A to Z
Fabric Guide
180 fabrics, materials, and textiles, so you can read a label and know what you're wearing.
VVeganNNot veganV/NCan be either. Check the label?A weave, not a fiber
NAbaA fabric woven from goat and camel hair.
VAcetateA semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp cellulose. Often used for linings.
VAcrylicA synthetic fiber, often used as a soft, warm substitute for wool.
VAertexA loosely woven, breathable cotton fabric.
NAlpacaFiber from the coat of an alpaca.
NAngoraFiber from the fur of Angora rabbits. Not to be confused with mohair, which comes from Angora goats.
V/NBaizeA coarse, felt-like cloth, typically green, used on game tables. Traditionally wool, now often blended with synthetics.
VBambooFabric made from bamboo, either as viscose or lyocell, or blended with cotton.
VBatisteA lightweight, semi-sheer cotton fabric used for blouses, lingerie, and heirloom sewing.
NBonded leatherLeather scraps and fibers ground up and glued to a backing. Still made from animal skin.
VBroadclothA dense, plain-woven cloth. Historically wool; modern broadcloth is cotton or a cotton blend.
V/NBrocadeA richly decorative woven fabric. Traditionally silk, now often polyester or other synthetics.
VBuckramA stiff cotton or linen cloth used to stiffen hats, collars, and bookbindings.
NBuntingA lightweight worsted wool used for flags and ribbons.
VCalicoA plain-woven cotton, often unbleached.
VCambricA fine, dense cloth of cotton or linen.
NCamel hairFiber from the soft undercoat of camels.
NCamletA historic fabric of camel or goat hair, later goat hair with silk or wool.
VCanvasA heavy, durable plain-woven fabric of cotton, linen, or synthetics, used for shoes, bags, sails, and tents.
NCashmereFiber from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats.
NCereclothA waxed cloth, historically used as a shroud or altar cloth. The wax is typically beeswax.
V/NChallisA lightweight woven fabric, originally a silk-wool blend; now also cotton, rayon, or wool.
VChambrayA plain-weave cotton with a colored warp and a white weft, used for shirts.
VChenilleA fuzzy yarn or fabric, commonly cotton, acrylic, rayon, or olefin.
V/NChiffonA lightweight, sheer fabric of silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
VChinoA twill fabric of cotton or cotton-synthetic blends.
VChintzA brightly printed, glazed cotton fabric.
VCoral fleeceA plush polyester fleece.
VCorduraA durable nylon fabric used for bags and outdoor gear.
VCorduroyA ridged fabric with distinct cords, usually cotton.
VCorkA soft, water-resistant material from the bark of the cork oak. The bark regrows after harvesting.
VCottonA soft fiber from the seed pod of the cotton plant.
VCotton flannelA soft cotton fabric brushed on one side. Also called Canton flannel.
V/NCrepeA crinkled fabric, originally wool or silk (crêpe de Chine); now often cotton or synthetic.
VCretonneA heavy printed cotton used for upholstery.
VCuproA smooth, silky fiber made from cotton linter, the short fibers left on cotton seeds.
V/NDamaskA reversible patterned weave of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetics.
VDenimA durable twill-weave cotton. Check jeans for a leather back patch.
VDimityA sheer cotton fabric woven with raised stripes or checks.
NDoeskinLeather made from deer skin. Also used for a fine wool fabric. Both are animal-derived.
NDownThe soft under-feathers of ducks and geese, used as insulation.
VDuckA heavy, plain-woven cotton canvas.
NDuffelA coarse, heavy woolen fabric.
VElastaneA synthetic stretch fiber. Also called spandex or Lycra.
VElasticStretchy fabric woven with rubber or synthetic strands.
V/NEtamineA light, open-mesh fabric of cotton or worsted wool.
V/NFailleA slightly shiny, ribbed fabric of silk, rayon, or cotton.
VFaux furSynthetic fur, usually acrylic or modacrylic. Real fur has been sold mislabeled as faux, so buy from makers you trust.
VFaux leatherImitation leather, usually polyurethane (PU) or PVC. Also called vegan leather, pleather, or leatherette.
NFeathersBird feathers, used as fill, trim, and decoration.
V/NFeltA pressed, matted fabric. Traditional felt is wool; craft felt is usually acrylic or polyester.
V/NFlannelA soft brushed fabric. Originally wool; now usually cotton or synthetic.
VFlanneletteA light cotton fabric brushed to imitate flannel.
NFleece (sheep)The woolen coat of a sheep. Polar fleece, by contrast, is polyester.
V/NFoulardA lightweight printed fabric of silk or a silk-cotton mix; now also polyester.
NFriezeA heavy woolen fabric with a long nap.
VFustianA strong cotton and linen fabric with a short nap.
