Fabric consists of fibers spun into yarn that are arrayed into planar assemblies through predetermined structures for specific applications. The yarn is produced through either synthetic, man-made processes or through natural fiber extraction from plants, animals, or minerals. Fabric has defined cultures across the ages and still influences society today. It finds uses from industry to clothing. A few characteristics of fabric include: texture, appearance, and absorbency. Fabric types include: denim, chiffon, and corduroy.
In this article, we will discuss fabric definition, characteristics, and types.
What Is Fabric?
Fabric is a material resembling cloth. Cloth is a pliable material made through weaving, felting, or knitting fibers together. Essentially, fabric is a material made from fibers and can be thick or thin, smooth or rough, light or heavy. The properties of the material are imparted from: the fiber used, the method used to create the fabric, and the treatment after it is made.
What Is Fabric Made Of?
Fabric is made from many sources. We get natural fabric and synthetic fabrics. Natural fabrics come from natural sources such as plants, and synthetic fabrics come from petrochemicals. Raw materials for making natural fabric include:
- Hemp
- Jute
- Flax
- Cotton
- Animal Skin
- Animal Hair
Synthetic fabric raw material undergoes chemical processing to create synthetic fabric and contains many chemical compounds. Raw materials include:
- Ethylene glycol
- Terephthalic acid
- Formaldehyde
- Diamine acid
- Adipic acid
- Isocyanates
How Is Fabric Made?
Fabric is made from cloth that is a planar assembly of fibers. Natural, extracted fibers are joined together through friction to create fiber strands. Synthetic fibers are extracted into fiber strands. These strands are spun into yarn that form the planar assembly of fibers that become the fabric.
What Are the Different Characteristics of Fabric?
The different characteristics of fabric are influenced by the: type of fiber used, cloth type, and treatment of the cloth. Below are a few characteristics of fabric:
1. Texture
The texture of fabric describes the surface finish of the textile. The perceived quality of fabric is determined by the haptic and visual-senses feedback. If the texture feels and looks expensive the perception will be that the fabric must be of higher quality. The texture can be smooth or rough, dull or shiny. Even though fabric texture is dictated by internal aspects such as: fiber, yarn, and structure, it contributes to the fabric’s aesthetics and functionality. Texture influences the cost of the fabric because intricate textures require specialized craftsmanship to perfect.
2. Insulation
Insulation characteristics of fabrics depend on: fiber characteristics, the structure of the fabric, and the thickness. Synthetic fibers are usually the best thermal insulators as they tend to be less breathable than natural fibers. Good insulating fabrics should decrease the rate of heat transfer from the body to the cooler outside air. If the heat transfer rate is too large then the fabric will not be considered a good thermal insulator.
3. Appearance
Fabric appearance is directly correlated to the texture. The appearance of the fabric is influenced by the fiber, the yarn, and the fabric structure. The ability to hold color also adds to the appearance of the fabric and the perceived quality of the fabric. The fabric’s ability to resist pilling, wrinkling, and seam puckering influences its appearance.
4. Flexibility
Fabric flexibility is influenced by the fiber used to produce the fabric. The thicker the fiber the less flexible the fabric, and the thinner the fiber the more flexible the fabric. Flexible fabric should be both flexible and durable to resist breaking the fibers. Flexibility in fabric enables the fabric to be used in draperies or upholstery work.
5. Durability
Fabric durability encapsulates a multitude of characteristics. Durable fabric resists abrasion, tearing, seam slipping, pilling, color loss, and fabric rupture. Fabric structure aids in the durability of the fabric. The main proponent of durability remains the selection of the fiber. The fiber imparts the underlying strength and durability of fabrics. More durable fabrics can be used for longer periods without repair or replacement.
6. Breathability
Fabric breathability is the capacity of moisture to permeate effectively to aid in cooling and drying. Highly breathable fabrics will not function as winter garments as the heat transfer will be too great. Breathable fabric functions extremely well as activity wear; it enables sufficient moisture permeation, keeping the fabric from becoming overly wet during activity.
7. Cost-Effectiveness
Synthetic fabrics are generally cost-effective. They are mixed with natural fabrics to lower the cost of fabric production and maintain fabric comfort in apparel. Cost-effectiveness enables the production of enough fabric to sustain market demand for clothing, industrial fabric, and the automotive industry.
8. Absorbency
The natural affinity of fiber to attract and contain water influences the absorbency of the fabric. Highly absorbent fabrics are used for: towels, pillowcases, and bedding. Absorbency should be a factor in fabric selection as waterlogged fabrics become heavy and influence comfort.
9. Eco-Friendliness
Eco-friendly materials should not just be defined as natural fiber or synthetic fiber, but defined with holistic impact awareness. Natural fibers can still undergo chemical treatment and negatively impact the environment. That said, fiber sourced from responsible resources does not legitimize the whole process of fabric production. Synthetic fabric can be recycled indefinitely without loss in properties which could make it more responsible over the longer run than specific natural fabrics. A holistic approach to sustainability should be taken rather than just relying on face-value, cherry-picked facts.
10. Ease of Care
Fabric ease of care is defined by the amount of effort to maintain and keep fabrics in good condition. This characteristic resists wrinkles, shrinkage, color loss, and staining. Ease of care is influenced by fiber selection and fabric structure.
What Is the Use of Fabric?
The use of fabric may be for: clothing, protection, cleaning, holding things, tying things, covering things, decorations, and communication. Fabrics serve an inaugural part in history, and society would look a whole lot different if it was not for fabrics. Fabric and textiles in general helped the trade between massive empires and assisted in shaping current societies.
How Is Fabric Used in Different Industries?
Fabric finds many uses in diverse industries. Industries in which fabric finds use include: the clothing industry, chemical industry, build environment, aerospace, automotive, medical, marine, and manufacturing industries. These industries use fabric for filtration, cleaning, finishing, insulation, silk-screen printing, seals and gaskets, driving belts, fabric-printed circuit boards, ropes, computer printer tape, and many more uses.
What Are the Different Types of Fabric?
There are a myriad of different types of fabrics produced from a multitude of fibers. Below are a few types of fabric:
1. Cotton
Cotton is produced from the cotton plant seed fiber and is a natural fiber. Cotton is a popular crop, aiding in making cotton fabric less expensive than other natural fabrics. Cotton is a versatile textile, and different weaving techniques can impart desired characteristics to cotton fabric. Cotton can be used for voiles, laces, underwear, casual wear, velveteen, and heavy sailcloth. The pros to using cotton include: being relatively inexpensive, comfortable, absorbent, and versatile. The cons to using cotton include: it wrinkles easily, is sensitive to mildew, cotton boll is sensitive to environmental conditions, and the cotton plant has many pests and diseases. Figure 1 is an example of cotton usage in the domestic environment:
