Fabrics & materials

A durable cotton fabric woven with extra weft yarns cut to form vertical ridges, or wales, of pile; sewn with the nap running consistently in one direction.

A fabric with a crimped, pebbly surface produced by high-twist yarns, heat-setting or a crepe weave, giving good drape and a matte finish.

A variation of twill weave in which the diagonal rib reverses direction at regular intervals, forming a distinctive zigzag pattern used in coating and suiting.

A crisp, sheer plain-weave fabric traditionally of silk, now often polyester, used for structure, overlays and interfacing in eveningwear.

Fabric woven with pronounced horizontal ribs, heavier and stiffer than a plain rib knit, used for structured garments, coats, and accessories.

Lightweight synthetic fabric woven with reinforcing threads at intervals to stop tears from spreading, used for outerwear, bags, and outdoor gear.

A weave with long floating warp or weft threads that pass over several opposing threads before interlacing, producing a smooth, lustrous surface prone to fraying and snagging.

A lightweight cotton fabric woven with alternating slack and taut warp tension, creating a permanent puckered stripe that holds fabric away from the skin.

A crisp, smooth plain-weave fabric with a fine ribbed texture and characteristic rustle, used in eveningwear and linings; frays and shows needle holes easily.