24 Types of Fabrics in the Garment Industry: A Complete Identification Guide

Fabric is the primary material used in garment manufacturing. It is made by weaving or knitting individual fibers, which can be derived from natural sources such as cotton, silk, linen, wool, rayon, and bamboo, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex.

Today, there are more than 20 types of fabrics used worldwide in the garment industry, along with various applications across different industries. In this article, let’s explore the most commonly used fabrics in the apparel industry with Hoshima.

1. Cotton Fabric

Cotton fabric is used to make T-shirts and everyday clothing.

 What is Cotton Fabric?

Cotton fabric is made from the fibers of the cotton plant. It undergoes several production processes, including harvesting, fiber separation, spinning, and weaving into fabric. Cotton is soft, lightweight, highly breathable, and absorbs moisture well. It dries quickly after washing and offers good elasticity and durability. Notably, cotton is skin-friendly and does not cause irritation like many synthetic fabrics.

Cotton fabric is classified into five types: cotton jersey, plain cotton, 2-way stretch cotton, 4-way stretch cotton, and cotton spandex.

Applications of cotton fabric: Cotton is widely used to produce T-shirts and everyday clothing. It is also commonly used for baby garments, fire-resistant clothing, women’s underwear, and various types of children’s apparel.

2. Silk Fabric

What is silk fabric?

Among the various types of fabrics in the garment industry, silk stands out as a premium material woven from silkworm fibers. It offers an elegant, luxurious, and attractive appearance to the wearer, making it a top choice for high-end fashion. Silk is remarkably soft, smooth, and highly breathable, with excellent moisture absorption that ensures a comfortable wearing experience. Furthermore, it is suitable for all weather conditions thanks to its natural thermal insulation properties.

Different types of silk fabric include mulberry silk, tasar silk, eri silk, spider silk, muga silk, sea silk, and Coan silk.

Applications of silk fabric: Silk is widely used in garment manufacturing, including shirts, nightwear, underwear, robes, evening gowns, cheongsam, and traditional outfits such as áo dài.

3. Khaki Fabric

Khaki fabric is used to make shirts and other garments.

What is khaki fabric?

Khaki fabric is a type of fabric made from cotton fibers, woven in a twill pattern with a dense and tight structure. It is lightweight yet durable, thick, wrinkle-resistant, colorfast, and easy to wash and iron.

Types of khaki fabric include stretch khaki, non-stretch khaki, cotton khaki, and polyester khaki.

Applications of khaki fabric: Khaki is widely used to produce various garments such as shirts, trousers, jackets, suits, as well as uniforms for students, workers, and protective workwear.

4. Kate Fabric

Kate fabric is used to make clothing such as trousers and dresses.

What is kate fabric?

Kate fabric is made from blended fibers, combining cotton and polyester. It is breathable, soft, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-absorbing, colorfast, easy to wash and iron, and non-irritating to the skin.

Kate fabric comes in several variations, including Kate silk, Kate checkered, Kate striped, Kate Ford, Kate Polin, and Kate USA.

Applications of kate fabric: Kate is commonly used for making shirts, trousers, and various types of dresses, including party dresses.

5. Denim Fabric

Denim fabric is commonly used to produce jeans, jackets, and other items.

What is denim fabric?

As one of the most recognizable types of fabrics in the garment industry, denim is a durable, rugged material made from 100% cotton with a strong twill structure. It is produced using a shuttle weaving technique that combines indigo-dyed vertical yarns with white horizontal yarns. While traditional denim is famous for its indigo blue color and stylish appeal, its high density also ensures a firm and sturdy feel.

Types of denim fabric include dry denim, raw denim, selvedge denim, stretch denim, and poly denim.

Applications of denim fabric: Denim is widely used to produce jeans, jackets, shirts, shorts, outfits, sneakers, overalls, dresses, and accessories such as belts and bags. It is also used in other industries, including interior and automotive applications like lampshades, sofa covers, and bean bag chairs.

6. Linen Fabric

Linen fabric is commonly used to make clothing for summer wear.

What is linen fabric?

Linen fabric, also known as flax fabric, is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is soft, lightweight, durable, and highly breathable with excellent moisture absorption. Linen provides a cool and comfortable feel, making it especially suitable for summer wear.

Different types of linen include linen damask, woven linen, loosely woven linen, and linen sheets.

