Uniform Fabric Guide
Here’s your guide for choosing the best fabric according to your intended uniform use and environment:
The plant-based natural fiber that is affordable, strong and easy to clean.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Sweatshirts
- Hats
- Hoodies
- Vests
- Jackets
- Uniforms
Advantages:
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Low Maintenance
- Easy to style
- Machine-washable
Disadvantages:
- Does not dry quickly
- Prone to shrinking
Linen fabric clothing is known for being especially lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect fabric for hot summer days. Like cotton, linen fabric is made from plants. In the case of linen, its fibers from the flax plant called “Linum Usitatissimum” that are spun, combed, and woven into sheets.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Casual button down Shirts
- Hats
Advantages:
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Low Maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Wrinkles easily
- Prone to shrinking
Lacoste fabric is a type of cotton fabric which is knitted with loop stitch larger than normal cotton. In 1933, this fabric appeared on the French textile market. Variants may be made of 35% cotton, 65% cotton or 100% cotton. It may also be called “Pique”, “crocodile fabric” or “honeycomb”
Best for:
- Polos
- Sportswear
Advantages:
- Very high friction endurance
- Less crease
- Difficult to be stretched
- Thick fabric
- High colorfastness
Disadvantages:
- Low stretchability
- Not as absorbent
- May not be suitable for prolonged use under hot climates
Also called “French Terry”, it is a form of cotton fabric that’s popular for loungewear and towels. One side of this fabric is smooth and soft while the other side features loops and soft piles of yarn.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Pants
- Vests
- Jackets
- Towels
Advantages:
- Comfortable
- Highly absorbent
- Flexible
- Midweight
Disadvantages:
- Prone to wearing out on the edges
- Too thick for warmer climates
A man-made synthetic fiber that is often blended with cotton to reduce wrinkling and make it more practical to use.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Sweatshirts
- Jackets
- Uniforms
- Pants
- Activewear
- Backpacks
Advantages:
- Flexible
- Quick-Drying
- Moisture-wicking
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Machine-washable
Disadvantages:
- Can stick to sweaty skin
- Sensitive to high temperatures
- Not as breathable as cotton
- Usually not sustainable
“Spandex” is actually an anagram for the word “expands”, following its primary benefit which is elasticity. Others also call it “Lycra” or “Elastane”. It is made of a polymer called polyurethane. Spandex fabrics are best suited for garments where comfort is key, such as fitness clothing. It is the stretchiest and most flexible among common fabric types. However, spandex-heavy fabrics don’t let your skin breathe very well. Hence, You usually won’t see apparel fabric that’s made from more than 15% spandex.
Best for:
- Yoga Pants
- Shorts
- Activewear
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Sweatshirts
- Jackets
Advantages:
- Stretchy and flexible (4-way stretch)
- Moisture-Wicking
- Durable
- Comfortable
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t let your skin breathe
- Sensitive to heat
Jersey is knitted fabric with a smooth surface on both the front and back. It is named after the island of Jersey, where the fabric was first produced from wool. It is most commonly woven from cotton, but it can also be made from a vast array of synthetic fibers.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Sports Uniforms
- Shorts
- Activewear
Advantages:
- Moisture-Wicking
- Durable
- Comfortable
Disadvantages:
- Not absorbent
Denim is also made of 100% cotton. Only that, it is made by a specific method of twill weaving that creates a diagonal twill line. This method of weaving is what makes denim feel stronger and sturdier than traditional cotton garments.
Best for:
- Jeans
- Shirts
- Jackets
- Sportswear
Advantages:
- Tough
- Durable
- Does not shrink
Disadvantages:
- Warm and insulating
- Stretches out over time
Flannel is another form of cotton, but unlike denim, flannel is a soft woven fabric. It is also often brushed for added softness. This level of softness makes flannel an especially comfortable material, making it ideal for shirts, jacket linings, and blankets. It may sometimes be made of too, although it tends to be a little scratchier when that is the case.
Best for:
- Button down Shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Jackets
- Workwear
Advantages:
- Soft and comfy
- Warm and insulating
- Breathable
Disadvantages:
- Piling can be an issue
- Prone to shrinking
Silk is a natural protein fiber that is produced by silkworms. It is among the smoothest and softest fabrics you can find.
Best for:
- T-Shirts
- Polos
- Sweatshirts
- Robes
Advantages:
- Soft and smooth
- Comfortable
- Strong
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Stains easily
- Requires special care, ie. dry cleaning