Fabrics for Suits & Shirts.
Selecting the right fabric to have your bespoke suit or shirt made from is an important and fun step which requires full attention.
The fabric is that which decides the whole performance and expression of your suit, jacket, trousers or shirt. A bridge between the history and cultures around the world. More than just a colour and pattern alone.
Those who know about the finer things of fabrics are able to make better decisions to make you look good and prolong the lifespan of your garments. We prefer to advise you in person.
Worsteds
Worsted is a type of yarn or fabric that is typically made from long-staple wool fibres that are combed, straightened, and then spun tightly to create a smooth, strong, and durable yarn. The term "worsted" can also refer to a type of fabric made from this yarn.
Worsted yarn is often used for making suits, dress pants, and other high-quality garments because of its durability, strength, and ability to hold its shape.
Denim
Denim is a sturdy cotton fabric that is typically blue in colour and is commonly used in the production of clothing, particularly jeans. It is woven in a way that produces a diagonal ribbing pattern, known as a twill weave, which gives the fabric its distinctive texture and durability.
Denim can come in a variety of weights and finishes, from lightweight and soft to heavy and stiff.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a luxurious fabric that is made from the soft and fine undercoat of the Cashmere goat, which is primarily found in the regions of Kashmir, India, Nepal, and Mongolia. Cashmere is renowned for its softness, warmth, and lightweight feel, making it a highly sought-after fabric for winter wear.
Tweed
Tweed is a type of woollen fabric that is woven in a rough, unfinished texture. It is made from wool and typically comes in earthy colours, such as browns, greys, and greens. Tweed originated in Scotland and was traditionally used to make clothing for outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, due to its durability and warmth.
Tweed fabric is created by weaving together different coloured yarns, which gives it a unique, speckled appearance. The weave of tweed fabric is generally tight, which makes it resistant to wear and tear. It is also naturally water-resistant, making it a popular choice for outerwear.
Today, tweed is still used to make clothing, particularly jackets, suits, and skirts. It has also become a popular fabric for home decor items such as pillows, upholstery, and curtains due to its rugged, rustic appearance.
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is a type of tweed cloth that is handwoven by craftsmen in the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. The wool used to make Harris Tweed is sourced from local sheep and is known for its durability, warmth, and water-resistant properties. The unique character of Harris Tweed comes from the fact that it is handwoven on traditional looms by skilled weavers, using a range of natural dyes to create intricate patterns and textures.
Donegal Tweed
Donegal Tweed is a type of handwoven tweed fabric that originates from the Donegal region in Ireland. It is typically made from a blend of wool fibres, including locally sourced Irish wool, and features distinctive speckles of colour throughout the fabric. The speckles are created by adding in small amounts of brightly coloured yarns, such as reds, blues, and greens, during the spinning process.
Flannel
Flannel is a soft, woven fabric that is typically made from wool, cotton, or a blend of the two. The texture of flannel is created by brushing the fabric to raise the fibres, which gives it a fuzzy, soft feel. Flannel is often used for clothing, such as shirts, pyjamas, and blankets, because of its warmth and comfort. It is also sometimes used for upholstery, bedding, and other household items. Flannel can come in a variety of colours and patterns, and is often associated with colder weather and winter months.
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven fabric that is characterised by its soft and luxurious texture. It is made by weaving two sets of yarns together: the first set, called the warp, runs vertically along the length of the fabric, while the second set, called the weft, is woven horizontally across the fabric.
What sets velvet apart from other woven fabrics is its unique pile construction. Velvet has a dense, short, and evenly distributed pile of fibres that stand upright from the fabric's surface. This pile is created by weaving an extra set of yarns into the fabric, which is then cut and brushed to create the soft, plush texture that is characteristic of velvet.
Velvet can be made from a variety of fibres, including silk, cotton, rayon, and synthetic materials like polyester. It is often used to create luxurious and high-end garments, such as evening gowns, suits, and coats, as well as for upholstery, drapery, and other decorative uses.
Jacketing
Jacketing fabrics are a type of material used for making outerwear such as jackets, coats, and blazers. These fabrics are typically heavier and more durable than other types of fabrics, as they need to provide warmth and protection from the elements.