Applications of linen fabric: Linen is widely used in summer garments such as trousers, T-shirts, shirts, sets, blazers, dresses, and jackets.

7. Wool Fabric

Wool fabric for winter sweaters and scarves

What is wool fabric?

Wool fabric is made from various types of animal fibers such as Merino wool, Lambswool, Cashmere (from goats), Angora (from rabbits), camel wool, and Qiviut (from musk ox).

Wool originates from animal hair such as sheep, goats, and camels, with different varieties including regular wool, Cashmere wool, Angora wool, Merino wool, and Alpaca wool. Some wool fabrics are also made from synthetic fibers like PAC, although they are less commonly used.

Applications of wool fabric: Wool is naturally resistant to dust and dirt, making it a popular choice for winter wear as it requires less frequent cleaning. Common wool garments include sweaters, coats, dresses, hats, and scarves.

8. Felt Fabric

Felt Fabric is widely used in the fashion and furniture industries

What is felt fabric?

Felt fabric is made by compressing fibers together into a sheet without traditional weaving or knitting. Its surface is covered with a thin layer of short, soft fibers, giving it a smooth texture. Felt provides good insulation, is breathable, water-resistant, available in various colors, and easy to clean and maintain.

Types of felt fabric include standard felt, Korean felt, and fish-scale fleece (French terry fleece).

Applications of felt fabric: Felt is used in fashion items such as hoodies, sports pants, children’s clothing, and sleepwear. It is also widely used in interior applications like upholstery, sofa covers, blankets, and pillows.

9. Polyester Fabric (PE)

Polyester fabric can be used to make evening gowns, blazers, and business attire

What is polyester fabric?

Polyester fabric is a synthetic material created through a chemical reaction between alcohol and acid. It is widely used due to its durability, wrinkle resistance, stain resistance, affordability, and variety of colors.

Types of polyester include PET (ethylene polyester), PCDT polyester, and bio-based polyester. Polyester can be easily identified by burning—it burns slowly, produces an unpleasant odor, and forms hard lumps after extinguishing.

Applications of polyester fabric: Polyester is commonly used to make evening dresses, suits, office wear, trousers, and swimwear.

10. Raw Fabric

Polyester fabric can be used to make evening gowns, blazers, and business attire

What is raw fabric?

Raw fabric belongs to the natural fiber group and is made from materials such as cotton and hemp. During the spinning and weaving process, little to no chemicals are used. The surface has short, fine fibers, offers 4-way stretch, feels smooth to the touch, and provides a cool sensation, making it suitable for women’s clothing.

Types of raw fabric include raw plain fabric, silk-blend raw fabric, cotton raw fabric, đũi fabric, soft raw fabric, and Korean raw fabric.

Applications of raw fabric: Raw fabric is used in fashion garments, interior production, accessories, and decorative items such as sofa covers, cushions, carpets, and bedroom furnishings, especially bedding products.

11. Voile Fabric

Voile fabric is used to make skirts, blouses, dresses, scarves, curtains, and veils

What is voile fabric?

Voile is a relatively thin, lightweight, and smooth semi-synthetic or natural fabric. It provides a soft, light, and airy feel for the wearer. Voile can be made from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester—often utilizing polyester for its low cost, durability, and stain resistance. It can also be crafted from natural fibers like cotton or silk; silk voile is considered a premium option due to its luster, smoothness, and strength despite its sheer weight.

Types of Voile: Silk voile, polyester voile, glass voile, mesh voile, floral voile, sand voile, silk-yarn voile, velvet voile, cotton voile, bubbly/chunky voile, and more.

Applications of Voile: Voile is chosen to create beautiful garments and accessories for women, such as: dresses, blouses, gowns, hair ties, bridal veils, hat veils, curtains, and scarves.

12. Nylon Fabric

Premium nylon material: Long-lasting performance with anti-wrinkle and dust-repellent features for effortless use 

What is nylon fabric?

Nylon, also known as polyamide, is a synthetic fabric created through chemical reactions involving carbon-based compounds derived from coal and crude oil under high pressure and temperature. The process, called condensation polymerization, produces nylon as a large polymer. Nylon fabric is highly durable, wrinkle-resistant, dust-resistant, and easy to use, maintain, and clean.

Applications of nylon fabric: Nylon is used to produce various textile products such as windbreakers, underwear, protective clothing, sportswear, socks, swimwear, robes, masks, and jacket linings. It is also used in other products like ropes, fishing nets, parachutes, elastic knitwear, or blended with wool to enhance durability.