V/NGabardineA tightly woven twill for suits and coats. Traditionally wool; also cotton or polyester.
V/NGeorgetteA sheer, crinkled dress fabric. Originally silk, now often polyester.
VGinghamA lightweight checked cotton cloth.
VGore-TexA waterproof, breathable synthetic membrane used in outerwear and shoes.
NGrogramA coarse fabric of silk and wool.
V/NGrosgrainA ribbed fabric or ribbon. Historically silk; now usually polyester or nylon.
NHairclothA stiff cloth woven from horsehair or camel hair.
VHempA strong, durable fiber from the hemp plant.
NHorsehairHair from horses' manes and tails, used in upholstery and stiffening.
?JacquardA weave with a pattern built in, not a fiber. Check the fiber content.
V/NJerseyA stretchy knit fabric. Originally wool; now usually cotton or synthetic.
VJuteA coarse plant fiber used for burlap, bags, and rope-soled shoes.
VKapokA light, fluffy fiber from the seed pods of the kapok tree, used as fill.
VKhakiA sturdy twill, usually cotton.
NLambswoolWool from a lamb's first shearing.
V/NLaméA fabric woven with metallic threads, often on a nylon or polyester base, sometimes silk.
NLeatherAnimal skin preserved by tanning, usually cattle, but also pigs, goats, sheep, and others.
VLinenA cool, absorbent fabric made from the flax plant.
NLinsey-woolseyA coarse fabric with a linen or cotton warp and a wool weft.
VLintA cotton or linen fabric with a raised nap, used to dress wounds.
VLisleA smooth, strong cotton thread and the fabric knit from it, often used for stockings.
VLurexA metallic-look yarn made from plastic film.
VLyocellA fiber made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process. Tencel is a well-known brand.
NMackinawA heavy, felted wool cloth, often plaid.
VMackintoshA rubberized waterproof fabric.
VMadrasA lightweight patterned cotton, often plaid.
VMarseilleA thick cotton with a raised woven pattern, used for bedspreads.
NMerinoWool from merino sheep.
VMicrofiberA very fine synthetic fiber, usually polyester or nylon.
VMicrosuedeA synthetic suede made from microfiber. Also sold as faux suede.
VMinkyA soft, plush polyester fabric. Also sold as micro mink.
VModacrylicA synthetic fiber used in faux fur and wigs.
VModalA soft fiber made from beech wood cellulose.
NMohairFiber from the coat of Angora goats.
V/NMoiréA fabric with a rippled, watery sheen. Traditionally silk; also rayon, acetate, or polyester.
VMoleskinA heavy cotton fabric with a soft, suede-like nap. Not animal skin.
VMonk's clothA heavy cotton cloth in basket weave.
V/NMoquetteA thick pile fabric for upholstery. Traditionally wool; now often synthetic.
V/NMoreenA sturdy ribbed fabric of wool, wool and cotton, or cotton.
V/NMousselineA thin, gauzy fabric of silk, rayon, or cotton.
VMushroom leatherLeather-like material grown from fungus (mycelium). Some versions are backed or coated with synthetics.
VMuslinA plain-woven cotton fabric.
VNankeenA yellowish cotton cloth.
VNeopreneA synthetic rubber used in wetsuits and some bags and shoes.
V/NNinonA sheer fabric of silk, rayon, or nylon.
VNylonA synthetic fiber. Also labeled polyamide.
VOilclothCloth coated with oil or synthetic resin to make it waterproof.
VOrgandyA sheer, stiff cotton.
V/NOrganzaA thin, sheer, crisp fabric of silk, polyester, or nylon.
VOrlonA brand name for acrylic fiber.
NPashminaFine cashmere wool from Himalayan goats. "Pashmina-style" scarves are sometimes acrylic or viscose; check the label.
NPeace silkSilk made after the moth leaves the cocoon. Also called ahimsa silk. Gentler, but still taken from an animal, so not vegan.
VPercaleA fine, closely woven cotton, usually for bedding.
VPETPolyethylene terephthalate, the polyester used in clothing fibers and bottles. Often recycled.
NPilot clothA heavy, napped wool cloth used for sailors' coats.
VPineapple leaf leatherA leather-like textile made from pineapple leaf fibers, usually finished with a coating.
VPiquéA textured cotton weave with fine ribbing, used for polo shirts.
V/NPlushA fabric with a deep pile, made of cotton, silk, wool, or synthetics.
VPolar fleeceA soft, warm fabric made from polyester.
VPolyesterA large family of synthetic fibers. Recycled polyester is often made from bottles.
VPolyurethane (PU)A plastic coating used for most faux leather.
NPongeeA thin, soft fabric woven from raw silk.
VPoplinA plain-woven fabric, usually cotton, with a fine ribbed surface.