Jacketing fabrics come in a wide range of materials, including wool, tweed, denim, leather, suede, corduroy, and synthetic blends. They also come in various patterns and textures, such as herringbone, chequered, plaid, and solid colours.
In addition to their functional properties, jacketing fabrics are often chosen for their aesthetic qualities. Different fabrics can give a jacket a distinct look and feel, from the rugged and outdoorsy look of a waxed cotton jacket to the sleek and sophisticated look of a wool blazer.
Mohair
Mohair fabric is a luxurious textile made from the hair of the Angora goat. Mohair fibres are known for their lustrous sheen and durability, making them a popular choice for high-end fashion and upholstery. The Angora goat's hair is shorn, then spun into yarn or woven into fabric. Mohair is soft, lightweight, and breathable, making it a comfortable choice for clothing, blankets, and other textiles. It is also highly resilient and resistant to wrinkling, stretching, and shrinking.
Knit Fabric
Knit fabrics are textiles that are made using a knitting process, where yarn or thread is looped together to form a fabric. This process creates a flexible, stretchy material that is comfortable to wear and can conform to the body.
Knit fabrics come in a variety of weights, textures, and patterns, and can be made from a variety of materials including cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibres. Common types of knit fabrics include jersey, rib knit, interlock, and sweater knits. They are used for a variety of clothing and accessory items.
Linen
Linen is a type of fabric that is made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is a highly durable and strong fabric that is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. Linen fabric has been used for centuries in clothing, bedding, and home decor items.
While linen fabric is highly durable, it can be prone to wrinkling, which is part of its natural charm. To care for linen, it is best to wash it in cool water and hang it to dry, or to have it professionally laundered.
Wool
Wool fabric is a textile material made from the hair of various animals, primarily sheep, but also alpaca, camel, and goat. The hair is sheared or clipped off the animal, and then the fibres are cleaned, carded, and spun into yarns. These yarns are then woven, knitted, or felted to create a wide range of woollen fabrics.
Wool is prized for its warmth, softness, and durability. It is an excellent insulator and can regulate body temperature by wicking away moisture from the skin. Wool is also naturally flame-resistant, making it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles. Different types of wool fabrics can range from fine, soft, and lightweight to heavy, coarse, and thick, depending on the breed of animal, the quality of the fibres, and the manufacturing process used.
Bouclé
Bouclé is a type of fabric characterised by its looped or curly surface texture. The name "bouclé" comes from the French word for "looped" or "curled".
Bouclé fabric is created by weaving together two or more different types of yarns. One of these yarns is usually a thick, loosely spun or textured yarn, while the other yarns are thinner and smoother. The thick yarn creates loops or curls that are held in place by the thinner yarns, giving the fabric its distinctive texture.
Bouclé fabric can be made from a variety of fibres, including wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic materials. It is often used for coats, jackets, and suits, as well as upholstery and home decor items such as pillows and throws. The texture of bouclé fabric gives it a cosy and tactile quality, and it is often used to add visual interest and texture to clothing.
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber that is produced by certain insects, primarily the larvae of the silkworm moth. The most common type of silk is produced by the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, which spins its cocoon from a single continuous filament that can be up to 900 meters long. Silk is valued for its smooth, lustrous texture and its strength and durability. It has been used for thousands of years to create luxurious fabrics and textiles, such as clothing, bedding, and decorative items. In addition to its use in textiles, silk is also used in the production of various medical and cosmetic products.
Black Tie
Black tie fabrics are typically associated with formal wear and are chosen for their elegance, sophistication, and luxurious feel. Some of the most common fabrics used for black tie attire include:
· Wool is a popular choice for black tie suits and tuxedos due to its durability and warmth.
· Silk is known for its softness and luxurious sheen, and is often used for black tie dress shirts, ties, and bow ties.
· Velvet is a plush, soft fabric that is often used for black tie jackets and accessories such as bow ties and cummerbunds.
· Satin is a glossy fabric that is frequently used for black tie lapels, waistbands, and accents.
