Fabric Guide: Types of Fabric for Clothing Explained Simply

Typical types of fabric for clothing in womenswear are cotton and muslin, linen, viscose and lyocell, knits such as jersey and knitwear, plus textured fabrics such as bouclé. They differ mainly in how they drape and how they feel on the skin.

Why does one dress drape beautifully while the next one fits completely differently? Usually it's the fabric, less the cut. This fabric guide gives you an overview of the materials you'll often come across in our shop.

Which fabrics are used for clothing? A quick overview

Fabric mainly determines two things: how a piece drapes and how cool or warm it feels.

Blanket figures on moisture absorption don't help much here. The properties depend on fiber, yarn, weave or knit structure and finishing. The material information for the respective item always applies.

Still, if you know how viscose differs from linen, choosing becomes much easier. Roughly speaking, you can remember it like this:

• Flowing fabrics such as viscose and lyocell drape softly and fluidly.
• Firm weaves such as linen create clean lines.
• Textured materials such as bouclé and chunky knit add some volume and give structure.

Muslin: airy, soft and finely textured

Muslin, often also called double gauze, usually consists of two very fine layers of cotton. This creates the typical, slightly crinkled surface that feels so pleasantly soft. More about the fabric is in the article What Is Muslin?

Thanks to the open, loosely woven structure, air can circulate between the layers. How light an individual piece feels also depends on the yarn and workmanship.

Viscose and lyocell: when fabric should flow

Viscose and lyocell are made from cellulose, usually from wood. Both drape softly and fluidly and feel smooth on the skin.

Viscose creases quickly. Lyocell is produced using a different process and generally creases less than viscose.

Flowing materials are also the first choice for the relaxed, airy pants that many fondly call slouchy pants. They drape softly on the leg. The same goes for swingy skirts and long dresses.

Knitwear, jersey and bouclé: soft companions for cool days

Jersey isn't a fiber but a knitted fabric. Its structure makes it stretchy, comfortable and hardly prone to creasing. That's why it's very practical for travel and long days.

With knitwear, the gauge determines the effect. Fine knit sits close to the body. Chunky stitches look cozy and come into their own when you pair them with narrower bottoms.

Bouclé describes the looped yarn structure, not the fiber. The surface traps air and keeps you warm. It works well for textured jackets, cardigans and skirts in fall. More on this is in the article What Is Bouclé?

More on cut and layering can be found in How to Style and Layer Knitwear.

Linen, cotton and lace: the wardrobe classics

Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is a firm fabric, feels cool and develops typical creases when worn, which are part of its character.

Cotton is a year-round fiber. From light T-shirts to sturdy jeans, you'll find it in almost every quality; a selection is available in cotton for women.

Lace lives from its open structure and therefore looks light and airy. You'll find delicate pieces in our lace category.

Which fabric suits which season?

In summer, airy fabrics that let air reach your skin are pleasant: muslin, linen and light cotton. They feel cool, and although they crease, with linen and muslin that is part of the look. You'll find a selection in our summer fashion. You will find more ideas in the guide Summer Outfits for Women.

For the transitional season, jersey, viscose and fine knitwear work well because they are easy to wear in layers: a jersey top with a light cardigan over it that you take off when it gets warmer. You will find more ideas in the guide Spring Outfits for Women.

In winter, chunky knitwear and bouclé are a good fit, as their surface traps air. Pants in a firmer weave go well with them. You'll find warm pieces in our winter fashion.

Material and cut

How a piece fits also depends on the material. Jersey, smocked panels and soft knits give and adapt. Firm weaves such as linen hardly stretch, so the cut is what counts. How to compare measurements and material before ordering is explained in the guide to One Size and measurements.

Tip: combine volume with calm. A wide muslin dress looks balanced with flat sandals, and a textured bouclé jacket goes well with a flowing skirt.

Shop the look: muslin fashion for women and bouclé jackets for women.

Frequently asked questions

What types of fabric are there for clothing?

In womenswear you'll mainly come across cotton and muslin, linen, viscose and lyocell, knits such as jersey and knitwear, and textured fabrics such as bouclé and lace. Which fiber a piece contains is stated in the material information for the respective item.

Which fabric suits hot summer days?

Airy, loosely woven fabrics such as muslin, linen or light cotton. How a piece feels also depends on the weave and cut.

What is the difference between viscose and lyocell?

Both are made from cellulose and drape softly and fluidly. Lyocell is produced using a different process and generally creases less than viscose.

Which material hardly creases when traveling?

Jersey and lyocell crease the least. Jersey bounces back from creases thanks to its knit structure, and lyocell creases much less than viscose. Bouclé is also uncomplicated because creases are barely visible in its looped surface.

Which fabrics are good for winter?

Chunky knitwear and bouclé, because their surface traps air, plus firmer weaves for pants and jackets. Which fiber a piece contains is listed in the material details for the respective item.