thickness, giving a natural, textured look. They’re soft and casual, often used in T-shirts and lightweight tops.

Softshell

Softshell fabrics are multi-layer textiles combining a weather-resistant face with a soft inner layer. They offer flexibility and comfort for jackets and outdoor wear.

Sorona

Sorona is a bio-based fiber made from renewable plant-derived ingredients from corn glucose. Soft, stretchy, and wrinkle-resistant, it combines comfort with sustainability, often used in activewear, outerwear, and athleisure.

Spandex

Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is a high-stretch synthetic fiber. It offers exceptional elasticity and recovery, used in sportswear, leggings, and fitted garments to provide comfort and flexibility.

Stretch Woven

Stretch woven fabrics combine woven stability with added elasticity from spandex fibers. They’re smooth, durable, and ideal for fitted trousers, dresses, and uniforms.

Suiting

Suiting fabrics are medium-weight woven materials designed for tailored garments. Often wool or polyester, they drape well and maintain structure for blazers, trousers, and skirts.

Supima Cotton

Supima cotton is a trademarked American-grown Pima cotton prized for its long staple fibers. Exceptionally soft, strong, and color-retentive, it’s used in premium apparel, shirting, and knitwear.

T

Taffeta / Taslan

Taffeta and Taslan are crisp, tightly woven fabrics with a smooth hand and slight sheen. They’re lightweight yet structured, used in formalwear and outer shells.

Terry Cloth

Terry cloth is a looped-pile fabric that’s soft, absorbent, and slightly stretchy. It’s used for loungewear, robes, and summer clothing.

Triacetate

Triacetate is a semi-synthetic fiber similar to acetate but more heat- and wrinkle-resistant. Smooth and lustrous with good drape, it’s used in pleated garments, linings, and structured dresses.

Tricot

Tricot is a fine warp-knit fabric with a smooth face and soft back. It stretches well and is commonly used in lingerie, linings, and sportswear.

Tweed

Tweed is a rough-textured woven fabric made from wool or blends. Warm and durable, it’s used for coats, skirts, and structured outerwear.

Twill

Twill fabrics feature a distinct diagonal weave for strength and drape. They resist wrinkles and are used in trousers, jackets, and workwear.

V

Velvet / Velour

Velvet and velour are pile fabrics with a dense, soft surface and luxurious sheen. They’re used for dresses, jackets, and loungewear with rich texture.

Viscose / Eco Cosy

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, known for softness and breathability. Eco Cosy™ viscose is a sustainably produced version with reduced impact. Used in dresses, blouses, and linings for its silky drape.

W

Waffle

Waffle fabric has a three-dimensional honeycomb texture that enhances softness and breathability. Lightweight and absorbent, it’s used in tops, loungewear, and layering pieces.

Wool

Wool is a natural protein fiber from sheep fleece. Warm, resilient, and moisture-regulating, it’s used across knitwear, coats, and suiting. Wool can be woven, knitted, or felted for diverse textures and applications.

Worsted Wool

Worsted wool is made from long, combed wool fibers, giving it a smooth, fine texture and excellent drape. It’s durable, crease-resistant, and ideal for tailoring, suiting, and formalwear.

Y

Yak

Yak fiber comes from the undercoat of the yak, a high-altitude animal from Tibet and Mongolia. Soft and insulating like cashmere, it’s breathable and naturally warm, used in luxury knitwear and scarves.

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