· Cashmere is a soft, luxurious wool that is used for black tie jackets, overcoats, and accessories such as scarves and gloves.
· Mohair is a lightweight, lustrous fabric that is often used for black tie jackets and suits.
Overall, black tie fabrics are chosen for their luxurious feel, elegant appearance, and ability to make a statement at formal events.
Barathea
Barathea is a type of fabric that is commonly used in the fashion industry. It is a finely woven fabric that is made from silk or a combination of silk and wool, and it has a soft, smooth texture. Barathea fabric is often used to make clothing items such as dresses, suits, and jackets, and notably as formalwear like tuxedos and evening gowns. It is known for its durability, wrinkle-resistance, and ability to hold its shape, making it a popular choice for high-end garments. Barathea is often used in darker shades, such as black, navy, and charcoal, to create a subtle sheen that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Jacquard
Jacquard fabric is a type of textile that is created on a special loom called a Jacquard loom. The loom is named after its inventor, Joseph Marie Jacquard, who created it in the early 19th century. Jacquard fabric is known for its intricate, raised designs and patterns that are woven directly into the fabric.
Jacquard looms are unique in that they use a system of punched cards to control the weaving process. Each card has holes punched into it that correspond to different parts of the design. As the loom weaves the fabric, it reads the holes in the card and determines which threads to lift and which to lower, creating the intricate pattern in the fabric.
Jacquard fabric can be made from a variety of fibres, including cotton, silk, wool, and synthetic materials. It is commonly used in upholstery, curtains, and clothing, particularly for formal wear such as dresses and suits. The raised designs in jacquard fabric can add texture and depth to a garment or home decor item, and the intricate patterns can range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate floral designs.
Ceremonial
Ceremonial fabrics often are more extravagant with intricate weaves and fabrics such as jacquard, velvet and Venetians with strong colours and patterns. Think for example of paisley, ornaments and floral patterns in ivory, black and other deep tones, often with an extravagant and avant-garde look. Originally these materials were made of natural fibres such as wool, cotton and silk, but nowadays modern fibres are also added to make the fabrics more elastic and drape better. These fabrics are mainly used at Black Tie events, costume balls, the red carpet and other exclusive events where a distinct style is required, such as the carnival in Venice.
Luxury
Luxury fabrics are materials that are typically expensive to create due to special knowledge and experience needed from the weaver and mill. Secondly, the sourcing of raw materials and cost play an important role. The rarer the fibre is to harvest and or to create, the higher the price is, and that is seen as exclusive and luxurious. When it comes to tailoring it can be defined in three categories:
· Rare animal fibres: vicuña, alpaca, guanaco, chinchilla, yak, and other rare breeds of wool providing animals can be a source for even softer and rarer fabrics.
· Addition of precious metals and or (gem) stones: By adding for example gold, silver, diamond, rubies, lapis lazuli, stunning effects can be created in the appearance of the fabric.
· Fineness of the wool (super 100s). Nowadays there are requests for even finer types of wool and this takes time, effort and specialty knowledge to create. Think about super 160s, 170s, 180s, 190s and 200s fibres that refer to the diameter in microns of the wool fibre. The higher the number, the rarer it is and the higher the price.
Of course these factors can be combined to create an even rarer and more luxurious fabric.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is a type of textile made from the fibres of the bamboo plant. The process of creating bamboo fabric involves breaking down the bamboo plant into a pulp, which is then treated to extract the cellulose fibres.
The resulting fibres are then spun into yarn, which can be woven or knitted into a variety of different fabrics. Bamboo fabric is often prized for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, which make it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and other textiles.
Bamboo fabric is also known for being environmentally friendly, as bamboo plants grow quickly and require less water than other crops.
Dupioni Silk
Dupioni silk is a type of silk fabric that is created by weaving together two different colours of silk threads, which produces a shimmering effect. The threads used in dupioni silk are often irregular in thickness, which gives the fabric a unique texture and character.
Alpaca
Alpaca fabric is a type of textile made from the hair of the alpaca, a domesticated species of South American camelid. Alpaca hair is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, and alpaca fabric is highly valued for its luxurious feel and high quality appearance.
