While we usually explore fabrics by fiber content, pattern, and color, today we’re feeling super inspired by fabric textures! One of the things we love most about textured fabrics is that they add a dimension to your wardrobe that can’t be achieved with color alone. Texture is created by weaving (or knitting) fibers together to make a fabric, but that’s just the beginning—the feel of the fibers themselves contribute to the overall texture, as do any special washing treatments applied to the finished fabric. From seersucker to sherpa fleece, there’s a whole world of texture out there to explore—here are a few fun ones to get you inspired!
We love wool coating for (surprise!) outerwear of all kinds—from the Canton Moto Jacket to the Nova Coat to the Swatch Cap. One of the things we love most about wool coatings are the ones that really show off the wool’s amazing, hairy texture. Fiber fact: a bit of mohair in the mix will increase the fuzz factor even more! To keep a hairy, woolen fabric from irritating your skin, we recommend lining it with a silky-smooth lining fabric or a cotton lawn.
Seersucker fabric is intended to have a lumpy, bumpy texture—it’s woven that way! In addition to creating a cool visual effect, seersucker’s ripples allow air to move freely within these lightweight garments—they’re ideal for light layers like the Assembly Line Billow Blouse, or for wearing on their own as a Sauvie Sundress to stay cool in the heat of summer. For one more delightfully bumpy fabric, we love this excellent waffle-weave cotton—it’ll fluff up a bit with washing, and is perfect for a woven sweatshirt-style top like The Fielder or a robe like The Sunday.
When you want to curl up in a cocoon of comfort, a cozy fabric is the way to go! These fabrics get their wonderful texture from a combination of soft, warm fibers and manufacturing techniques that optimize their coziness. You’ll want to choose the very best pattern for your favorite cozy fabric! The Toaster Sweater is a perfect choice for a bouclé sweater knit, and a sherpa fleece will make a smart Arlo Track Jacket. Glass velour would make a stunning Erica Dress, while our polyester/spandex velour is well-suited to a pair of comfy Hudson Pants.
We’ve got one more type of of texture to share today! When fabric is machine-embroidered, the raised stitches create a pattern that is tactile as well as visual. We see this in fabrics like our embroidered silk, which has a crisp, taffeta-like texture accented by satin-smooth embroidery (this fabric is a perfect match for a Lily Jacket for spring!). Eyelet fabric is made by machine-embroidering a lightweight fabric with a detailed, repeating motif, and then cutting out small bits of fabric within the stitched design. This fabric is a lovely choice for patterns like the Ashling Blouse/Dress and the Davenport Dress. Instead of sewing them with an attached lining, we prefer wearing these sheer garments with a fun base layer like a Saltwater Slip in smooth silk charmeuse!
