Wikipedia says that ‘texture is the perceived surface quality of a work of art’. It is one of the seven formal artistic elements.
So what is Fabric texture?
To put it simply, Fabric texture or textile texture is the surface quality and structure of the fabric.
To get it even more simple the Textile texture is how the surface of a fabric looks and feels.
Don’t we all say things like –
☝I love that soft, drapey, light chiffon.
☝That silk looks so lustrous.
☝The crispiness of organdy is so elegant.
☝This crepe has a wonderful pebbly surface.
☝That satin is so smooth, and glossy.
☝The wool feels so furry, cuddly and cozy.
These conversations are about fabric, ofcourse. They are all talking about the fabric texture.
These and many other such adjectives are used when you talk of a fabric surface – like sheer, furry, burnished, delicate, sparkling, shiny, bulky, nubby, shaggy, matt, sleek, cuddly, soft, glossy, crisp.
Some are not so complimentary like rough, pilling, dull, fuzzy.
All these words refer to that particular textile’s texture.
✔ Some of these textures like roughness, smoothness, hardness, or softness can be felt with your hand.
✔Some are visual like shiny.
✔Some are a combination of tactile and visual experiences like a pebbly surface.
✔ I can even hear texture – haven’t you heard the crinkly sound of a crisp fabric
What factors affect the texture of fabrics?
Fiber type, yarn size (Thicker yarns create a coarse texture), fabric finishes like brushing, sanding, or calendering, fabric weight (thicker fabric may be coarser than thin fabrics), blending with other fibers, dyeing, printing and other surface treatments and embellishments. Other than these, environmental factors can also affect texture of fabrics. And on top of all this, age and wear can also change the texture of fabrics. They may become softer, develop pilling, or exhibit signs of aging, which can alter their texture.
Shiny Fabric Texture
Furry fabric texture
Pebbly Fabric Texture
Coarse and rough fabric texture
Crispy fabric texture
Here is a related post on the best fabrics you get with wonderful fabric texture: Names of fabrics with texture.
Why Fabric texture? How is it important?
First and foremost, texture holds attention. Fashion is a visual medium and with inventive use of textures, the designers aim to hold and attract the attention of the consumer.
Texture has a unifying effect. When used together in an ensemble a single texture can hold it together.
The emotional impact of texture is another major factor. Do you know that feelings are affected, even heightened with a change in texture? Velvet gives off a sensual and extravagant vibe. When you touch a tweed wool fabric or fleece you have a warm feeling. Corduroy and Leather make you feel protected. Faded Denim and Linen give you a feeling of comfort. They feel familiar and you feel at home.
You also associate fabric texture with gender. Leather, denim and corduroy are associated with masculinity and velvet, silk and lace with femininity.
Along with other elements of design like line, form, space, and color, the texture is forever creating new emotional experiences. The softness of a baby blanket, the crisp feel of the disposable hospital bed sheet, the rustle of a newly tailored wedding gown are all things that we always remember because of the texture and its experience. This is why decorators and designers are forever trying to come up with new textures.
Different types of fabric texture
There are specifically 3 main types of fabric texture.
Original texture
This is the texture of a cloth that is structurally created at the time of the manufacturing process itself; different yarns interact to create a beautiful texture naturally. The textural effect varies with the types of textile fibers used in its making, yarn weight, stitch size, and yarn structure.
Treated texture
This refers to the texture of a textile that is mainly dependent on the finishes applied on it for changing the appearance as well as increasing its functionality.
Check out the post on the different types of fabric finishes (70+) applied to fabrics.
Supplementary texture
This is texture created by additionally attaching other materials on the surface of the textile after it is made; Eg., embroidery done on fabric.
How Fabric texture influences fashion designing
It can change the perception of size and shape of the body
A fabric with shiny texture or smooth feel will cling to the body and reveal the body proportions as they are – if you want this effect, definitely use shiny fabrics but if you do not want this, choose a slightly more textured fabric.
It can make colour look different
A fabric with a shiny texture will look a shade lighter than a fabric with a rough texture of the same color/shade. Rough texture dulls the color and the shiny surface reflects light.
If you want to design a garment with a subdued effect, choose a rough-textured or at least a smooth-surfaced fabric rather than a shiny one.
It can change the drape of the clothes
Rough heavy textured fabrics with a tight weave are stiff and will stand away from the body. Soft textured fabrics may be very drapey.
The above given is the Texture of a fabric with slub yarn in the weave
Which fabric texture can make the fabric color look brighter and therefore make the body look larger?
Satin weave texture can make the body look larger. Satin, shiny silks, etc., belong to this category. This type of fabric texture reflects light back and gives a perception of largeness.
What texture is recommended for a wedding gown to achieve a luxurious and elegant look?
Soft and smooth texture in fabrics can create a luxurious and elegant look. These textures are present in fabrics like Silk, rayon and satin. Embroidered and beaded texture is also valued for wedding gowns.
What texture of fabric is good for upholstery in a high-traffic area?
Textured and piled fabrics like frieze, chenille, and microfiber can help to hide dirt and stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Texture of leather and faux leather are also appreciated because they are elegant looking and are easier to wipe and clean.
Which texture of fabric is valued for a baby’s crib bedding for comfort and safety
Soft fabrics which are breathable are used for making anything related to babies. Avoid fabrics with rough textures, as they can irritate baby’s soft skin.
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Related posts : Fabric Names with a dictionary ; Learn more about textiles?
Thank you Sarina
I am looking for the name of the fabric with very loosely woven, thick yarn strands that are often used to give a “primative” look. This fabric is thick enough to use for winter wear. Could you help me with that? And what about Boucle?
Hi Kate,
Have you considered loosely woven tweed (you can look for Tweed boucle fabric) – it is used to make jackets (chanel style)
I absolutely love this site!!!
This is a dream come true for me. I love the short yet informative applications. Thank you also for the Fabric Glossary!