Your Guide to becoming Fabric-literate
All linked products are independently selected by Foryge editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Are you buying quality, or are you overpaying for plastic?
Consider this your foolproof guide to understanding fabrics, decoding clothing labels, and shopping smarter. Once you know what different materials actually do, you’ll never look at a hanger tag the same way again.
And before we go any further: this isn’t an anti-fast fashion manifesto. If fast fashion is your thing, that’s okay. There is a time and place for inexpensive polyester pieces. The key is knowing when to save, when to splurge, and when to walk away, especially if a brand is charging you premium prices for cheap fabric.
Think of this as Fabric Literacy 101. Without further ado, let’s break it down.
Synthetic Fabrics
First off: synthetics aren't the villain. Yes, they are man-made and usually get a bad rep, but they also play a huge role in modern clothing. Your favorite pair of leggings and your go-to athleisure set? You can thank synthetic fabrics for that. Synthetic fabrics are what make performance wear work so well. These fabrics go where other fabrics cannot, providing their signature stretch, shape retention, pilling resistance, and moisture-wicking features we’ve come to know and love. It's not about abandoning synthetics completely, but about knowing when they make sense and when they don’t.
Polyester
Made from: Petroleum-based fibers
Feel: Smooth or slightly slick
Pros: Wrinkle-resistant, inexpensive, retains color well
Cons: Traps heat, not very breathable
Best for: Graphic tees, trendy pieces, blends, fast fashion staples
Nylon / Polyamide
Feel: Smooth, strong, lightweight
Pros: Very durable, quick drying
Cons: Less breathable than natural fibers
Best for: Activewear, outerwear, bags
Spandex / Elastane / Lycra
Feel: Very stretchy
Pros: Excellent shape retention
Cons: Rarely used by itself
Best for: Adding stretch to blends (baby tees, ribbed tops, activewear, shapewear)
Acrylic
Feel: Wool-like, but lighter
Pros: Cheap, warm
Cons: Pills easily, feels artificial, doesn’t hold up over time
Best for: Budget, trendy sweaters
Check out some of our favorite budget-friendly basics you’ll wear on repeat.
Semi-Synthetic Fabrics (Regenerated Fibers)
These are made from natural sources, like wood pulp, but are chemically processed. The result? Some of the softest, most wearable fabrics on the market.
Rayon / Viscose
Made from: Wood pulp
Feel: Soft, flowing, drapey
Pros: Breathable, silk-like look and feel
Cons: Weak when wet, may wrinkle easily
Best for: Dresses, skirts, flowy tops
Modal
Made from: Beech trees
Feel: Very soft, somewhat stretchy
Pros: Breathable, less likely to pill than rayon
Cons: Pricier than standard rayon
Best for: Baby tees, loungewear, elevated basics
Lyocell / TENCEL™
Feel: Smooth, cool, luxurious
Pros: More eco-friendly production, durable, breathable
Cons: More expensive
Best for: Elevated basics, dresses, premium everyday wear
Natural Fabrics
The real deal. The crème de la crème. Natural fabrics are breathable, gentle on the skin, and tend to look and feel better over time. These are the pieces most worth investing in for your everyday staples.
Cotton
Made from: Cotton plant fibers
Feel: Soft, breathable, matte
Pros: Easy to wear, easy to wash, affordable
Cons: Wrinkles, can shrink
Best for: Tees, baby tees, sweatshirts, underwear
Common variations to know:
Ring-spun: Softer, smoother
Combed: Premium feel, fewer contaminants
Organic: Grown without harsh chemicals
Linen
Made from: Flax plant
Feel: Crisp, airy, textured
Pros: Extremely breathable, perfect for heat
Cons: Wrinkles easily, stiff at first
Best for: Summer tops, dresses, pants, resortwear
Silk
Made from: Silkworm cocoons
Feel: Smooth, cool, shiny
Pros: Luxurious, temperature-regulating
Cons: Delicate, expensive
Best for: Blouses, lingerie, scarves, pillowcases
(Yes, silk pillowcases and scrunchies really are healthier for your skin and hair)
Wool
Made from: Sheep hair
Feel: Warm, slightly textured
Pros: Insulating, wicks moisture
Cons: Can itch, needs special care
Best for: Sweaters, coats, winter layers
Cashmere
Made from: Goat hair
Feel: Extremely soft, lightweight warmth
Pros: Luxurious, cozy, timeless
Cons: Expensive, prone to pilling
Best for: Premium knits you’ll keep for years
Fabric Blends
This is the category that most modern clothes fall into. Once you understand individual fabrics, analyzing these blends on labels becomes much simpler. And honestly, blends can be great when done right. They blend strength, comfort, flexibility, and breathability. You really get the best of both worlds here
Cotton / Polyester Blends
Durable, wrinkle-resistant, affordable
Very common for graphic tees and casual basics
Cotton / Spandex Blends
Flexible and soft
Perfect for baby tees, fitted tops, and everyday attire
Tri-Blend (Cotton / Polyester / Rayon)
Lightweight with a vintage drape
Heathered appearance
Great for casual pieces and loungewear
Knit vs. Woven (Why Construction Matters)
Fabric is only half the story. The construction of it matters as well.
Knit Fabrics
Stretchy and comfortable
Used for tees, sweatshirts, and loungewear
Examples: Jersey, ribbed knit, fleece
Woven Fabrics
Structured with little to no stretch
Used for button-ups, trousers, denim
Examples: Poplin, twill, denim
The Bottom Line
Fabric literacy isn't about shopping perfectly, it's about buying intentionally. Once you understand the purpose and value of what you’re paying for, you will be able to make better decisions when you shop, deciding which items are worth the investment, what to buy on sale, and what should stay on the rack.
And honestly? Shopping smart never goes out of style.
All linked products are independently selected by Foryge editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