Vicuña
Vicuña fabric is a luxurious textile made from the wool of the vicuña, a small camelid that is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. Vicuña wool is one of the finest natural fibres in the world, known for its softness, warmth, and durability.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a type of fabric that is made by weaving cotton or a blend of cotton with other fibres, such as polyester or spandex, in a way that creates parallel ridges or cords. These cords are typically cut to a short length and then brushed, which creates a soft, fuzzy texture. The size and spacing of the ridges can vary, with wider cords being called "wide-wale" and narrower cords being called "pinwale."
Corduroy fabric is known for its durability and warmth, making it a popular choice for clothing such as pants, jackets, and skirts. It also has a distinctive and casual appearance that is often associated with outdoor activities or casual wear.
Bedford Cord
Bedford cord is a strong and durable fabric that is typically made from cotton, although it can also be made from other materials like silk or wool. It has a distinct ribbed texture that resembles corduroy, but with much larger and more widely spaced ridges.
Bedford cord was originally developed in the town of Bedford, England in the 19th century, and it quickly became popular for use in heavy-duty workwear such as trousers, jackets, and overalls. Today, it is still used for a variety of durable clothing and upholstery applications.
Bedford cord is characterised by its durability, strength, and resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for clothing and other items that are subject to heavy wear and tear. It is also often used in upholstery applications for furniture, car seats, and other similar items that require a strong and durable fabric.
Whipcord
Whipcord fabric is a type of durable twill fabric that is characterised by its distinctive diagonal ridges or cords. It is woven using a strong, tightly twisted yarn, which gives it its strength and durability.
Whipcord fabric was originally used for making workwear and military uniforms because of its toughness and resistance to wear and tear. It is also used for making outdoor clothing such as jackets, trousers, and hats because of its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Whipcord fabric can be made from a variety of fibres, including wool, cotton. It is available in a range of colours and patterns, from traditional earthy tones to more vibrant hues.
Overall, whipcord fabric is a versatile and rugged fabric that is suitable for a wide range of applications where durability and strength are required.
Serge
Serge is a type of fabric that is woven using a twill weave. It is characterised by its diagonal ridges or lines, which are created by the way the yarns are woven together. Serge fabric is typically made from wool, but it can also be made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibres.
Serge fabric is known for its durability and strength, which makes it a popular choice for heavy-duty applications such as military uniforms, workwear, and upholstery. It is also used in fashion for making suits, skirts, and dresses.
Serge fabric is available in a range of colours and patterns, including solids, plaids, and stripes.
Moleskin
Moleskin fabric is a type of cotton fabric that has a soft, dense and plush texture, resembling the fur of a mole. It is typically made by shearing one side of a woven cotton fabric to create a short, dense pile, and then singeing the fibres to create a smooth surface. Moleskin fabric is durable, windproof, and water-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor clothing such as jackets, pants, and vests. It is also used for linings and upholstery due to its soft texture. Moleskin fabric comes in a range of colours and is often used in fashion and costume design as well.
Gaberdines
Gaberdine is a durable, tightly woven fabric with a distinct diagonal twill pattern. It is typically made from wool or a blend of wool and synthetic fibres such as polyester or nylon. Gaberdine fabric is often used for outerwear, such as jackets, coats, and trousers, due to its durability and ability to repel water.
It was first developed in the late 19th century by Thomas Burberry, the founder of the Burberry fashion brand, and was used to make the iconic trench coat that is still popular today. Gaberdine is also used for military uniforms, as it can withstand wear and tear and provide protection from the elements.
Crepe
A crepe fabric is a type of fabric that is characterised by its crinkled or puckered appearance. It is made from a variety of fibres such as silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibres like polyester, rayon, or nylon. The distinctive texture of crepe fabric is achieved through a process called creping, which involves twisting and crinkling the fibres during the manufacturing process.
Crepe fabrics come in various weights, from light and airy to heavy and substantial. They are typically lightweight and drape well, making them popular for use in clothing such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves. They also have a slightly rough texture, which can add visual interest to garments and help hide imperfections in the fabric.
