This page says which fabrics we actually use for each product type. These are the fibres we work in most, not a list of everything that could be sourced.
Fibre composition by product type
| Product type | Main fibres, most used first |
|---|---|
| Shirts | Cotton, viscose, modal-viscose |
| Bags and pouches | Cotton, polyester |
| Dresses | Cotton, modal-viscose, polyester, viscose |
| Tops and tunics | Cotton, polyester, viscose, cotton-linen |
| Kimonos | Cotton, polyester, silk |
| Scarves | Cotton, polyester, viscose, silk |
| Kaftans | Cotton, polyester, viscose |
| Shawls | Cotton, wool, viscose |
| Pareos and sarongs | Cotton, polyester |
| Skirts | Cotton, polyester, viscose, modal-viscose |
| Trousers | Cotton, polyester, cotton-linen, viscose |
| Shorts | Cotton-linen, cotton, polyester, viscose |
| Co-ord sets | Cotton-linen |
| Stoles | Polyester, silk, viscose |
| Fouta towels | Cotton-polyester, cotton |
Three things a sourcing manager can take from this table. Shirts and bags are effectively a
cotton programme. Stoles are the one category where polyester dominates, because the drape buyers
want in a stole comes from a synthetic. Shawls are the only category where wool matters.
Cotton voile constructions
For woven cotton, construction is a tighter specification than weight. Two fabrics can share a
GSM and handle completely differently. These are the cotton voile constructions we hold and buy
against, expressed as ends by picks per inch:
- 100 x 100 — the finest and most closely woven of our standard voiles
- 92 x 80
- 76 x 76
- 72 x 72
- 70 x 90
A higher thread count gives a smoother surface, better print definition and a crisper hand. A
lower count gives a softer, more open cloth that drapes more readily and costs less. For a printed
scarf where fine detail matters, 100 x 100 is the usual choice. For a relaxed kaftan or a beach
cover-up, 72 x 72 or 70 x 90 is normally the better fabric and the better price.
Certified fabrics, such as organic cotton, can be sourced from certified mills on request; see
certifications and
compliance.
Other bases we work in
Cambric, poplin, slub, lurex and viscose lurex, viscose, modal, rayon, linen and cotton-linen,
silk, wool, jacquard, polyester, chiffon, satin, crepe and crinkle finishes.
Weight and GSM
We publish a GSM only where we have a tested figure for that specific quality. Our silk printed
scarves run at 28 and 30 gsm. For our other qualities we confirm the tested weight
per quality at quotation stage, against the actual roll, rather than publishing a range that may not
match what your order is cut from.
If your tech pack specifies a GSM, send it and we will match it to a quality and confirm before
sampling. If you are working the other way round and want a recommendation, tell us the garment and
the season and we will send swatches.
Choosing a fabric
- Print definition matters most — higher thread count voile, or silk.
- Drape matters most — viscose, modal-viscose, or a polyester satin or
chiffon. - Texture matters most — slub, crinkle, cotton-linen.
- Price matters most — lower thread count voile, or polyester where the hand
allows it. - Warmth matters most — wool, for shawls.
Related: minimum order
quantities by product type and how to prepare a tech pack for manufacturers. Browse
women’s scarves,
beachwear and
ladies garments.
Where we do not have a tested figure — GSM on most qualities — this page says so rather than estimating.
