Nowadays, with the click of a button, you can summon anything from a gourmet meal to a new wardrobe. But even though virtual shopping has revolutionised how we buy goods, finding fabrics that look appealing on our screens and feel luxurious against our skin is hard. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional sewist, there are a few things to consider when purchasing clothing fabric online. For example, consider how the fabric looks, how it feels and fits on your skin, and how much it weighs. Read on to learn more about these crucial factors and more!
Pick a Reputable Online Store
When you browse through online stores, it’s like entering a virtual realm of textures and materials. However, not all fabrics are created equal, and that’s why it’s important to shop for clothing fabrics from a reputable store.
These shops provide crucial information on their products to help you navigate through the myriad of options. From the composition, opacity, and weight to the care instructions, it’s like they give you a cheat sheet to unravel the intricacies of each textile.
This way, you can choose the perfect material for your specific needs and preferences, whether it’s a lightweight chiffon or a sturdy denim. The information on the opacity can help you decide if it’s suitable for that summer dress or if you need to layer it for modesty.
Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics
Even though you don’t have to be a specialist in garment fabrics, you should be aware of the different kinds available online. There are two main categories of materials: natural and synthetic. Both provide unique benefits for your garments, so sewists use them for different purposes.
Natural
Natural materials are environmentally friendly and more breathable compared to their synthetic counterparts. They’re soft to the touch, which makes them ideal for children with eczema, sensitive skin, or sensory issues. They keep you cool in the summer and toasty in the winter. Natural materials typically come from plants and include the following:
- Cotton: Cotton is a naturally derived staple in the fashion world. It comes from the soft and fluffy strands of the cotton plant, and it’s widely popular for the benefits it provides. It wicks away moisture, breathes, and feels smooth on the skin;
- Linen: This fine natural clothing fabric comes from the thin stalks of the flax plant. Popular for its classic style, linen stands out for its unique crispness and breathability. Its texture oozes a laid-back sophistication, while its moisture-wicking qualities provide comfort in warmer temperatures. Because of its natural roots and earthy, rustic charm, linen is a preferred option for those who value sustainability and flair;
- Hemp: This eco-friendly and flexible material comes from the tough hemp plant. Hemp fibres are popular for their tenacity and resilience. They make textiles that hold up over time and soften up with each washing;
- Silk: Silk is a luxurious natural material that comes from silkworms. It’s stunning to look at and soft to the touch, and it’s used to make fashionable clothing and luxurious bedding. Its exceptional capacity for temperature control ensures year-round comfort;
- Wool: Many deem this material the best insulator. It keeps you toasty in the winter and refreshingly cool in the summer. Wool is a staple for enjoying the great outdoors, whether it’s for warm scarves or snug sweaters.
Synthetic
Synthetic materials are made from chemicals. Contrary to natural materials, the majority of them aren’t biodegradable. The following options are most common in apparel:
- Polyester: Clothing fabrics made from polyester are resilient and long-lasting. They don’t fade, shrink, or wrinkle easily. It’s common in sportswear and other clothes that need to maintain their form. This material makes clothes that are affordable and require little maintenance. However, because it’s less breathable than other materials, it retains body heat and perspiration;
- Nylon: This lightweight and sturdy material is excellent for fitness and sportswear. It resists fading, shrinking, and wrinkling. Though not as effectively as natural fibres, nylon wicks away perspiration and it’s more breathable compared to polyester;
- Acrylic: This synthetic fibre resembles wool in both look and texture. Manufacturers frequently use it for sweaters and other clothes as a less expensive substitute for wool. It’s easy to maintain, as it doesn’t stretch or contract and it’s machine-washable;
- Spandex: When you buy clothing fabrics like spandex, you get a comfortable, stretchy material. It’s a great choice for athletic wear and other types of clothes that require a snug fit, such as swimwear and leggings.
Consider Shrinkage
We’ve all been there—you find the perfect fabric for that dreamy dress you’ve been itching to make. The colour is spot-on, and the texture seems divine. However, it shrinks considerably after the first wash, and now it’s unwearable. Shrinkage is a distinguishing property that varies between different materials. If you want a material that holds its shape without twisting, look for an anti-twist label.
Colour and Pattern
Before you hit that ‘Buy Now’ button, take a moment to think about the colour. That gorgeous shade of blue might look slightly different on your screen than it does in reality. Online stores sometimes provide detailed descriptions of the colour, even throwing in comparisons like “deep navy, not royal blue.” This way, they bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, making sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
And then there’s the pattern –whether it’s florals, stripes, polka dots, or abstract art, the right one can elevate your creation to a new level. But not all patterns play well with all designs. A bold, large-scale print might steal the show on a maxi dress but could be overwhelming on a tailored shirt.
Order Swatches
Stores typically put a lot of effort into creating reliable product images and descriptions. However, nothing compares to touching the clothing fabric yourself. So, how can I check the quality of fabric online? Before placing a full order, purchase some samples of the materials you plan on using in your project.
The screen can be a bit deceiving; that vibrant red might look more subdued in person, and the texture you thought was silky smooth could turn out to be a bit coarse. Swatches give you a genuine feel of the material before you go all-in. Store these samples in a notebook and write down their characteristics. You can use this as a convenient point of comparison when you check out new materials online.