Crepe fabrics can be found in a range of colours and patterns, from solid hues to bold prints. Due to their versatility and unique texture, crepe fabrics are a popular choice for both casual and formal wear.
Hopsack
A hopsack weave is a type of basket weave pattern commonly used in the production of textiles. In this pattern, yarns are woven in a way that creates a distinctive, textured appearance resembling the weave of a basket.
Hopsack weave fabrics can be made from a variety of fibres, including wool, cotton, silk, and linen. The weave is characterised by its unique appearance, which features a tightly woven, square-like pattern with a slight diagonal or herringbone texture.
Hopsack fabrics are known for their durability, breathability, and versatility. They are often used in tailored clothing, such as blazers, suits, and trousers, as well as for home decor items like curtains and upholstery.
Birdseye
A birdseye weave, also known as a bird's eye or bird's nest weave, is a type of textile weave pattern characterised by small diamond or pinhead-sized patterns that resemble the texture of a bird's eye.
This weave is created by alternating a light and dark yarn in a plain weave pattern, with the dark yarn used for the warp (vertical) threads and the light yarn used for the weft (horizontal) threads. The resulting pattern creates a small, intricate design that can appear almost like a solid colour from a distance.
Birdseye weave is commonly used in fabrics for clothing and household linens, such as towels, tablecloths, and napkins. It is also used in athletic wear, as it provides breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Nailhead
Nailhead fabric is a type of textile that features a small, round, and raised pattern on its surface that resembles the head of a nail. This pattern is created by weaving together two different coloured yarns, typically in shades of grey or brown, in a way that forms a small dot on the fabric's surface. The resulting fabric has a subtle texture that adds visual interest and depth to the material.
Houndstooth
Houndstooth is a popular pattern in fabrics and is characterised by a broken check or abstract four-pointed shapes, which resemble the canine teeth of a hound dog. The design features alternating bands of dark and light-coloured threads woven in a way that creates a distinctive, geometric pattern.
The fabric is commonly used in clothing and accessories, such as jackets, suits, skirts, and scarves, and is often made from wool, although it can also be found in other materials such as cotton, silk, and synthetic fibres. Houndstooth patterns can also come in different sizes and colours, with some featuring larger or smaller shapes, and with different colour combinations. It is a classic and versatile pattern that has been used in fashion for many decades.
Puppytooth
Puppytooth fabric, also known as "puppy tooth," is a type of woven fabric that features a small, repeating pattern of broken checks that resemble the teeth of a puppy. The pattern is created by a series of small, four-pointed shapes that are woven together to create a grid-like design. It is a smaller variant of the Houndstooth.
Puppytooth fabric is typically made from wool, although it can also be made from other materials like cotton or silk. It is a popular choice for both men's and women's clothing, particularly for suits, blazers, and skirts. The fabric's subtle pattern gives it a stylish and sophisticated look that can add visual interest to an outfit without being too bold or overpowering.
Diamond Weave
Diamond weave fabric is a type of woven textile pattern that creates a distinctive diamond-shaped design on the surface of the fabric. It is created by interlacing the threads in a way that forms a diamond-shaped pattern, often with a slight variation in the size and shape of the diamonds depending on the specific weave used.
The diamond weave can be created with a variety of different fibres, including cotton, wool, silk, and can be used for a wide range of applications, from clothing and accessories to upholstery and home decor. The fabric is often characterised by its durability and strength, as well as its unique texture and visual appeal.
Pick and Pick
Pick and pick weave is a type of fabric weaving technique that creates a distinctive texture on the surface of the fabric. It is also known as "basket weave" or "waffle weave".
In this weaving technique, two or more warp yarns are alternately raised and lowered to create a pattern of closely spaced, parallel ribs. These ribs are formed by the weft yarns that are woven over and under the raised and lowered warp yarns in a regular sequence.
The pick and pick weave is characterised by its texture and durability, making it a popular choice for creating fabrics for upholstery, bedding, and other heavy-duty applications. It is also commonly used for suits and other clothing items, as it creates a unique texture that adds interest and depth to the fabric.
