How do I choose the right fabric?

The right fabric depends on the product and on how it will be worn, not on a fabric name alone. Tell us what the product is for, and we suggest suitable fabrics with your quote.

Five things that define a fabric

• Composition: the fibres, for example cotton, merino wool, acrylic or polyester with elastane.
• Weight (GSM): how heavy the fabric is. See What does GSM mean and which weight do I need?
• Construction and finish: how the fabric is knitted or woven, and any finish applied to it.
• Colour: a stock colour, or a custom-dyed colour matched to your Pantone reference.
• Claims and care: any recycled, organic or certified claim you want on the label, and the care instructions.

Questions that help you decide

• Who will use the product, and where? For example under a helmet or over it, alpine or urban, adults or kids.
• Which decoration do you need? Sublimation printing needs a polyester-rich, light-coloured fabric and does not work on cotton, wool or acrylic. See Which decoration methods do you offer?
• Do you want a recycled or organic option? See Can I choose recycled or organic materials?

Compare fabrics in the Material Library

Our Material Library lists the fabric types we work with, grouped in families, with filters for fibre, weight class, product, decoration and use. Warmth, breathability and stretch on the fabric sheets are compared with the other fabrics in the library; they are not lab values. See How to use the Material Library.

What is confirmed with your quote

• The library lists fabric types. The exact composition, weight and colour depend on the mill and the season, and are confirmed with your quote before sampling.
• If a fabric or colour choice changes the minimum for your order, we tell you in the quote.
• You can also send your own fabric reference: the fabric name, composition, GSM and a photo.
• Your sample is made with the fabric chosen for bulk production. With a pre-paid (physical) sample you check it in your hands before you order; a pre-production sample is shown to you on photos, videos or a video call. See Which sample do I need?

For balaclavas, our Journal guide Balaclava materials compared sets every yarn and fabric side by side.