34 fibres and fabrics.
Fibres
AcrylicA warm, lofty fibre for sweaters and knitwear, alone or blended with wool or cotton.BambooBamboo viscose and bamboo fibre, with the distinction required on US fibre labels.CottonThe workhorse fibre: combed and carded, ring-spun and open-end, and what each does in a garment.HempA strong, textured bast fibre, on its own or blended with cotton.JuteThe golden bast fibre for totes and shoppers.LinenFlax fibre for shirts, dresses and summer bottoms, alone or blended with cotton or viscose.LyocellA solvent-spun cellulosic with a cool hand, finished smooth or peach-skin.ModalA softer, stronger cellulosic for loungewear, innerwear and premium jersey.Organic cottonCotton grown to organic standards, and the certification a programme asks for.PolyesterFilament and spun polyester, performance knits and polycotton blends.Recycled fibresRecycled cotton and polyester, how recycled content changes a fabric, and how it is certified.Spandex (elastane)The stretch fibre: how much goes into a knit or a woven, and how recovery is tested.Viscose (rayon)The drapey cellulosic behind fluid dresses and shirts, woven or knitted.WoolFine merino knits and suiting, specified by micron, construction and care.
Knit fabrics
FleeceBrushed-back knit for hoodies and sweatshirts, smooth face outside.French terryLoopback knit for sweatshirts and joggers, by weight.InterlockA smooth, stable double knit for polos, tees and babywear.JacquardPatterns woven or knitted into the cloth itself.PiquéThe textured knit of the polo shirt, single and double.Rib1x1 and 2x2 rib for cuffs, collars and fitted bodies.Single jerseyThe T-shirt knit: gauge, count and weight, face and reverse.
Woven fabrics
CanvasHeavy plain-weave cotton by the ounce, for bags and workwear jackets.ChambrayThe light, denim-coloured plain weave for shirts and dresses.CorduroyCut-pile wales from pinwale to jumbo, for trousers and jackets.CrepePebbly, matte crepes from moss crepe to crepe de chine.DenimIndigo twill by the ounce, rigid and stretch, for jeans and jackets.GeorgetteA sheer, grainy, fluid fabric for dresses and tops.JacquardPatterns woven or knitted into the cloth itself.MuslinSoft, airy cotton muslin and double gauze.OxfordBasket-weave cotton shirting for button-down and casual shirts.PoplinThe fine, crisp plain weave of shirts and summer dresses.SatinFloating-yarn lustre for nightwear and occasion dresses.SeersuckerPuckered-stripe cotton for summer shirts and shorts.TwillThe diagonal weave behind chinos and trousers: 2/1, 3/1, 2/2, drill, herringbone and stretch twill.VoileA fine, sheer plain weave for tops, dresses and linings.