The 32 Types of Fabric Everyone Should Know

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Pick the best fabric for your next project with our expert guide

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Acrylic

2 Cashmere

3 Chenille

4 Chiffon

5 Chambray

6 Corduroy

7 Cotton

8 Denim

9 Flannel

10 Fleece

11 Gingham

12 Jersey

13 Lace

14 Leather

15 Linen

16 Lycra

17 Neoprene

18 Nylon

19 Oxford

20 Pique

21 Polyester

22 Poplin

23 Rayon

24 Satin

25 Sherpa

26 Silk

27 Suede

28 Terry

29 Tweed

30 Twill

31 Velvet

32 Wool

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Co-authored by Eric McClure

Last Updated: April 3, 2026 Fact Checked

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Whether you’re interested in crocheting, sewing, cosplaying, or some other kind of crafting, it can be hard to tell exactly what kinds of fabric you should be looking at buying. What makes polyester different from cotton? Why is Oxford so expensive? Is it worth it to go with cashmere or is traditional wool better for my project? To answer any fabric-related question you could imagine, wikiHow sat down with professional seamstresses, crafters, and stylists to get the insight you need to identify the perfect fabric for your project.

What are the different kinds of fabric?

The most popular fabrics for DIY crafting, sewing, and crocheting include cotton, wool, nylon, silk, cashmere, and linen. If you’re looking for a flexible and cheap fabric to learn with, cotton is a good choice, although linen and flannel are also very forgiving. Acrylic and denim are also very durable options.

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1

Acrylic

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1. Acrylic is basically a synthetic version of wool. It’s made from a type of petroleum-based plastic (just like acrylic cases and acrylic paint). It doesn’t tend to be nearly as comfortable as wool, but the trade-off is worth it if you prioritize easier care—it’s much easier to take care of acrylic garments than it is to take care of wool.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Any kind of winter or fall clothing. It’s also able to get wet (which can damage wool), so it’s perfect for things like hats and mittens. Crochet expert Erin Toews says that acrylic yarn is typically the cheapest around, which makes it great if you’re learning to crochet.
   • Care requirements: Acrylic is really durable. Wash and dry in the machine using whatever settings you’d like.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Erin Toews is a crochet expert who runs a crochet marketplace and educational platform where she teaches people how to work with fabric.

   Candace Hanna is a style expert with over a decade of experience helping people dress and look their best.

   Kathleen Ballos is a crafting and DIY expert who specializes in creating original work with all kinds of different materials.

   Kathi Burns, CPO®, is a fashion stylist who helps clients feel better about the way they look.

   Sherri Miller is a seamstress and costume designer with over 8 years of experience crafting and working with fabrics
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2

Cashmere

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1. Cashmere is a type of wool cultivated from Cashmere goats, which are only found in Asia. It’s much warmer than traditional wool and has an exceptionally soft quality that makes it very desirable. Fashion stylist Kathi Burns, CPO®, says that you shouldn’t be scared to work with cashmere. It’s surprisingly affordable and pretty forgiving.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Scarves, jackets, sweaters, and hats.
   • Care requirements: It’s really important to only hand-wash cashmere with cool water and the mildest detergent possible. This stuff only retains its high-quality texture if you take care of it.

3

Chenille

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1. Adorably named after the French word for the fur on a caterpillar, Chenille is one of the softest fabrics to the touch. It’s typically made with a combination of cotton, polyester, and/or Rayon, which are thinned out and then twisted around a tiny rod to create a raised pile that’s exceptionally soft.

   • Fabric type: Natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Chenille is a little too plush for most garment designs, but it’s great for blankets, pillows, furniture, and decorative items.
   • Care requirements: Chenille shouldn’t get wet (which is another reason it’s kind of bad for clothing). Avoid anything other than a damp cloth and some soft vacuuming when cleaning it.
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4

Chiffon

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1. Like Chenille, Chiffon is made with a combo of cotton, polyester, and/or Rayon. However, Chiffon is made by twisting the strands in a cross-hatching pattern, which gives the material a totally different feel. This fabric is really airy and light. It’s also kind of scratchy and rough-feeling against your skin, though, so it’s not a popular option for clothing.

   • Fabric type: Natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Drapes, scarves, bridal accessories, lingerie, curtains, and decorative items.
   • Care requirements: Either hand-wash Chiffon items in cold water, or have them professionally dry cleaned.

5

Chambray

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1. You know those soft, blue men’s dress shirts you’ll often see office workers wearing? That’s chambray. Chambray is a cotton- or linen-based fabric made out of a perpendicular, grid-like weave. The vertical threads are dyed blue, and the horizontal threads are dyed white, which creates a unique, soft blue color.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: You’re free to use chambray for literally anything you want, but it is mainly used for dress shirts commercially.
   • Care requirements: Machine wash with cold water and use the delicates cycle in the dryer.
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6

Corduroy

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1. Corduroy is a distinct fabric made by weaving cotton varieties together, compressing them, and then cutting distinct ridges out of the fabric. The result is a very thick but velvet-y material that is both classic and unique.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: It’s not very breathable, so it’s best for jackets, pants, hats, and coats.
   • Care requirements: Machine wash corduroy garments inside-out, then air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Corduroy can get kind of musky and moldy if you air-dry it in an enclosed space.

7

Cotton

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1. Cotton is the most widely produced natural fiber in the world, and for good reason. It’s naturally comfortable and breathable, and it holds up really well to wear and tear. It’s also hypoallergenic, which means anyone can wear it without breaking out. It’s made with the seed pods from a cotton plant.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: General clothing and fabric accessories, like shoelaces, bags, and scarves. Toews says, “If you're doing garments, or dishcloths, using cotton is good. It’s breathable and sturdy, so it holds up well."
   • Care requirements: Be aware that cotton will shrink in the dryer. It’s also not great at drying out on its own, so it’s not a good fabric for outerwear.
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8

Denim

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1. Denim is actually totally interchangeable with twill. The only defining feature here is the color—denim is made using cotton and/or polyester that has been dyed blue or indigo. That’s it! It’s just blue twill.

   • Fabric type: Usually natural, but sometimes synthetic or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Any kind of casual clothing or work gear.
   • Care requirements: None! This stuff is super easy to care for. Wash and dry it using whatever machine settings you’d like.

9

Flannel

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1. Flannel is wool and/or yarn that has been woven and corded in a criss-crossing pattern so that the nap of the wool rubs against itself, which creates flannel’s iconic soft texture and feel. This stuff is made to be very comfortable and smooth, but it can be kind of heavy, given how many layers of fabric are used to make it.

   • Fabric type: Usually natural, but sometimes synthetic or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Thicker shirts are the main thing people make with flannel, but don’t let that stop your imagination!
   • Care requirements: You can wash and dry flannel using whatever methods you’d like.
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10

Fleece

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1. Fleece is technically just a type of wool. Specifically, it’s the outermost layer of a sheep’s wool, so it tends to be the thickest and most “weathered” type of wool. This is why you almost exclusively see it used for outerwear.

   • Fabric type: Natural, but it’s usually treated in a way that qualifies it as semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Couture fitting tailor Rhonda Hale says that fleece is probably most popularly used for hoodies and light sweaters.
   • Care requirements: Dry cleaner and laundry specialist Ayad Mirjan says that, despite popular belief, you can machine-wash fleece, but only so long as you use the delicate cycle.

11

Gingham

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1. Also known as Vichy check, gingham is a plain-woven fabric made out of two dyed fabrics to create a traditional checkered pattern. Most people immediately see gingham and think “picnic blanket!” but the fabric is much more versatile than you’d think. Due to the way it’s woven, it’s easy to make reversible garments out of the stuff, and it’s a popular material for faux-vintage items.