Sharkskin
Sharkskin fabric is a type of smooth, shiny fabric that has a distinctive texture resembling the skin of a shark. It is a woven fabric made from a blend of wool and mohair or rayon, and is characterised by its lightweight, lustrous appearance and its characteristic pattern of faintly visible vertical stripes.
Checks
Checked fabrics are fabrics that have a pattern made up of small, regularly spaced squares or rectangles of different colours or shades. The pattern is created by weaving or printing the fabric in such a way that it creates the appearance of a checkerboard or plaid.
Some common types of checked fabrics include gingham, tartan, and madras. Gingham is a lightweight cotton fabric with a small check pattern that is often used for summer clothing. Tartan is a traditional Scottish pattern that is made up of multiple colours and is often associated with kilts. Madras is a lightweight cotton fabric that is often brightly coloured and features a patchwork of different checks.
Windowpane
Windowpane fabric is a type of patterned textile that features a square or rectangular design that resembles the panes of a window. The pattern is created by intersecting horizontal and vertical lines of equal width, forming a grid-like structure with small, evenly spaced squares or rectangles.
Windowpane fabric can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and synthetic fibres. It is often used to create classic and elegant clothing, such as suits, blazers, and dresses. The pattern can vary in size and colour, with some featuring larger squares or rectangles, and others featuring more subtle hues such as navy or grey.
Overall, windowpane fabric is a timeless and versatile option for creating sophisticated garments that can be worn for a variety of occasions.
Tartan
A tartan is a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands or stripes of different colours. It is often associated with Scottish culture and is commonly used in clothing, such as kilts, as well as in other textiles and accessories.
Tartans are typically made up of a base colour, known as the "sett," which is overlaid with different coloured stripes. Different tartans are associated with different Scottish clans, families, or regions, and each tartan has its own unique pattern and colour scheme.
Tartans have a long history in Scotland, and they were originally made from locally available materials, such as wool, and were used for practical purposes such as clothing and bedding. Today, tartans are still an important part of Scottish culture and are often used to represent Scottish identity and heritage.
Glen Plaid
Glen plaid, also known as Prince of Wales check, is a pattern commonly used in men's and women's clothing. It is a woven fabric pattern that features a subtle twill design consisting of small and large checks in alternating light and dark shades.
The pattern typically consists of small checks in a dark colour, such as black, navy, or charcoal, and large checks in a lighter colour, such as white, cream, or grey. Glen plaid is often used in suits, jackets, trousers, and skirts, and it is a popular choice for both formal and casual wear.
Stripes
Striped fabrics are textiles that feature a pattern of stripes, which are typically parallel lines of contrasting colours or shades. Stripes can be of different widths and colours, and they can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
The use of striped fabrics can create a visual impact in a room or an outfit, and they can convey a range of emotions and moods depending on the colours and widths of the stripes. For example, thin vertical stripes in a light colour can create a sense of height and elegance, while thick horizontal stripes in dark colours can make a room feel wider and more grounded.
Chalkstripe
A chalkstripe fabric is a type of suit fabric that features a subtle stripe pattern consisting of thin, vertical stripes. These stripes are typically white or light-coloured and are usually spaced apart by a few millimetres. The name "chalkstripe" comes from the fact that the stripes are said to resemble lines drawn with a piece of chalk.
Chalkstripe fabrics are often made from high-quality materials such as wool or a wool blend, and they are commonly used in the construction of formal business suits. The subtle stripe pattern adds a touch of sophistication to the suit, while still maintaining a conservative and professional appearance.
Chalkstripe fabrics can vary in terms of the thickness of the stripes, as well as the distance between them. Some chalkstripe fabrics may have wider stripes with more space in between, while others may have thinner stripes that are closer together. The choice of fabric depends on personal preference, as well as the occasion for which the suit will be worn.
Pinstripe
Pinstripe fabric is a type of textile that features a pattern of very thin stripes that run parallel to each other. The stripes are usually less than 1/8 inch (3mm) wide and are evenly spaced apart. Pinstripes are often associated with business attire, particularly men's suits, but can also be found in women's clothing, home décor, and other applications.
