This vendor chooses the highest-quality and
most-durable fabrics for their product line. Here are some FAQ about
fabrics.
Fibers are thin hair-like structures that are either natural or man-made.
They are the true building blocks of today's fabrics.
Natural fibers. These come from plants, animals or vegetables. Some
natural fibers are:
cotton, flax/linen, ramie, silk and wool.
Man-made fibers. These are either cellulosic (for example, rayon or
lyocell) or non-cellulosic (such as nylon and polyester) fibers that
are chemically produced and created through technology.
Fabric Glossary
Fabrics are created by either weaving or knitting processes. Below you’ll
find helpful descriptions of both, and then a list of today’s most
popular fabrics.
Woven. Two or more sets of yarns are interlaced at right angles to each
other. The variations are as follows.
plain weave – the simplest and most common weave
twill weave – basic weave characterized by diagonal lines in the face
of the fabric
oxford – fine, soft, lightweight 2 x 1 basket weave variation of the
plain weave construction
satin - usually made from yarns with high luster to produce a shiny face
crepe – woven to have a crinkled, pebbly surface
dobby – features small, woven-in repeated designs that are usually
geometric in shape
jacquard – characterized by intricate, woven-in motifs
Knits. These fabrics are made by intermeshing or interlocking loops of
yarns, using the knit and purl stiches. Basic knits are listed below.
jersey – known as a plain or single knit, with a vertical grain
on front for a smooth surface
rib – characterized by lengthwise ribs and greater elasticity in the
width
interlock – variation of a rib knit with a smooth surface
Today’s popular fabrics:
Bedford cord – strong and durable fabric with a vertical rib effect
brocade – rich, heavy jacquard-woven fabric with raised patterns
canvas – extra strong, durable plain weave fabric
challis – plain weave fabric known for softness and drapability
chambray – plain weave fabric interlacing a colored and white yarn
chenille – soft, thick, absorbent fabric woven from chenille yarns
chintz – solid or printed cotton or cotton blend fabrics with a
slightly shiny or glazed finish
corduroy – napped fabric with ridges
damask – jacquard-woven fabric with elaborate patterns, similar
to brocade but flatter
denim – twill weave fabric interlacing colored and white yarns
doupioni – plain weave fabric with irregular, long, thin slubs
duck – extra strong, durable plain weave fabric
eyelet – fancywork featuring cut-out areas with stitching around
them
flannel – plain or twill weave fabric with slight nap
fleece – knit fabric with a dense brushed nap on one or both sides
gabardine – twill weave fabric with a pronounced diagonal line
visible in the face of the fabric
gauze – plain weave fabric with a loose, open weave due to a low
thread count
intarsia – knit fabric of two or more colors characterized by an
unrestricted stretch
lace – fine, openwork fabric with patterns worked onto a background
of net or mesh
macramé – knotted string, wool or yarns that create designs
and openwork patterns
matelassé – thick, double fabric with a quilted-like top
texture and raised patterns
microfiber – ultra-fine man-made fibers of acrylic, nylon, polyester
or rayon, woven into a fabric that’s soft and supremely drapable
moleskin – tightly woven cotton twill brushed with uniform thickness
creating an extremely soft, yet rugged and long lasting fabric
percale – smooth, luxurious tightly-woven fabric
piece dye – the dyeing of fabric after weaving or knitting
piqué – woven or knit fabric characterized by an all-over,
small square textured pattern
plissé – plain weave fabric with a textured surface similar
to seersucker
pointelle – a knit fabric with a lacey pattern knit in
pongee – thin fabric known for its softness
seersucker – plain weave fabric with permanent crinkled stripes
shantung – plain weave fabric, usually of silk, with irregular
slubs for a rough texture
sheeting – a lightweight plain weave fabric
terry cloth – woven or knitted fabric with a pile weave of uncut
loops
thermal knit (or waffle weave) – fabric knit with a series of square,
waffle-like designs that hold in warmth
tricot – knit fabric characterized by its fine vertical face and
cross ribs on the back
tweed – a medium to heavy weight twill weave fabric, usually woolen,
containing colored slubbed yarns
velour – napped fabric with a thick pile surface
velvet – fabric with a woven cut pile that has a rich, soft texture
voile – very sheer, lightweight fabric with a crisp hand
whipcord – twill weave fabric with a step diagonal pattern on the
face
yarn dye – the dyeing of yarns before fabric is woven or knit
Guide To Yarns
Yarns are continuous strands of textile fibers or material and are suitable
for weaving or knitting into a fabric. Here are some helpful terms.
2-ply yarn – two yarns twisted together
3-ply yarn – three yarns twisted together
bouclé yarn – a novelty yarn with tightly twisted loops
for rich texture
slub yarn – a yarn with a thick spot for variation in texture
chenille yarn – yarn with a core and pile-like surface for super
softness
seed yarn – a yarn with a nub that is slightly twisted
denier – a numbering system for yarns; the higher the number, the
thicker the yarn
carded – a yarn that contains a wide range of fiber lengths
combed – a yarn that contains long, even fibers that produces a
stronger, finer and smoother effect
worsted – a yarn that is smooth surfaced and spun from long-staple,
evenly combed wool
mercerized – a yarn that has been treated to increase luster and
affinity for dyes
Guide to Fabric Finishes
Today’s popular finishes give fabrics a new look, superb comfort
and great performance!