   • Fabric type: Usually natural, sometimes synthetic or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Reversible clothing, home decor, tablecloths, “country” and honky tonk gear, and yes…picnic blankets.
   • Care requirements: No need for special treatment, so long as you only use cold water. That helps preserve the color and fabric quality.
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12

Jersey

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1. Despite what you’re probably thinking, this is not “sports jersey” material—it’s a fabric named after the island that invented the material. Jersey is a knit fabric made from a combination of wool, cotton, and various synthetic fibers. If you knew nothing about fabric, you’d probably mistake Jersey for high-end cotton (in fact, many retailers refer to it as a type of cotton). It’s very plush and soft, but it has a kind of lightweight breathability that feels a lot like cotton.

   • Fabric type: Semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: T-shirts, bed sheets, athleticwear, shorts, and pajamas.
   • Care requirements: Regular washing methods will work, but we do recommend turning Jersey garments inside out. It’ll help the longevity of the piece.

13

Lace

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1. Lace is a super delicate material made by weaving yarn or wool in a web pattern, which spreads the individual fibers out so far that you can often just see through them. Lace tends to be very hard to make and work with, but it’s still beloved for its iconic texture, look, and feel.

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Flourishes on dresses, underwear, and other delicate items.
   • Care requirements: Lace is almost universally hand-wash only.
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14

Leather

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1. Leather is animal skin that has been tanned and treated. It’s strong, tough stuff that holds up really well to basically everything so long as it doesn’t get wet. It’s a popular material for a reason—it’s basically impossible to get the same texture and weight with other fabrics out there.

   • Fabric type: Natural or synthetic (if vegan leather).
   • Best used for: Basically anything! Leather is a popular option for coats, furniture, pillows, jackets, shirts, pants, and shoes. Outside of underwear, the world is your oyster on this one.
   • Care requirements: Brush it when it’s dirty and dry clean as needed. You cannot wash leather (or get it wet, really). It’s the major downside of the material.

15

Linen

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1. Linen is a natural fabric made from the flax plant. It’s an incredibly breathable and comfortable fabric, and it’s a popular option for bedsheets, clothing, and blankets. It’s also extremely absorbent—even more so than cotton. All of these features (combined with the fact that it’s organic) make linen a huge fan favorite in the world of textiles.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Almost anything. It’s a very comfortable fabric that tends to be forgiving to work with.
   • Care requirements: Machine-wash with cold water and machine-dry on low heat, and you should be fine.
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16

Lycra

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1. Popularly known by its iconic brand name “Spandex,” Lycra is a polyurethane-based copolymer, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a synthetic fabric. Lycra is popular because of its incredible stretchiness and moisture-wicking properties, which make it perfect for workout gear.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Anything you’re going to wear while you sweat. Cosplayer Naiquan Midyett also mentions that Lycra is the perfect fabric if you’re interested in cosplay and costumes, since it’s so forgiving with its stretchability.
   • Care requirements: You can machine wash and dry Lycra, but use the delicate cycle and cold water.

17

Neoprene

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1. Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber. It’s a really versatile fabric because of its resistance to water, heat, and oil, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a material that can preserve heat in gnarly environments.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Wetsuits, swimsuits, long underwear, thermal gear, and covers for important items.
   • Care requirements: Always handwash neoprene. The high heat and agitation from washing machines and dryers can warp the material and make it less effective in the future.
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18

Nylon

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1. Nylon is a general category of 100% synthetic fibers made from petrochemicals. It’s really durable stuff, and it’s good at wicking moisture, which makes it ideal for athleticwear and work gear. It’s a great general fabric that tends to be very forgiving—both to work with and to wear.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Hiking gear, rain jackets, tights, umbrellas, underwear, socks, and leggings. Anything that might get wet and needs to be a little stretchy will generally work with nylon.
   • Care requirements: Use cold water to wash nylon, then air-dry it to ensure it maintains its shape.

19

Oxford

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1. As you might suspect, Oxford fabric is the material used to make Oxford shirts. Oxford fabric is a very tightly-woven cotton (or polyester) fabric to create a basket-weave pattern that feels relatively stiff and high-quality. Oxford fabric can be kind of pricey, which is why it’s typically reserved for formal wear.