VPVCA plastic used for some faux leather and rainwear. Vegan, but among the less eco-friendly options.
NQiviutFiber from the underwool of the musk ox.
?Quilted fabricLayers stitched around a filling. Check the fill: polyester and cotton are vegan; down and wool are not.
VRaffiaA fiber from palm leaves, used for hats, bags, and shoes.
VRamieA strong, lustrous plant fiber from the nettle family, often blended with cotton.
VRayonA semi-synthetic fiber made from plant cellulose, usually wood pulp. Includes viscose and modal.
V/NRepA fabric woven with fine crosswise ribs, in silk, wool, or cotton.
VRubberNatural latex or synthetic rubber, used for soles, rain boots, and elastic.
NRussetA coarse homespun woolen cloth.
VSailclothHeavy fabric of cotton, nylon, or polyester, used for sails and bags.
NSamiteA heavy medieval silk, often woven with gold or silver threads.
NSarcenetA fine, soft silk used for linings and ribbons.
VSateenA cotton fabric with a satin weave and soft sheen.
V/NSatinA smooth, glossy weave, made of silk, polyester, nylon, or acetate.
VScreeningA mesh fabric of metal or plastic.
VScrimA loosely woven cotton or linen fabric used in theater and as reinforcement.
VSeersuckerA light, puckered fabric of cotton, linen, or rayon.
NSergeA durable twilled fabric, usually wool.
V/NShagA fabric or rug with a long, shaggy pile.
NShagreenRawhide from sharks or rays, used as a decorative or abrasive surface.
V/NShantungA textured fabric with slubs. Traditionally silk; also made in polyester or cotton.
V/NSharkskinA smooth, slightly shiny suiting fabric of wool, rayon, or acetate. Not actual shark skin.
NShearlingSheepskin with the wool still attached.
V/NSherpaA fluffy, fleece-like lining, usually polyester or acrylic. Check it isn't real shearling.
VSilesiaA sturdy cotton twill used for pockets and linings.
NSilkThe fiber silkworms spin to form their cocoons. Most silk is harvested by boiling the cocoon with the worm inside.
VSisalA stiff fiber from the agave plant, used for rope, mats, and bags.
VSpandexA synthetic stretch fiber. Also called elastane or Lycra.
V/NSponge clothA porous fabric in a loose honeycomb weave.
NStammelA coarse woolen fabric, usually dyed red.
NSuedeLeather with a napped finish, made from the underside of lamb, goat, pig, calf, or deer skin.
NSwansdownA soft woolen fabric used for baby clothes. Also the down of swans.
V/NTaffetaA crisp, smooth fabric of silk or synthetics.
NTammyA glazed fabric of wool or wool and cotton, used for linings.
VTapaA cloth made in the South Pacific by pounding tree bark.
V/NTapestryA heavy woven textile; warp is usually cotton or linen, weft often wool or silk.
VTencelA brand name for lyocell and modal fibers made from wood pulp.
VTerry clothA looped-pile cotton used for towels and robes.
VThinsulateA brand of synthetic thermal insulation.
VTowelingAbsorbent cotton or linen fabrics used for towels.
VTriacetateA semi-synthetic fiber made from wood cellulose. Wrinkle-resistant and drapey.
NTussah silkSilk from wild silkworms. Also called wild silk. Not vegan.
NTweedA rough, thick fabric woven from wool.
?TwillA diagonal-ribbed weave, not a fiber. Denim, chino, and gabardine are twills. Check the fiber content.
VUltrasuedeA brand of synthetic microfiber suede.
VVelcroA hook-and-loop fastener made of nylon or polyester.
VVelourA plush knit of cotton or polyester.
V/NVelvetA densely piled fabric of silk, wool, cotton, rayon, or polyester.
VVelveteenA cotton fabric with a velvet-like pile.
NVicuñaFine wool from the vicuña, a wild relative of the llama.
VViscoseA type of rayon made from wood pulp cellulose.
NViyellaA twilled blend of cotton and wool.
VVoileA soft, sheer fabric, usually cotton or cotton blends.
VVulcanized fiberA tough, hornlike material made from cellulose.
V/NWaxed cottonCotton treated with wax for water resistance. Some finishes use beeswax; others use paraffin or plant waxes.
V/NWhipcordA strong twill with a pronounced diagonal rib, in wool or cotton.
NWinceyA plain or twilled fabric of wool and cotton.
VWire clothA fabric woven of metal wire.
NWoolFiber from sheep and other animals. Includes merino, lambswool, cashmere, mohair, angora, and alpaca.
NWorstedA smooth, strong yarn and fabric made from long wool fibers.
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Labels list fibers, not glues, trims, or finishes. For those, see Hidden Animal Ingredients.
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