The pinstripe pattern is created by weaving two contrasting colours of yarn together in a specific sequence. The result is a series of thin stripes that create a subtle, elegant texture. Pinstripe fabrics can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic fibres.
Pinstripe fabrics are often used in formal or professional settings because they give a classic, sophisticated look. They can be found in a range of colours, from traditional navy or charcoal to more playful shades like pink or light blue. Pinstripes can also be combined with other patterns, such as checks or plaids, to create a more complex and interesting look.
Shadowstripe
Shadow stripe fabric is a type of woven textile that has a subtle stripe pattern created by alternating sheer and opaque threads in the weave. This creates a distinctive visual effect where the opaque threads create a shadow on the sheer threads, hence the name "shadow stripe".
Shadow stripe fabrics can be made with various materials such as cotton, silk, rayon, or polyester. They are often used in clothing such as jackets, trouser, and skirts, as well as in home decor items like curtains and upholstery. Shadow stripe fabrics can add texture and visual interest to a garment or home furnishing, while still being subtle enough to be versatile and timeless.
Blazer Stripes
Blazer stripes are a pattern of thin, vertical lines or stripes that are typically found on blazers or sport coats. These stripes are usually woven into the fabric of the blazer and can be of different colours, though they are most commonly found in shades of navy, red, or green.
The stripes are usually spaced evenly apart and run parallel to each other, creating a formal and elegant look. Blazer stripes can vary in width from narrow pinstripes to wider chalk stripes, and the spacing between them can also vary.
Blazer stripes are often associated with traditional men's formalwear, but they can also be found in women's blazers and in more casual styles. They can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and are often paired with other classic wardrobe staples such as solid-coloured dress shirts, trousers, and dress shoes.
Twill
Twill is a type of fabric weave characterised by diagonal ridges or "wales" that are formed by the interlacing of threads in a specific pattern. Twill fabric is easily recognizable by its distinctive diagonal pattern, which can range from subtle to bold depending on the size and spacing of the ridges.
In a twill weave, each weft thread passes over one or more warp threads, then under two or more warp threads, creating a diagonal pattern that is repeated across the fabric. This diagonal structure gives twill fabric more durability and resilience than other weaves, making it a popular choice for clothing and other textile applications that require strength and durability.
Twill fabrics can be made from a variety of fibres, including cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic materials. They are used to make a wide range of garments, including jeans, jackets, trousers, and skirts, as well as home decor items like upholstery and curtains.
Herringbone
A herringbone weave is a distinctive V-shaped pattern that is created by interlacing yarns or fibres in a specific way. In a herringbone weave, each yarn or fibre alternates direction with each pass, creating a series of diagonal lines that resemble the bones of a fish skeleton, hence the name "herringbone."
Herringbone weaves can be used in a variety of textiles, including clothing, upholstery, and flooring. For example, herringbone patterns are often used in woollen suits, tweed jackets, and coats, as well as in home decor items such as curtains, blankets, and rugs. The herringbone pattern can be created in a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, linen, and synthetic fibres.
Seersucker
Seersucker is a type of cotton fabric that has a distinctive puckered texture. The texture is created by weaving together different tensioned yarns, resulting in a crinkled or dimpled appearance that is often described as "stripes with wrinkles". The fabric is typically lightweight and breathable, making it a popular choice for warm weather clothing.
Lining fabrics are materials that are used to cover the inside surface of garments or other items made of fabric. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as silk, polyester, cotton, rayon, or acetate.
The purpose of lining fabrics is to add structure, durability, and comfort to a garment. They can help to prevent the outer fabric from stretching or becoming misshapen, and can also improve the fit of a garment by creating a smooth surface against the skin.
Lining fabrics can also be used for decorative purposes, such as adding a pop of colour or pattern to the inside of a jacket or coat. They can also be used to hide seams or construction details, creating a cleaner finish to a garment.
Lining fabrics are available in a variety of colours, prints, and textures, allowing for endless creative possibilities. They can be sewn in by hand or machine, depending on the garment and the desired effect.