Fabric
Choosing fabric for warm-weather collections
Cotton Collection
Fabric decides how a garment looks on the hanger, how it feels on the body and how it survives the first wash. For resort and summer collections, the choice usually comes down to cotton, linen, viscose or a blend. Each has a clear place.
The main options
Fabric | Handle and drape | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
Cotton voile and mull | Light, soft, slightly sheer | Blouses, tiered dresses, layering pieces | Sheerness in pale colours; may need lining |
Cotton poplin | Crisp, smooth, holds shape | Shirts, shirt dresses, structured sets | Creases easily |
Linen | Dry, textured, cool to wear | Trousers, co-ords, relaxed dresses | Natural slubs and creasing are part of the look |
Cotton–linen blend | Linen texture, softer and less creasing | Separates that need to travel well | Shade can vary between lots |
Viscose (rayon) | Fluid, soft, takes print colour richly | Maxi dresses, wrap styles, bias shapes | Shrinkage; needs careful finishing and care labelling |
Viscose crepe and georgette | Weighty drape, matte surface | Occasion pieces, fuller skirts | More delicate to cut and sew |
Weight matters as much as fibre
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square metre (GSM). For warm-weather clothing, most tops and dresses sit between roughly 60 and 150 GSM. Lighter fabrics feel cooler but can be sheer; heavier ones hang better but feel warmer. When you specify fabric, give a GSM range, not just a fibre.
Shrinkage and care
Natural and regenerated fibres can shrink when washed. We test shrinkage on the bulk fabric before cutting and adjust patterns where needed, so finished garments keep their measurements after washing. Care labels are written to match the tested fabric, not a generic template.
How fabric affects print, cost and timing
Print: viscose and fine cottons take print colour brightly; linen gives a softer, more muted result. We strike off on your chosen fabric before bulk.
Cost: fibre, weight and finish all move the price. Linen generally costs more than cotton of a similar weight.
Timing: stock fabrics can be cut within days. Fabrics woven or dyed to order add time, so they are confirmed early in development.
How we help
Tell us the look, the price point and the season. We suggest fabric options with swatches, explain the trade-offs, and source to your required quality, weight and handle.