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: White-collar office attire and specific outdoor gear where you really want the Oxford texture.
   • Care requirements: Oxford is pretty resilient stuff, so if you want to machine wash and dry it, go ahead.
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20

Pique

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1. If you’ve ever worn a nice Polo shirt, you’re probably familiar with pique. Pique is a type of weave where you take knitted cotton and weave it in a grid-like pattern. It’s breathable, but heavy weight-wise, and the pattern creates a very distinct texture you won’t find anywhere else.

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Fake patches, golf shirts, shorts, polo shirts, athleticwear, and casual garments.
   • Care requirements: Machine-wash pique on cold and air-dry the material if you can. Pique tends to get kind of “knotty” and weird if you dry it with high heat.

21

Polyester

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1. Polyester is a petroleum-based plastic that is really versatile. It doesn’t get wrinkly, it’s easy to wash and dry, and it’s exceptionally strong, but there are some downsides here. For one, it’s really bad for the environment—the stuff just isn’t biodegradable, and it can’t really be recycled. It also sheds microplastics, which might be a dealbreaker for the environmentally conscious. That said, it is extremely flexible stuff that can be used in basically any situation.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Anything! Polyester is great for everything from underwear to bed sheets and more.
   • Care requirements: You can machine wash and dry polyester, but use lower heat settings. This stuff can melt if it gets too hot.
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22

Poplin

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1. Often called “broadcloth,” poplin is a type of (usually) cotton fabric made with extremely thin vertical fibers and extremely thick horizontal fibers. The result is a very lightweight fabric that feels luxurious yet comfortable. While it is technically just cotton, the weave pattern makes poplin a little more expensive. It’s worth it if you’re making something really nice, though!

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Sundresses, blouses, tops, shirts, and scarves.
   • Care requirements: Poplin wrinkles very easily if you machine-wash or machine-dry it, so stick with handwashing if you can.

23

Rayon

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1. Also known as viscose, rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose—a plant-based material also used to make paper and food additives—cotton, and synthetic fibers. It’s a little bit like Jersey in the sense that most unstudied folks would just think it’s fancy cotton. It has the same breathability as cotton, but it’s got a slightly slicker feel.

   • Fabric type: Semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Any kind of lightweight clothing. Rayon hangs very well, so it’s good if you want to avoid wrinkles.
   • Care requirements: If you can swing it, only handwash rayon with cold water and then air dry it. Heavy washes tend to wear down the rayon’s pile.
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24

Satin

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1. Satin is technically a type of weave—not a fabric itself—but it’s often marketed as its own fabric, so it’s worth covering. Satin is typically made out of polyester, and it’s defined by its weave, which involves warping the fabric you’re working with so one side is smooth and shiny, and the other side is matte.

   • Fabric type: Usually synthetic, sometimes natural or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Crafting and DIY expert Kathleen Ballos says that satin is a great option if you’re a beginner when it comes to working with fabrics. It’s affordable and very easy to work with, and you can craft clothing and gear that is dressed up or dressed down. So any kind of clothing or fabric project is on the table here. Satin is also ideal for decorations and ribbons.
   • Care requirements: You cannot machine wash or dry sating; hand-wash only and air dry it with a soft detergent.

25

Sherpa

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1. Named after the indigenous ethnic group in Tibet that popularized it, Sherpa is a synthetic fabric with a thick knit that is meant to resemble the Tibetan wool that it’s emulating. It’s kind of challenging to work with if you’re doing anything especially complicated, but it’s an extremely warm material, making it great for coats and bedding.

   • Fabric type: Synthetic.
   • Best used for: Coats, jackets, hoodies, and blankets.
   • Care requirements: You can machine wash Sherpa just fine, but only use cold water. Air dry the material if you care about keeping the fabric as plush as possible.
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26

Silk

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1. Style expert Candace Hanna says that silk may be the most luxurious fabric out there. It’s made by spinning protein-based fibers that come from the cocoons of silkworms, and it’s beloved for its incredibly smooth and slick texture.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Silk is great for blouses, lingerie, robes, and neckties. It can make a lot of people sweat, so it’s not the most popular option for fuller clothing items, but a minimalist top can work with silk.
   • Care requirements: Hand wash only, don’t soak the fabric, and keep it dry whenever you can.

