Fashion Blogs

Here is a press release from Cotton Inc., that I thought would be of interest to you. Much of this you already now, but here it is anyway...

Summer is filled with vacations to the beach, picnics in the park, and BBQ’s in the yard. We love summer activities, but shorts and t-shirts aren’t always the most appropriate attire for warm weather functions. While mystery fabrics leave you feeling itchy and hot, cotton’s natural breathability and structure help keep you cool and your clothing crisp. To help you decode summer’s favorite fabrics, theFabricofOurLives.com shares the Fashion Fabric Glossary.

Voile A lightweight, sheer, plain-weave fabric that has a slightly crisp feel. Voile is commonly used in women's cotton blouses and curtains.

Recommended use: Office-worthy ruffled blouses

Jersey A plain stitch knitted cotton cloth in which the fabric is knitted on circular, flatbed or warp methods. This fabric is very elastic with good draping qualities. Most often used in t-shirts.

Recommended use: Wrap dresses for cocktail hour and beyond

Oxford A shirting fabric made of soft, combed cotton yarns in a modified plain or basket weave.

Recommended use: Nantucket-chic occasions; with rolled sleeves and popped collars

Seersucker A lightweight cotton fabric with a woven crinkle achieved by altering tension in the warp yarns. Seersucker is synonymous with the classic summer suit.

Recommended use: The typically tailored silhouette lends itself as easily to suits as to separates; ideal for the casual office or semi-formal summertime events.

Twill A popular weave pattern identified by diagonal lines on the face of the fabric.

Recommended use: In cuffed cotton short shorts, perfect for beach or barbeque to show off summer’s tanned legs

Denim A sturdy cotton twill most commonly woven with an indigo blue yarn and gray or mottled white yarn.

Recommended use: High-waist, trouser jeans paired with lady-like blouses bridge the gap between work and play.

Terry Cotton terry is woven on a loom which utilizes an additional yarn to form loops called pile or loop surfaces. These loops increase the fabric's absorbency, making terry the staple cloth for towels, robes and beachwear garments

Recommended use: Luxurious beach towels for the whole family

Sateen A weave construction that has more yarn surface on the face of the cloth than other basic weaves, giving a softer hand and more lustrous look. Also, cloth made with carded or combed yarns that are usually mercerized, and has a very smooth, lustrous surface effect that resembles satin.

Recommended use: A breathable cotton alternative to synthetic-based formal dresses and skirts

For more information and photos, please visit The Fashion Fabric Glossary

Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. growers of upland cotton and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, is the research and marketing company representing upland cotton. The Program is designed and operated to improve the demand for and profitability of cotton.