How to Identify Fabric Composition (Fabric Content) in Clothing

How to Identify Fabric Composition (Fabric Content) in Clothing

If you manage apparel sourcing, product development, or merchandising, you’ve probably seen buyers ask the same question in different ways: “What’s the fabric content?” or even “What’s the content of fabrics in this garment?”

Understanding fabric composition (also called fiber content) helps you control handfeel, performance, shrinkage risk, price, and compliance—especially when you’re comparing suppliers or reviewing bulk orders.

Fabrics are often discussed in three different “languages,” and it’s easy to mix them up:

• By composition (fiber content): 100% cotton, 90% wool / 10% nylon, 85% polyester, etc. (this is what most labels show)

• By fabric structure (weave/knit pattern): plain weave, twill, jacquard, pique, jersey, interlock, etc.

• By construction method: knitted vs woven

This guide focuses on fabric composition / fabric content, grouped into natural fibers and chemical fibers (regenerated + synthetic), so you can choose materials based on real-world properties.

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Start Here: 3 Practical Ways to Identify Fabric Content

1) Read the Fiber Content Label (Fastest)

A standard garment tag typically shows fiber percentages (e.g., 95% cotton / 5% spandex). For brands and bulk buyers, this is the baseline—but it’s not the whole story if blends, finishes, or substitutions happen.

What to watch for:

• Generic terms: “Rayon” often means viscose (a regenerated cellulose fiber).

• Synonyms: Spandex = elastane; Lyocell is often branded as TENCEL™ Lyocell.

• Blends that change performance: 5% spandex can completely change stretch recovery and fit.

2) Use “Handfeel + Visual Clues” (Quick Screening)

You can often spot fiber families with basic cues:

3) Verify Like a B2B Buyer (Best Practice)

For bulk orders, rely on documentation + testing, not only the label:

• Ask for BOM / yarn spec / fabric spec sheet

• Confirm composition tolerance (especially for blends)

• For performance products, align on test plans (shrinkage, pilling, colorfastness, GSM variance, etc.)
  Suggested internal link: fabric testing checklist / OEM quality control process

I. Natural Fibers (Natural Fabric Composition)

1. Cotton (Fabric Content: 100% Cotton or Cotton Blends)

Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber, derived from cotton plants.

Common types you’ll see:

• Upland cotton: widely available; used for woven and knitted basics (tees, polos, underwear, bedding)

• Long-staple cotton: typically finer and stronger; often used for premium shirting and higher-end knits

• Combed cotton: short fibers removed for a smoother, more durable yarn

• Mercerized cotton: treated to improve luster, strength, and dye uptake

Advantages (why buyers love it):

• Breathable and moisture-absorbent

• Soft and skin-friendly

• Good dyeability for vibrant colors

• Balanced durability for daily wear

Disadvantages (what brands must plan for):

• Low elasticity → wrinkles easily

• Shrinkage risk (especially in knits) if finishing is not controlled

• Mildew risk in damp storage/shipping environments

2. Silk (Mulberry Silk vs Tussah Silk)

Silk is a protein fiber known for smoothness and drape.

(1) Mulberry Silk

Produced by silkworms fed mulberry leaves and typically labeled as “mulberry silk.”

Advantages

• Smooth, breathable, and comfortable

• Natural sheen for an elegant appearance

• Lower static and generally skin-friendly

• Good temperature regulation

Disadvantages

• Wrinkles easily

• Lower abrasion resistance (friction can damage the surface)

• Sensitive to heat and prolonged sun exposure

Typical applications

• Dresses, blouses, formalwear

• Premium home textiles

(2) Tussah Silk

From wild silkworms; often coarser with a natural yellowish tone (frequently bleached).

Advantages

• More durable and abrasion-resistant than mulberry silk

• Good moisture handling

• Naturally breathable

Disadvantages

• Rougher texture

• Limited natural color range

• Wrinkle-prone and needs careful finishing

3. Linen (Flax/Ramie Family)

Linen is a plant-based fiber known for breathability and a crisp handfeel.

Advantages

• Excellent airflow and comfort in hot climates

• Strong fiber with good abrasion resistance

• Good moisture wicking and mildew resistance

Disadvantages

• Wrinkles very easily (this is normal for linen)

• Requires careful wash and finishing control

• Natural color tones dominate unless heavily dyed

4. Wool

Wool is a crimped fiber (often from sheep) that traps air for warmth and has good resilience.

Advantages

• Strong insulation from natural crimp structure

• Can absorb a significant amount of moisture vapor without feeling wet

• Breathable and odor resistant

• Good wrinkle recovery and shape retention

Disadvantages

• Pilling risk (depends on fiber length, twist, finishing)

• Can feel itchy if fiber diameter is coarse

• Felting/shrinkage risk if washing is not controlled

5. Cashmere

Cashmere is a fine undercoat fiber from goats, valued for softness and warmth-to-weight.

Advantages

• Very soft, lightweight, and warm

• Premium handfeel and drape

• Comfortable for high-end knitwear

B2B note: If cashmere pricing looks unrealistically low, it is often blended or mislabeled. For bulk orders, request fiber test verification.

II. Chemical Fibers (Fabric Composition in Modern Apparel)

Chemical fibers can be divided into:

• Regenerated fibers (cellulose-based, often called semi-synthetic)

• Synthetic fibers (petroleum-based polymers)

(I) Regenerated Fibers (Rayon/Viscose, Modal, Lyocell, Acetate)

1. Viscose (Rayon)

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made by dissolving and re-forming plant cellulose (wood pulp, bamboo, cotton linter). It is commonly labeled as viscose or rayon on fabric content tags.