13. Canvas Fabric

Canvas fabric is used to make jackets and elegant dresses

What is canvas fabric?

Canvas, also known as plain-woven fabric, is primarily made from hemp fibers, often blended with cotton or synthetic fibers. It is one of the most durable fabrics, known for its high color retention and strong water resistance.

Types of canvas fabric include cotton canvas, hemp canvas, linen canvas, synthetic canvas, duck canvas, and plain canvas.

Applications of canvas fabric: Canvas is commonly used for jackets and is also popular for making elegant and stylish dresses.

14. Viscose Fabric

Viscose fabric is used to make various types of clothing, such as shirts, dresses, and sets

What is viscose fabric?

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose derived from wood pulp combined with other compounds. It is soft, highly absorbent, non-static, has antibacterial properties, and is easy to dye.

Applications of viscose fabric: With a smooth, silk-like surface, viscose is widely used to make garments such as shirts, dresses, and casual wear sets.

15. Spandex Fabric

Spandex fabric is widely used in the production of athletic apparel

What is spandex fabric?

Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber made from polymer through a dry spinning process. It is highly elastic, lightweight, flexible, durable, skin-friendly, and resistant to static electricity. Spandex was developed as a replacement for rubber and can stretch up to 500% of its original length.

Common types of spandex include cotton spandex, wool spandex, and poly spandex.

Applications of spandex fabric: Spandex is widely used in sportswear, swimwear, underwear, ski pants, skinny jeans, tight-fitting garments, and athletic wear for activities like cycling and rowing. It is also used in medical braces, gloves, pillows, belts, bra straps, and seat covers.

16. Modal Fabric

Modal fabric is commonly used for soft clothing, premium bed sheets, and comfortable pillows 

What is modal fabric?

Modal is made from fibers derived from beech trees combined with certain chemicals to enhance durability and appearance. It has high durability, elasticity, color retention, breathability, and moisture absorption. Modal does not shrink or lose shape easily and is eco-friendly and user-friendly. It also has natural antibacterial properties.

Applications of modal fabric: Modal is commonly used for clothing as well as bedding products such as sheets, blankets, and pillows.

17. Tencel Fabric

Superior moisture absorption and cooling properties for a natural, healthy lifestyle

What is Tencel fabric?

Tencel, also known as lyocell, is a bio-based fabric made from natural wood pulp, typically from eucalyptus trees. The production process involves refining wood pulp and spinning it into fibers using advanced technology. Tencel is breathable, highly absorbent, environmentally friendly, and safe for human health.

Applications of Tencel fabric: Tencel is widely used in everyday garments such as sportswear, summer clothing, and underwear due to its excellent moisture absorption. It is also used in bedding products thanks to its softness, hygiene, and comfort.

18. Lace Fabric

Lace fabric is widely used to create high-end garments and stylish decorative furnishings

What is lace fabric?

Lace is a delicate fabric created by looping, twisting, or braiding threads to form patterns with open spaces. The more intricate the pattern and stitching, the higher the quality of the lace. Lace is typically made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers.

There are two main types of lace: needle lace and bobbin lace.

Applications of lace fabric: Lace is widely used in garments such as wedding dresses, office wear, blouses, skirts, sleepwear, and lingerie. It is also used in home décor items like curtains, tablecloths, ribbons, bedding, and handmade products.

19. Silk Noil Fabric

Linen is a lightweight fabric designed for comfort and skin-safe daily wear

What is silk noil fabric?

Silk noil is a lightweight, slightly coarse fabric made from short silk fibers left over from the silk production process. It has a natural, textured surface and is breathable, soft, and safe for the skin, making it ideal for summer wear.

Types of silk noil fabric include plain, textured, embroidered, Japanese silk noil, Thai silk noil, elastic silk noil, and cotton silk noil.

Applications of silk noil fabric: Silk noil is used to produce garments such as áo dài, shirts, sets, shorts, dresses, and casual wear. It is also used for bedding products, offering comfort and a luxurious sleeping experience.

20. Bamboo Fabric

High-performance bamboo material: Antibacterial, odor-resistant, and provides superior UV protection

What is bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabric is one of the most eco-friendly types of fabrics in the garment industry, made from cellulose fibers extracted from bamboo pulp. It has natural antibacterial properties, high UV resistance, and is highly regarded for its sustainable production process.