Enzyme Wash finish -- garment is washed with enzymes with the goal to ‘age’ the
fabric so that it looks and feels much softer
Garment Wash finish -- garment is washed producing a soft, already worn
feel
Stain-Resistant finish -- treatment, usually Teflon®, is applied
to fabric to help repel water and stains
Stonewash finish -- garment is washed with stones with the goal to ‘age’ the
fabric so that it looks worn and feels much softer
Wrinkle-Free finish -- treatment is applied to fabric, primarily cottons,
to produce a permanent crease requiring little or no ironing
Wrinkle-Resistant finish -- treatment is applied to fabric, primarily
cottons, to produce a prominent crease and a crisp look with just light
ironing
Guide to Footwear
Blown Rubber -- 40% lighter than solid rubber; the addition of air makes
for a softer, more cushioned landing
Burnishing -- producing a bright glossy finish on leather by means of
friction or preheated machinery
Calf Leather -- offers fine grain, suppleness and exceptional durability
Dual Density Midsoles -- two different densities of foam within the same
midsole; allows manufacturers to fine-tune performance by creating different
levels of support or cushioning
Polyurethane -- any of various resins, widely varying in flexibility,
used in tough chemical-resistant coatings, adhesives, and foams
EVA -- ethylene vinyl acetate blended with synthetic rubber to become
lightweight
Full-Grain Leather -- skins where only the hair has been removed, leaving
the natural surface grain unchanged
Gore-Tex® -- waterproof, windproof, and breathable; a composite of
a completely waterproof polymer film
Kidskin Leather -- offers fine grain and suppleness
Midsole -- usually made of foam and responsible for a shoe’s cushioning
capability; located between the upper and the outsole
Nappa Leather -- leather that is remarkably soft and supple
Neoprene -- synthetic rubber, polychloroprene
Nubuck -- grain leather that has been slightly brushed on the surface
to create a very fine velvet-like appearance
P.U. Sole -- polyurethane sole which is lightweight, flexible, hard wearing
and has shock-absorbing qualities
Patent Leather -- fine-grain leather specially treated with polyurethane
to create an exceptionally glossy finish
PVC -- polyvinyl chloride - a synthetic plastic widely used for soling
and coated upper materials
Shank -- a bar that supports and strengthens the shoe in the small of
the foot between heel and front part; can be steel, plastic or wood
Shearling -- sheepskin with the wool
Suede Leather -- leather with a buffed underside, giving a textured appearance
T.P.U. Post -- a stability devise made of thermoplastic urethane placed
medially in the heel of the midsole to add pronation (inward roll of
the foot) control and/or laterally to control supination (outward roll
of the foot)
Thermoplastic Rubber -- a synthetic rubber that can be fused by heat
and therefore processed into soles by injection moulding
Top-Grain Leather -- the uppermost layer in a hide; thin tightly woven
fibers give this leather its waterproofing qualities; smooth appearance
and less abrasion-resistant than rough-out leather
Vulcanized Rubber -- raw rubber treated by milling with sulphur and heat
to allow for moulding and to increase durability and inhibit deterioration
Guide to Leathers
Find the leather that's just right for you…and your style!
Lambskin -- soft, buttery texture and lightweight
Cowhide -- heavy and durable
Pigskin -- commonly used for suede
Split -- when a thick hide is split, this term refers to the top surface
which looks like suede but is not as soft
Suede -- leather that is finished by buffing the underside of a hide
to produce a velvet-like nap
Distressed Leather -- buffing surface to create uneven coloration and
markings for a weathered look
Leather Care Tips
Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with proper care right
from the start.
* Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain
their shape. Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with
tissue to help retain their shape.
* Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This
will cause leather to become dry.
* Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any heat source.
Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility while suede
can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.
* In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging
with clear water, then follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather.
* Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight.
* Do not use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that impair
a garment's ability to breathe.
* Wrinkles should hang out. If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting,
use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment
and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.
* Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do
not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. Wearing a scarf at the neckline will
help keep hair and body oil away from the collar.
* Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement. For best results see
a leather care professional.
All products designed to be used at home should be tested on an inconspicuous
part of the garment.
Style Terms
A-line – skirt in which the hemline measures greater than the
hip line, for more fullness
appliqué – separate piece of fabric that is applied to a
larger background for decoration
banded collar – a collar attached to the neckline by a band that
stands up against the neck
bartack – series of short, narrow zigzag stitches that reinforce
a stress point on a garment
besom pocket – also a welt pocket; characterized by a separate
strip or flap stitched to the pocket opening with the pouch falling to
the inside of the garment
bias – a line diagonally across the grain of the fabric; garments
cut on the bias closely follow curves of the body
boat neck – neckline cut in a shallow curve across the line of
the collar bones almost to the tip of the shoulders, with the same shape
across the back
box pleat – double pleat where the two folds meet in the center,
underneath the pleat
capri – pants that fall slightly above the ankle
cardigan – outer coat, jacket or sweater type of garment that buttons
in the center front
cuff – a finishing band of material, either made separately and
attached or created by turning back an extension of the hem of a sleeve
or pant leg
dart – a V-shaped seam to fit garments around body contours
embroidery – decorative needlework using various colored yarns
or embroidery floss
gore – section of a skirt that is wider at the hem than the top,
for fullness and shaping
placket – areas that feature buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. that
secure an opening in a garment
princess line – curving shaping seam that forms panels to contour
a garment to the body
rise – distance from crotch to bottom of waistband in pants
set-in sleeve – sleeve that is cut separately and sewn into the
armhole of the bodice, to fit smoothly or with gathers for exaggerated
fullness
shirttail hem – shaped hemline that curves up from center front
and back to the side seams
tankini – two-piece swimsuit with bikini style bottom and tank
style top
welt pocket – also a besom pocket; characterized by a separate
strip or flap stitched to the pocket opening with the pouch falling to
the inside of the garment
yoke – portion of garment across the shoulders (front or back)
that is usually a separate piece of fabric seamed to the body of the
garment
Some info sourced from our vendor partner: Blair.com |