Importance of Texture in Fashion designing

By Sarina Tariq

Updated on

Wikipedia says that ‘texture is the perceived surface quality of a work of art’. It is one of the seven formal artistic elements. In fashion designing, texture is achieved through fabric surface texture as well as fabric manipulations. Many designers layer multiple fabrics in a single garment for the sake of texture. Cut outs made in fabric as well as embroidery also bring lots of texture to clothing.

fabric texture

Don’t we all say things like –

☝I love that soft, drapey, light chiffon.

That silk looks so lustrous.

☝The crispiness of organdy is so elegant.

☝This crepe has a wonderful pebbly surface.

☝That satin is so smooth, and glossy. 

☝The wool feels so furry, cuddly and cozy.

These conversations are about fabric, ofcourse. They are all talking about the texture. Here is a list of fabrics with different textures.

crepe fabric texture
Fabric texture of a crepe fabric

These and many other such adjectives are used when you talk of a fabric surface – like sheer, furry, burnished, delicate, sparkling, shiny, bulky, nubby, shaggy, matt, sleek, cuddly, soft, glossy, crisp.

Some are not so complimentary like rough, pilling, dull, fuzzy.

All these words refer to that particular textile’s texture.

Some of these textures like roughness, smoothness, hardness, or softness can be felt with your hand.

Some are visual like shiny.

Some are a combination of tactile and visual experiences like a pebbly surface.

I can even hear texture – haven’t you heard the crinkly sound of a crisp fabric

cotton fabric loose weave
Fabric texture of a loosely woven cotton fabric in plain weave.

What factors affect the texture?

Fiber type, yarn size (Thicker yarns create a coarse texture), fabric finishes like brushing, sanding, or calendering, fabric weight (thicker fabric may be coarser than thin fabrics), blending with other fibers, dyeing, printing and other surface treatments and embellishments. Other than these, environmental factors can also affect texture of fabrics. And on top of all this, age and wear can also change the texture of fabrics. They may become softer, develop pilling, or exhibit signs of aging, which can alter their texture.

First and foremost, texture holds attention. Fashion is a visual medium and with inventive use of textures, the designers aim to hold and attract the attention of the consumer.

Texture at the back of the fabric.
Back of the above fabric

Texture has a unifying effect. When used together in an ensemble a single texture can hold it together.

Texture of a fabric with embroidery
Embroidered fabric

The emotional impact of texture is another major factor. Do you know that feelings are affected, even heightened with a change in texture? Clothes made of Velvet gives off a sensual and extravagant vibe. When you touch a clothing in tweed wool fabric or fleece you have a warm feeling. Corduroy and Leather make you feel protected. Faded Denim and Linen give you a feeling of comfort. They feel familiar and you feel at home.

Fabric with thicker warp thread
Fabric texture when warp thread and weft threads are of different thickness.

You also associate texture with gender. Rough and tough texture of Leather, denim and corduroy are associated with masculinity and velvet, silk and lace with femininity.

Along with other elements of design like line, form, space, and color, the texture is forever creating new emotional experiences. The softness of a baby blanket, the crisp feel of the disposable hospital bed sheet, the rustle of a newly tailored wedding gown are all things that we always remember because of the texture and its experience. This is why decorators and designers are forever trying to come up with new textures.

texture on both sides of the fabric.
Reversible fabric Texture on both sides

Types of texture

Piled fabric texture
Texture of a fabric with pile

This is the texture of a cloth that is structurally created at the time of the manufacturing process itself; different yarns interact to create a beautiful texture naturally. The textural effect varies with the types of textile fibers used in its making, yarn weight, stitch size, and yarn structure.

textile texture

Treated texture

This refers to the texture of a textile that is mainly dependent on the finishes applied on it for changing the appearance as well as increasing its functionality.

Check out the post on the different types of fabric finishes (70+) applied to fabrics.

metallic fabric texture

Supplementary texture

This is texture created by additionally attaching other materials on the surface of the textile after it is made; Eg., embroidery done on fabric. 

You can make beautiful cloth texture in many many different ways – here is a post with many tutorials on How to add texture to fabric. 

embroidered fabric textures

How texture influences fashion designing 

silk fabric
Irregular texture of silk

It can change the perception of size and shape of the body

A fabric with shiny texture or smooth feel will cling to the body and reveal the body proportions as they are – if you want this effect, definitely use shiny fabrics but if you do not want this, choose a slightly more textured fabric. 

It can make colour look different

A fabric with a shiny texture will look a shade lighter than a fabric with a rough texture of the same color/shade. Rough texture dulls the color and the shiny surface reflects light.

If you want to design a garment with a subdued effect, choose a rough-textured or at least a smooth-surfaced fabric rather than a shiny one.

It can change the drape of the clothes

Rough heavy textured fabrics with a tight weave are stiff and will stand away from the body. Soft textured fabrics may be very drapey.

Related posts : Fabric Names with a dictionary ; Learn more about textiles?

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Sarina, author of all sewing, fashion designing articles

Author: Sarina Tariq

Hi, I love sewing, fabric, fashion, embroidery, doing easy DIY projects and then writing about them. Hope you have fun learning from sewguide as much as I do. If you find any mistakes here, please point it out in the comments.

4 thoughts on “Importance of Texture in Fashion designing”

  1. Walaa

    Thank you Sarina

    Reply
  2. Kate Fairweather

    I am looking for the name of the fabric with very loosely woven, thick yarn strands that are often used to give a “primative” look. This fabric is thick enough to use for winter wear. Could you help me with that? And what about Boucle?

    Reply
    • Sarina

      Hi Kate,
      Have you considered loosely woven tweed (you can look for Tweed boucle fabric) – it is used to make jackets (chanel style)

  3. Joyce Clay

    I absolutely love this site!!!
    This is a dream come true for me. I love the short yet informative applications. Thank you also for the Fabric Glossary!

    Reply
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