What is the most common fabric for dresses?

Choice of fabric is one of the crucial steps in garment making or the fashion industry. With so many varieties, selecting the right one for your project is not easy; there are so many factors involved. However, we advise keeping the final look or your vision in mind before buying the best fabric for your dresses or any other clothing.

Textiles are a part of our daily lives; therefore, there are a few characteristics that you must know about the most commonly used fabric for making dresses of different kinds. Fibers are mainly divided into 2 categories, namely

1. Natural fibers
2. Synthetic or artificial fibers

The categories mentioned above are broad terms and encompass many familiar fabric materials; let’s discuss both in detail. 

Natural Fibers 

Natural fibers are further divided in accordance with their origin.

1. Cotton

Cotton needs no introduction; it is the most common and widely used dress fabric. It holds immense importance as the world’s most renowned textile fiber in the whole world. Literally everything is available in cotton variants, from towels, t-shirts, underwear to even beddings.

Cotton is a natural fiber which is grown, spun, and pressed to make it the way we see it in daily life. However, cotton may not necessarily be organic. Therefore, it is essential to always opt for organic since it is biodegradable, sustainable, and grown without harmful toxic material. So if you have sensitive skin or are a designer, you can target a broader audience.

When it comes to sustenance or maintenance, this fabric is sturdy and shows immense durability. It is easily washable with cold cycles in a washing machine using a detergent. However, shrinking is one of the issues with this. But, you can always cold wash it before sewing for minimizing shrinking effects.

2. Linen

Linen Fabric is extracted from a flax plant and is most popular amongst people living in hot and humid climate regions. It is your best friend in the summers. It’s weave increases breathability, and it does not stick to the skin, increasing airflow; this quality also makes it dry up fast.

It is a biodegradable material when used raw and not dyed. It is a versatile fabric that does not require much attention or maintenance. They are fit for machine wash and simply air-dried, perfect for everyday clothing, bedding sheets, etc.

3. Silk

One of the most luxurious, smooth and beautiful fabrics to exist. It is a popular material amongst luxury designers. Silk is extracted from silkworms; they fill their cocoons with silk threads which is spun and used in the form we see.

Just like every magnificent material, silk also requires care. Meticulous hand washing is a requirement however dry cleaning is your best bet. A word of caution, do not spot clean silk fabric; it loses its integrity and may cause color change as well in that area. If you happen to have a stain in a particular place, washing it, on the whole, is the right decision.

4. Wool

Wool needs no recognition. It is immensely popular in the colder regions where winter is the main season and stays for the most part of the year. Wool is taken from sheep and knitted into cardigans, throws, jumpers, etc.

It is a resilient, low environmentally impacting fabric for dresses or sheets or other items. If you properly care for them, they may last forever. Wool is easily washable via machine or hand, whichever is feasible, and make sure that it is air-dried. Otherwise, it will matt up, which will render it useless.

5. Rayon

Rayon and cotton are similar in many ways. Both are derived from plants are regenerated cellulose. However, there is one dissimilarity that cotton is made from the cotton plant; on the other hand, rayon is derived from wood pulp.

But why does rayon have popularity in the garment industry? Well, its mimicking power is the reason why every designer wants to go for it, from nylon to silk – you want it, you got it. Along with this advantage, there is one con lingering, and that is its non-sturdy nature, and if you want to use it for a long time, extra care is required.

Synthetic or Artificial Fibers

1. Polyester

This one is from the synthetic section. Polyester is a very popular fabric in the textile industry. It is inexpensive in terms of purchase and production; rough usage won't damage the shelf life, is sturdy, retains its shape, and is easily cleaned and dried.

2. Nylon

Whatever stretchy t-shirt or pants you own is made up of nylon. It is one of the prevalent plastic fabrics for shirts, dresses, and most importantly – undergarments and exercise wear. However, since it is plastic in nature, the material is not biodegradable, which means the more used, the more it will pile up and negatively impact the environment.

But the good news is that now people are recycling plastic for an environmentally friendly alternative such as using fishing net for making nylon.

Conclusion                             

If you are new in the fashion industry, keep these pointers in mind and the tips mentioned in the first paragraph for a successful fabric purchase. You can also contact Royal Motif Fabrics for the best quality and wide range of products.

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