The Ultimate Fabric Guide: Everything You Should Know

The Ultimate Fabric Guide: Everything You Should Know

The basis of a good capsule wardrobe is clothing that not only makes you look and feel your best, but also stands the test of time. That means choosing the right fabrics. Consider this your condensed guide to the most common fabrics you’ll find in shops - what they’re made of, and their pros and cons.

 - Left Image
 - Right Image

Polyester

Polyester often gets a bad reputation, but it’s an everyday essential for a reason. Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying, it’s perfect for low-maintenance clothing. On the flip side, it’s petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and not the most breathable, meaning sustainability and comfort are its weak spots.

Nylon

Lightweight, smooth, and resistant to water and chemicals, nylon is a go-to for outerwear and sportswear. It’s strong and elastic, but comes with trade-offs: it can yellow under UV exposure, melts when burning, and is more energy-intensive to produce compared to other synthetics. It’s also generally more expensive.

Elastane

This ultra-stretchy fibre is added to garments for flexibility, comfort, and shape retention. While it’s durable and UV-resistant, it doesn’t breathe well, doesn’t tolerate high heat, and requires gentle washing. A little elastane goes a long way though, especially in jeans, leggings, and sportswear.

Viscose

Made from wood pulp, viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric with a silky soft feel and beautiful drape. It’s breathable, dyes easily, and looks luxurious. However, it’s prone to staining and weakening when wet. Care depends on the blend: some viscose can be machine-washed on delicate cycles, but many require dry cleaning.

Lyocell

Seen as viscose’s eco-friendly upgrade, lyocell is made from sustainably sourced wood and produced in a closed-loop process, making it biodegradable and smoother on the conscience. It’s breathable, soft, and elegant — though sensitive to rough washing and generally more expensive.

Acrylic

Marketed as a wool substitute, acrylic is lightweight, warm, and soft. But it’s less breathable, prone to pilling, and can irritate sensitive skin. It’s best reserved for affordable knitwear, though it won’t offer the same longevity as wool.

 - Second Image

Silk

The definition of luxury: silk is soft, lustrous, and naturally thermoregulating. Yet, it’s fragile - sensitive to water, sunlight, and stains - and its production raises environmental and ethical concerns.

Acetate

Known as the “silk” of synthetics, acetate is used in linings, dresses, and occasionwear thanks to its glossy drape. Made from cellulose like viscose, it’s weaker and less breathable, and sheds microfibres during washing — contributing to the microplastic issue.

Cashmere

Combed from the undercoat of cashmere goats, this fabric is soft, light, and luxuriously warm. Its drawbacks? A high price point, susceptibility to pilling, and sensitivity to washing and sunlight. With careful handling, though, cashmere can last a lifetime.

Denim

Born as durable workwear in the 1800s, denim has become timeless. Made from sturdy cotton twill, it’s structured, versatile, and iconic. Downsides: quality denim can be costly, isn’t always sustainably produced, and cheaper versions often bleed dye or lose shape.

Cotton

Sourced from the cotton plant, this natural fibre is known for its breathability, softness, and absorbency, making it a warm-weather favourite. The downside? Pure cotton can shrink easily, crease, and wear out faster than cotton-synthetic blends, so it requires careful washing.

Linen

A summer staple, linen is crisp, airy, and incredibly breathable, thanks to its flax fibre base. Its natural wrinkles give it charm, but for some wearers, creasing is a dealbreaker.

Summary

Choosing fabrics is about more than looks - it’s about longevity, comfort, and your stance on sustainability matters. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk offer breathability and timeless appeal, while synthetics like polyester, nylon, and elastane provide performance and durability. Blends often balance the best of both worlds.