Hello fashionpreneurs!
Some of you might still have a confusion on the differences between “Woven” and “Knit” when selecting the right fabrics for your new collection. You must have heard these two terms a lot during your early journey when building your fashion brand, or probably still until now. Let’s go back to the basics! Woven and Knit are two basic types of fabric in the fashion industry. It is essential for you to master and remember in the back of your mind. The main and easiest characteristic distinction that you can easily notice is knit fabrics stretch, while woven fabric does not stretch. This comes as a result from the weaving process and technique used while making the fabric, also the different machineries used. Woven fabrics usually are used for shirts, bed sheets, square hijabs, formal pants, suits, etc. while knit fabrics are usually for producing t-shirts, sweaters, sweat pants, polo shirts, leggings, underwear, etc. those garments that need natural stretches.
Woven fabric does not stretch, because the weaving structure is using two sets of yarn weaved in crisscross patterns, while knit fabrics are using one single yarn interloping each other. Knit fabric will naturally stretch and will go back to its original shape, such as while putting on a t-shirt, the collar part stretches naturally to allow your head to go through but will go back to its original state. However, woven fabrics do not give you that characteristic, but can give you pleats and folds, and it needs additional material for you to get into the garment, such as zippers or buttons. It can be stretched as well only if the fiber composition consists of synthetic fibers such as spandex or elastane.
So which one is better? Depends on the garment design that you want. If you’re creating garments that need stretch and for relatively more casual wear, you need knitted fabrics. If you’re designing a formal shirt, that doesn’t need that stretch, you want to make something neat and more semi-formal looking, you definitely should look for woven fabrics. The downside? Knits fabric easily ravel when one yarn is being accidentally pulled, and it’s almost impossible to knit it again because it’s not being “sewn”. On the other hand, some woven fabrics crinkles easily, which will make you have to iron it again. Both types of fabrics are widely known for their distinct characteristics and it’s equally needed for different kinds of garments to make your design into reality. Make sure to choose the right fabric types for each of your design. Our sales team can definitely help you with this when selecting your first fabrics. Good luck!
