Complete Guide to Fabric Types & How to Verify Fabric Quality
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Buying good fabric—whether for clothing, home linen, or wholesale orders—starts with understanding fibre types and simple quality checks you can do without a lab. This guide explains common fabrics, what to expect from each, and practical tests to verify quality before purchase.
Common fabric types: quick summary
| Fabric | Characteristics | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Breathable, soft, absorbs moisture, easy-care; available in many weaves (cambric, poplin). | Shirts, kurtas, bedsheets, casual wear |
| Linen | Strong, highly breathable, crisp hand, natural slubs (texture), gets softer with wash. | Summer garments, shirts, high-end home linen |
| Silk | Luxurious sheen, smooth, good drape, delicate; multiple types (mulberry, tussar, dupion). | Ethnic wear, sarees, scarves |
| Viscose / Rayon | Semi-synthetic, soft, good drape, can mimic silk/cotton; prone to shrinkage if wet. | Dresses, linings, kurta fabrics |
| Polyester | Durable, wrinkle-resistant, retains color, less breathable; often blended. | Activewear, blended shirting, budget home linen |
| Blends (e.g., Cotton-Poly) | Combine properties: strength, wrinkle resistance, lower cost. | Mass-market apparel, bedsheets |
Key measurements & terms to know
- GSM (grams per square meter): Indicates fabric weight. Higher GSM = heavier/warmer/durable fabric. Example: 120–180 GSM for medium-weight cotton bedsheets; 40–150 GSM for garments depending on drape needs.
- Thread count: Primarily used for bedsheets — higher counts can mean smoother hand but can also be inflated by manufacturers; always consider GSM and yarn quality.
- Yarn type: Combed/compact yarns are smoother and stronger than open-carded yarns.
Practical in-person tests to verify fabric quality
Below are safe, low-cost tests that help assess fiber content and construction without specialized equipment.
1. Hand-feel & visual inspection
- Look: Check for even color, consistent weave, no visible slubs (unless linen/deliberate texture), and straight selvedge.
- Feel: Rub the fabric between thumb and forefinger — premium cotton feels smooth and dense; linen feels crisp; polyester feels slippery and slightly plasticky.
2. The stretch & recovery test
Gently stretch a small section and release — natural fibers like cotton and linen will recover somewhat; elastic recovery indicates presence of spandex or elastane if high.
3. The burn test (use with caution)
Safety first: cut a tiny yarn sample, hold it with tweezers in a ventilated area away from flammable items.
- Cotton/Linen: Burns quickly, leaves soft gray ash, smells like burning paper.
- Wool/Silk: Burns slowly, smells like burning hair, leaves brittle black bead.
- Synthetics (polyester, nylon): Melt, form hard beads, often give off sweet/chemical smells and black smoke.
4. Wet rub & wash test (colorfastness)
Dampen a white cloth and rub strongly across the wet fabric; excessive color transfer means poor dye fixation. For wholesale, request wash test samples (1–3 washes) to confirm color retention and shrinkage behavior.
5. Shrinkage & drape check
Measure a sample, wash as per recommended care, and re-measure. Track % shrinkage. Also drape the fabric over your hand to see how it falls—important for dresses and sarees.
6. Pilling & abrasion test
Rub a small section vigorously with another fabric for 30–60 seconds; check for tiny balls (pills)—high pilling indicates lower fiber quality or short staple yarns.
Tests & checks for online buyers
- Ask for a high-resolution close-up photo showing weave and selvedge; request a short video if possible.
- Request GSM, fabric composition, yarn count (if available), and pre-wash details.
- Order a small sample before placing bulk orders; request a wash test sample.
Special considerations by fabric
- Cotton: Prefer combed or compact yarn, medium GSM for durability; check for even dye and lack of hard sizing.
- Linen: Accept slubs, but ensure no excessive stiffness; look for softness improvement after first wash.
- Silk: Look for sheen, even filament, and minimal roughness; dry-clean recommendations are common.
- Viscose/Rayon: Expect good drape but ask about shrinkage; pre-washed viscose performs better.
- Polyester & Blends: Check for breathability, hand feel, and ensure blending ratio meets the intended use.
Checklist for wholesalers & bulk buyers
- Request a technical data sheet (composition, GSM, shrinkage, yarn count).
- Inspect physical samples and conduct the tests above.
- Ask about dye methods (reactive vs. reactive & printing) and colorfastness ratings.
- Confirm minimum order quantities, lead times and packing standards.
Conclusion — smart buying is repeatable buying
Combining knowledge of fiber behavior with a few simple tests gives you confidence in choosing fabrics that meet comfort, durability and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re sourcing single pieces or placing bulk orders, insist on samples, check GSM and run basic colorfastness & shrinkage tests—these steps reduce returns and increase customer satisfaction.
Explore Srishti Textile CollectionsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I tell pure cotton from a cotton-polyester blend?
Feel and burn test help: blends often feel smoother and less breathable; in a burn test, blends may partially melt (synthetic content) and produce hard residue. Ask the supplier for composition percentage and request a sample for verification.
What GSM should I choose for bedsheets and garments?
For bedsheets: 120–180 GSM is typical for cotton. For shirts and dresses: 100–160 GSM depending on desired drape and season. Heavier GSM for upholstery and heavy linens.
Are synthetic fabrics always lower quality than natural ones?
No. Modern synthetics and blends can offer durability, easy care and colorfastness. Quality depends on yarn, weave and finishing — not just fiber type.
