Guide to Fabrics

1. A Guide to Fibers, Yarns, & Finishes 2. A Guide to Footwear & Leathers 3. Glossary of Fabrics & Style Terms

 

Thank modern technology (and Mother Nature, of course) for the amazing variety of fabrics available to you. Now you can find the perfect fabric … with just the properties you want. Here's why:

Fabrics are made from natural or man-made fibers, blended into yarns and then knit or woven for the desired effect. What's more -- new fibers and manufacturing processes are always being introduced, giving you even more fabric choices!

And you can count on Blair to bring you the best of all those choices!

A Guide to Fibers

Fibers are thin hair-like structures that are either natural or man-made. They are the true building blocks of today's fabrics.

Natural fibers. These come from plants, animals or vegetables. Some natural fibers are: cotton, flax/linen, ramie, silk and wool.

Man-made fibers. These are either cellulosic (for example, rayon or lyocell) or non-cellulosic (such as nylon and polyester) fibers that are chemically produced and created through technology.

 

A Guide to Yarns

Yarns are continuous strands of textile fibers or material and are suitable for weaving or knitting into a fabric. Here are some helpful terms.

2-ply yarn – two yarns twisted together
3-ply yarn – three yarns twisted together
bouclé yarn – a novelty yarn with tightly twisted loops for rich texture
slub yarn – a yarn with a thick spot for variation in texture
chenille yarn – yarn with a core and pile-like surface for super softness
seed yarn – a yarn with a nub that is slightly twisted
denier – a numbering system for yarns; the higher the number, the thicker the yarn
carded – a yarn that contains a wide range of fiber lengths
combed – a yarn that contains long, even fibers that produces a stronger, finer and smoother effect
worsted – a yarn that is smooth surfaced and spun from long-staple, evenly combed wool
mercerized – a yarn that has been treated to increase luster and affinity for dyes

 

A Guide to Finishes

Today’s popular finishes give fabrics a new look, superb comfort and great performance!

Enzyme Wash finish -- garment is washed with enzymes with the goal to ‘age’ the fabric so that it looks and feels much softer

Garment Wash finish -- garment is washed producing a soft, already worn feel

Stain-Resistant finish -- treatment, usually Teflon®, is applied to fabric to help repel water and stains

Stonewash finish -- garment is washed with stones with the goal to ‘age’ the fabric so that it looks worn and feels much softer

Wrinkle-Free finish -- treatment is applied to fabric, primarily cottons, to produce a permanent crease requiring little or no ironing

Wrinkle-Resistant finish -- treatment is applied to fabric, primarily cottons, to produce a prominent crease and a crisp look with just light ironing

 

1. A Guide to Fibers, Yarns, & Finishes
2. A Guide to Footwear & Leathers
3. Glossary of Fabrics & Style Terms