27

Suede

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1. Suede is a type of leather where the material is gently worked until it develops a soft, napped finish. It’s made by taking the underside of the skin from a lamb, goat, pig, cow, or deer, then sanding it down to create that iconic texture. It’s a really expressive and luxurious material, but it can’t get wet, which limits its use cases.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Specialty dress gear, vests, belts, furniture, bags, and indoor goods.
   • Care requirements: We’re not going to sugarcoat, taking care of suede is a major pain. You have to use a special brush to spot clean it, and you need to use specialty cleaners for deeper cleans.
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28

Terry

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1. Also known as terry cloth or French terry, terry is a type of weave that creates a soft and absorbent fabric made out of cotton (and sometimes cotton-polyester blends). It’s made by looping the fabric in small circles before knitting it together, creating an incredibly soft texture that will soak up liquids.

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: It’s really only used for towels and furniture, but some small fabric accessories can work if they’re made out of thicker-looped terry. Terry robes can also be pretty comfy!
   • Care requirements: You can machine-wash terry, but use cold water and don’t use any fabric softener.

29

Tweed

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1. Tweed is basically just twill but with wool. There are also two sets of diagonal weaves, which give tweed its iconic texture and feel. It’s heavy, it’s classic, and it’s tough.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Seamstress and costume designer Sherri Miller says that you probably just want to use tweed for blazers. It’s a pretty rough material to sell as anything else, since it’s so thick and stiff.
   • Care requirements: Tweed is typically dry-clean only.
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30

Twill

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1. Twill is a type of fabric weave, not a fabric on its own (like satin). It’s made by weaving cotton and/or polyester in a series of thick diagonal patterns where one side of the fiber is worn down and sanded, while the other side is left thick and unfinished. The result is a very tough, durable fabric that is hard to tear or damage on the outside, but soft on the skin when you wear it. It’s comfortable to wear, but thick enough that it’s ideal for work gear and outerwear.

   • Fabric type: Usually synthetic or semi-synthetic, sometimes natural.
   • Best used for: Thick pants, work gear, and furniture covers. It doesn’t tend to be the world’s comfiest stuff, so it’s not used very often for shirts and other everyday gear.
   • Care requirements: You can typically wash and dry twill using whatever settings you’d like.

31

Velvet

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1. Velvet can be made from cotton, silk, Rayon, or synthetic fibers. It’s defined by the microscopic fibers that coat the fabric, which give it its iconic texture. Velvet is associated with luxury, so it’s a fun option for anything fancy you might want to craft.

   • Fabric type: Either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic.
   • Best used for: Shoes, suit jackets, scarves, accessories, and other decorative gear. You really don’t want to use velvet for anything that might get wet or exposed to lots of sweat, since velvet can’t survive moisture very well.
   • Care requirements: Shoe care specialist Marc Sigal says, "Before you start with velvet, you always also want to make sure it’s completely dry. Use a soft bristle brush and brush in the direction of the velvet. If velvet does become wet, make sure not to blot it; let the item air-dry. Never apply any sort of heat directly to velvet. It'll damage the fabric.”
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32

Wool

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1. One of the oldest fabrics to ever be used by humans, wool is made from animal fur. Typically, wool is spun from goats or sheep, but there are rarer types of wool that come from rabbits, deer, elk, llamas, and other animals. It’s popular for being wrinkle-resistant and stretchable, and it has a very thick, vibrant texture that many people like.

   • Fabric type: Natural.
   • Best used for: Toews says wool is best reserved for blankets, sweaters, and heavier garments because it’s so warm.
   • Care requirements: It’s usually best to hand-wash wool using cold water only, then air-dry it. Washing machines and dryers tend to destroy wool.

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