How To Shortlist Fabric for Clothing Production
How To Shortlist Fabric for Clothing Production
Fabric selection is one of the most essential and initial steps of clothing production. Ensuring you shortlist the right fabric is vital, as it plays an important role in determining the final design and durability of the garment. So, in this blog, Label Saasha welcomes you to dive deep into the journey of fabric selection. While choosing the desired fabric can seem like a hassle, this guide will help you understand how to shortlist fabric for clothing production without failure. Let’s begin!
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Fabric for Production
Since there are hundreds of options to choose from, it is essential to consider some key factors while shortlisting your fabric. Here are some general steps you shouldn't overlook:
- Understanding The Purpose
First and foremost, what type of clothing are you planning to make? Determining the purpose of the clothing is the first step in choosing the right material. The type of fabric will depend on whether you want your clothing to be casual wear or formal, whether the garment is intended to be worn for colder months or summer, and if you prefer a regular or luxe look.
- Fabric Composition
If you want your clothing to be breathable and comfortable for everyday wear, consider fabric that is made from natural fibres. For instance, choose cotton, wool, linen, or silk for comfortable garments. In case you want your garment to be more stretchable with strong durability, you can go for fabric compositions such as synthetics: polyester or nylon. Take note that most high-quality fabrics are made from natural fibres.
You can also go for fabric blends. They offer the best of both worlds. One of the best examples is cotton-polyester, which offers both durability and softness.
- Weight And Drape
Checking the weight of the fabric is crucial, as it will decide its suitability for different types of garments. For instance, heavier fabrics drape differently than lighter ones. The drape of a fabric indicates how it will hang when made into clothing. Heavier fabrics with less drape, like wool and denim, are perfect for winter wear. Conversely, lightweight fabrics with good drapes, such as cotton lawn and chiffon, are perfect for breezy summer clothing.
So, always test how a fabric falls and flows to ensure it fits into the particular clothing criteria. If you want a structured look, opt for fabrics with stiffer drapes, while fabrics with good drapes will work best for flowy clothing.
- Texture
High-quality fabric will always feel soft and gentle against the skin. Always run your fingers through the fabric to check its texture. Texture can also add visual appeal. So, consider how different textures can add visual elements to your overall clothing design.
Nonetheless, always go for a smoother texture if you want to produce garments that are worn close to the body.
- Colorfastness
Another key factor to consider is a fabric’s colorfastness. Take a small piece of cloth dampened in water or rubbing alcohol and run through the fabric. Good quality fabric will not bleed any color when it comes in contact with the damp cloth. In case the color transfers, it is a sign to reconsider the fabric quality.
Tips For Choosing Sustainable Fabric
As staunch believers of sustainable fashion, at Label Saasha, we always guide our clients towards sustainable material sourcing. Sustainable fabrics are not only high quality but also eco-friendly, which allows us to reduce our carbon footprint. So, here are some ways you can ensure your fabric is sustainable:
- Certifications
Before shortlisting any fabric, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) or OEKO-TEX. These certifications ensure that the fabric is environmentally friendly.
- Organic Materials
We always prioritize organic materials such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled materials when choosing fabric for our clothing. In synthetic fibres, we recommend those made from recycled plastics, such as fleece. In considering regenerated fibre fabrics, such as viscose, rayon, etc., look for those made from sustainable crops.
- Source Research
Before buying any fabric, always research the sourcing of the material. Check whether sustainable practices in farming and manufacturing were upheld while producing the fabric. At Label Saasha, we offer authentic fabrics crafted by artisans, ensuring 100% ethical and sustainable practices. Choosing to buy from businesses that are transparent about their sourcing and production techniques is a responsible decision.
How Fabric Properties Impact Clothing Design and Durability
As mentioned in the beginning, the composition of the fabric is vital to determining a clothing’s final design and durability. Here is how:
- Influence On Design
If your garment has a flowy and casual touch to it, you have to opt for fabric with a good drape. Lightweight natural fabrics like cotton lawn are ideal. In the case of structured garments like jackets, you have to choose heavier fabrics like denim to get the desired shape.
- Effect On Fit
The degree of stretch in cotton is different from polyester, which affects the overall fit of the garment. Hence, depending on the type of clothing you want, the fabric will differ. For instance, when you are making gymwear, you have to choose a fabric that is stretchable and fits well on the body. Choosing the right fabric will ultimately improve the fit and functionality of the clothing.
- Durability
Some fabrics are naturally more durable than others. For example, while fabrics made from natural fibres are more comfortable to wear, fabrics made from synthetic fibres are more durable and easy to care for. If you are designing a garment intended for longevity, opting for a fabric that can resist wear and tear will keep the design intact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shortlisting Fabric For Production
While choosing a high-quality garment is essential, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t overlook the cost of the fabric. Be mindful of your budget, as high-quality fabrics can increase production costs.
- Always test a fabric before buying it. Washability, colourfastness, and wear and tear of fabric must be checked before confirming any purchase.
- Lastly, always align your fabric with the intended use. Failing to choose the right fabric will lead to the failure of your overall clothing design. Moreover, stay up-to-date and choose certain features of a fabric that have a high influence on consumers.
Endnote
Choosing the right fabric for clothing production is not a child’s play. From careful consideration of the composition to its sustainability, there are certain factors that you cannot skip. By understanding this blog and considering the key factors mentioned, you are sure to find the ideal fabric for your garment. Moreover, always keep sustainability in mind to become a responsible contributor to today’s fashion landscape.
Label Saasha team helps you finding right fabric for your clothing whether printed, dyed, handloom, in any variety.
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