Applications of bamboo fabric: Bamboo is widely used to produce garments such as underwear, T-shirts, socks, summer clothing, sun-protective wear, shirts, dresses, loungewear, sleepwear, and traditional outfits like áo dài. It is also used in home décor products such as curtains, tablecloths, kitchen towels, and premium bedding. In addition, bamboo fabric is used for other products like towels, hospital curtains, masks, absorbent pads, and food packaging.

21. Ponte Fabric

High-quality Tuyet Mua (Ponte) fabric: Specifically designed for elegant vests, suits, and formal office wear 

What is ponte fabric?

Ponte fabric, also known as Ponte di Roma, is a double-knit fabric produced using a two-needle knitting technique. Both sides of the fabric look the same, with a thick and structured texture. It is known for its durability, color retention, and balanced thickness—not too thick and not too thin. Furthermore, within the different types of fabrics in the garment industry, versions with higher polyester content offer greater durability, while those with higher rayon content provide superior moisture absorption.

Applications of ponte fabric: Ponte is commonly used for making suits and matching sets. Many companies and organizations also use it for uniforms. In addition, it is popular for dresses such as bodycon, mermaid, and flared styles, as well as leggings.

22. Jacquard Fabric

What is jacquard fabric?

Jacquard fabric is characterized by patterns that are woven directly into the fabric rather than printed or embroidered. The design appears raised and prominent on the front side, while the back side is more subtle. Jacquard fabric has a smooth surface and a soft feel.

Types of jacquard fabric include brocade jacquard, damask, cotton jacquard, and silk jacquard.

Applications of jacquard fabric: Jacquard is highly durable, flexible, and aesthetically appealing. It is used in fashion items such as jackets, dresses, shirts, and traditional garments, as well as in home décor like tablecloths, sofa covers, curtains, and carpets.

23. Chiffon Fabric

Explore our diverse types of chiffon material for fashion, bridal wear, and decorative uses

What is chiffon fabric?

As one of the most versatile types of fabrics in the garment industry, chiffon is a simple plain-woven fabric with a semi-mesh structure. This unique construction gives it a luxurious appearance and a slightly textured feel, making it a favorite for elegant apparel.

Types and applications of chiffon fabric: Chiffon comes in various types and is commonly used for elegant garments such as dresses, blouses, scarves, and decorative fashion items.

Chiffon Type	Characteristics	Applications
Silk crepe chiffon	Matte grainy texture, slightly sheer and crisp, breathable, and lightweight.	Used for dresses and various types of apparel.
Jacquard chiffon	Thin, breathable, opaque, heavy-drape, and smooth.	Commonly used for scarves, stoles, designer wear, and intricate wedding gowns.
Double faced chiffon	Features two contrasting layers.	Used for tailoring Ao Dai (traditional tunics), dresses, and blouses.
Silk satin chiffon	Lightweight, transparent, with a glossy finish on one side.	Ideal for evening wear, skirts, blouses, and gowns.
Chameleon chiffon	Iridescent, sheer, and visually striking.	Ao Dai, blouses, airy dresses, sleepwear, scarves, dance costumes, and decorative fashion.
Chiffon with coating	Gold or silver coating that creates a prominent metallic glow.	Evening Ao Dai and high-fashion blouses.
Pearl chiffon	Features pearlescent shades and a soft luster.	Primarily used for dance costumes and performance wear.
Chiffon with lurex	Exquisite, shimmering/glittery finish, and breathable.	Used as an outer layer for garments and elegant blouses.

24. Pangrim Neotex Fabric

What is Pangrim Neotex fabric?

Pangrim Neotex fabric from Korea is a blended fabric made from natural cotton, rayon, polyester, polynosic, Tencel, nylon, and other elastic woven fibers. It offers good moisture absorption, a soft texture, and a comfortable feel for the wearer. The fabric is durable, resistant to fraying, and maintains its color even after frequent machine washing.

Applications: Pangrim Neotex fabric is commonly used for manufacturing protective workwear and uniforms.

We hope the information provided by Hoshima brings valuable insights to you. With over 20 years of experience in the garment manufacturing industry, we specialize in consulting and delivering automation solutions for factory development, as well as supplying modern machinery and software at competitive costs for garment businesses in Vietnam and worldwide. Contact us now for the best consultation.