Advantages

• Soft, comfortable, and drapey (often “silk-like” in movement)

• High moisture absorption (often cited around 12–14%) and good breathability

• Easy dyeing with rich colors

• Lower static due to moisture regain

Disadvantages

• Lower wet strength (weaker when wet) → deformation risk

• Wrinkle-prone due to low elasticity

• Lower abrasion resistance than many synthetics

• Environmental impact depends heavily on factory process controls

2. Modal

Modal is also regenerated cellulose, typically engineered for softness.

Advantages

• Soft, skin-friendly handfeel (popular for underwear and tees)

• Good moisture handling and breathable comfort

• Often better shape stability than basic viscose (depends on blend/finishing)

Disadvantages

• Can wrinkle

• Still has wet-strength limitations compared with synthetics

• Not ideal alone for high-abrasion use cases

 

3. Lyocell (Often TENCEL™ Lyocell)

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber known for a more closed-loop solvent process in many industrial systems.

Advantages

• Smooth, breathable, and comfortable across seasons

• Good drape with a cleaner surface

• Often positioned as a more sustainability-oriented option (process-dependent)

• Naturally low static and pleasant handfeel

Disadvantages

• Can be prone to surface abrasion/snagging if construction is delicate

• Needs controlled washing/finishing to maintain appearance

Suggested internal link: sustainable fabrics for performance apparel / eco fabric sourcing guide

4. Acetate Fiber

Acetate is a cellulose-based fiber modified through acetylation.

Advantages

• Silky touch with strong luster

• Good drape and aesthetic appearance

• Good dye response and color depth

Disadvantages

• Lower wet strength

• Static buildup in dry conditions

• Lower abrasion resistance compared with many synthetics

(II) Synthetic Fibers (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Spandex)

1. Polyester (The Most Common Synthetic Fabric Content)

Polyester is the most widely used synthetic fiber in global apparel.

Advantages

• Quick-drying and stable (common in sportswear)

• High strength and good abrasion resistance

• Good wrinkle resistance and easy care

• Works well in blends to improve durability and lower cost

Disadvantages

• Lower breathability than most natural fibers

• Can trap odor if fabric engineering is weak

• Dyeing typically requires specific processes and temperatures

Suggested internal link: moisture-wicking & quick-dry fabric guide

2. Nylon (Great for Outdoor & High-Abrasion Use)

Nylon was one of the earliest synthetics and remains key for performance gear.

Advantages

• High strength and excellent abrasion resistance

• Smooth handfeel, good durability

• Quick-drying and commonly used for outerwear, swimwear, bags

Disadvantages

• Low moisture absorption → can feel clammy in humid wear

• Static-prone in dry conditions

• UV aging can reduce strength over time (depends on additives and fabric build)

3. Acrylic (“Artificial Wool”)

Acrylic is often used for warmth and bulk in knitwear.

Advantages

• Good warmth retention and loft

• Better UV resistance than some fibers

• Often cost-effective for winter categories

Disadvantages

• Low moisture absorption → comfort risk

• Pilling risk can be significant

• Heat and static management may require blending/finishing

4. Spandex (Elastane / Lycra)

Spandex is used in small percentages to deliver stretch and recovery.

Advantages

• High stretch and strong rebound

• Improves fit, mobility, and comfort in activewear

• Works well in blends (cotton/spandex, nylon/spandex, polyester/spandex)

Disadvantages

• Heat sensitive (high-temperature washing/ironing can damage it)

• UV exposure can degrade elasticity

• Rarely used alone due to breathability and support needs

Common Fabric Blends (Why Fabric Content Matters)

Many commercial fabrics are blends because they balance comfort, durability, and cost.

• Cotton + Polyester: less shrinkage, better durability, easier care (but lower breathability)

• Cotton + Spandex: comfort stretch, better fit recovery

• Nylon + Spandex: strong + stretchy (leggings, compression, swimwear)

• Wool + Nylon: improves abrasion resistance and longevity in knitwear

If you’re developing performance product lines, fabric composition is only step one—construction and finishing decide whether it truly performs.
Suggested internal link: functional fabric performance benchmarks

FAQ (Keyword-Strengthened, Search-Friendly)

1) What does “fabric content” mean?

Fabric content (or fabric composition) means the fiber percentages in the textile—exactly what the label shows (e.g., 95% polyester, 5% spandex).

2) Is “content of fabrics” the same as fabric composition?

In most buyer conversations, yes. “Content of fabrics” usually refers to fiber content / fabric composition listed on the tag or spec sheet.

3) Is viscose the same as rayon?

Viscose is one of the most common types of rayon. Many labels use “rayon” as a broad term, while suppliers may specify “viscose” in the tech pack.

4) How do I tell polyester vs nylon quickly?

Polyester often feels slightly “drier” and more stable; nylon tends to feel smoother and a bit slicker. For bulk decisions, confirm with spec sheets and testing rather than only handfeel.

5) Why do two “100% cotton” fabrics feel totally different?

Because fiber content is only one variable. Yarn quality, yarn count, knitting/weave structure, GSM, finishing (enzyme wash, mercerization), and dyeing all change handfeel and performance.