Fabrics Academy
Fabric Abbreviations
Abbreviations | Fiber | Feature in fabrics |
CA | Acetate | What is Acetate? It has a smooth and shiny texture that closely resembles silk. Excellent draping qualities due to its inherent properties, acetate fabric drapes beautifully. Made from natural cellulose, it is biodegradable and it resists shrinking and quick drying for everyday wear. |
CO | Cotton | Ideal for warm weather due to their breathability and lightweight feel. They offer a relaxed elegance, but their susceptibility to wrinkles and limited water resistance. |
CU / CUP | Cupro | Cupro is often used as a sustainable alternative to silk, and one of the remarkable properties of cupro fabric is its breathability. Cupro has excellent moisture-absorbing capabilities, keeping the wearer comfortable and dry throughout the day. |
CV / VI | Viscose (Rayon) | Viscose fabric has a silky texture and drapes beautifully, and it allows for vibrant and long-lasting colors. Viscose is non-allergenic, and its hygienic properties make it suitable for various applications. |
EA / EL | Elastane /Lycra | A remarkable synthetic fiber with exceptional elasticity. Elastane prevents clothing from sagging and bagging over time, maintaining its shape and fit. The fabric is scratch-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity. |
HA | Hemp | Hemp fabric is known for its strength and durability. It surpasses cotton and many synthetic textiles in these aspects. It is highly breathable because allows excellent airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable, and it moisture-wicking properties can absorb & release moisture quickly. |
LI | Flax / Linen | Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant, making it biodegradable and renewable. Linen’s breathability is one of its key advantages, especially in hot and humid climates. It allows air to flow freely, which helps reduce heat retention. The fabric is highly absorbent and dries much faster than cotton, which is beneficial for comfort and hygiene. |
PA | Nylon/Polyamide | A synthetic textile offers a combination of durability, flexibility, and comfort, making it a sought-after textile. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a durable choice for clothing and industrial materials. It has exceptional elasticity, allowing garments to retain their shape even after extensive use. |
PE | Polyethylene | Despite being synthetic, polyethylene fabrics are known for their warmth and softness, making them comfortable to wear. The fibers are strong and do not stretch, which means they maintain their shape well over time. And The fabric dries quickly, which is beneficial for active wear and outdoor gear. |
SE | Silk | Silk fabric is renowned for its strength, softness, and shimmering appearance. Silk fabric is highly breathable, has high moisture-wicking abilities, and low heat retention, making it comfortable to wear in different climates. It has low stretchability, which contributes to its luxurious drape and feel |
TN | Tencel | Also known as Lyocell, is a sustainable textile. Tencel is known for its exquisitely soft feel, making it comfortable against the skin and pleasant to wear. It is highly breathable, has excellent moisture absorption. While being soft, Tencel is also durable and maintains its color vibrancy even after multiple washes. Tencel has superior thermal regulation properties, helping maintain a comfortable body temperature. |
WG | Vicuña | Vicuña fabric is often associated with royalty and the elite due to its exquisite properties and the intricate process required to produce it. It’s a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the textile world. It is incredibly soft, and rare due to the limited number of vicuñas and the sustainable methods used to harvest their wool, which contributes to its exclusivity and high cost. |
WK | Camel Hair | Camel hair fabric combines softness, warmth, and sustainability, making it a sought-after choice for coats. |
WM | Mohair | Mohair wool fabric is a luxurious and durable textile made from the hair of the Angora goat. Mohair stands out for its remarkable durability and high tensile strength. |
WO / WV | Wool | Wool fabric is a natural text, biodegradable and renewable. Thermal Insulation, durability, antimicrobial properties. Wool can range from lightweight to heavyweight varieties. |
WP | Alpaca | Due to its beneficial qualities, Alpaca is considered a luxury fabric and often fetches a higher price than other types of wool. It derived from the fibers of the Alpaca. It is considerably softer than sheep’s wool, providing a comfortable and luxurious feel. The fibers have tiny air pockets, which offer enhanced breathability while being highly insulative. Alpaca fabric is known to be one of the warmest types of animal fibers. |
WS | Cashmere | Cashmere’s blend of softness, warmth, and luxury makes it a sought-after material for sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and other light cold-weather gear. Despite being lightweight, cashmere provides excellent insulation. It is said to be three times more insulating than sheep’s wool, making it ideal for cold-weather apparel. Cashmere is one of the softest types of wool available, with a fine, silky texture that feels luxurious against the skin. |