As a stylist, I always say: it’s not just the colour or cut that makes a piece special – it’s the fabric. Understanding the fabrics in your wardrobe helps you shop smarter, dress more comfortably, and care for your clothes better.

Let’s start with a simple distinction:

Fibres vs Fabrics

• Fibre is the raw material: cotton, wool, silk, polyester, etc.
• Fabric is what the fibre becomes after being spun into yarn and woven or knitted. For example, denim is a fabric made from cotton fibre. Tweed is a fabric made from wool.

Now, let’s explore the most common types of fibres used in fashion:

Natural Fibres

These come from plants or animals.

• Cotton: Soft, breathable and versatile. Great for casual wear.
• Linen: Lightweight and airy. Wrinkles easily, but ideal for hot weather.
• Wool: Warm and insulating. Comes in many types (like Merino or Cashmere).
• Silk: Luxurious and smooth. Adds elegance to any look.

Synthetic Fibres

Man-made, usually from petroleum-based products.

• Polyester: Durable and wrinkle-resistant. Often blended with other fibres.
• Nylon: Smooth and strong. Common in hosiery and activewear.
• Acrylic: A wool substitute. Often used in knitwear.

Blended Fabrics

Many modern garments use a mix of natural and synthetic fibres to improve function. For example:

• Cotton-Polyester blend: Soft but more wrinkle-resistant.
• Wool-Acrylic blend: Warm and more affordable than pure wool.

Why does this matter in vintage fashion? Because fabric tells you a lot about a garment’s era, purpose, and quality. A 100% wool coat from the 1980s will feel different to a modern wool-blend one. Knowing what you’re wearing helps you appreciate it – and spot the treasures!

At Vintagella Moda, we love to highlight the fabric in every piece we sell. Whether it’s pure silk, vintage denim, or a structured wool blend, fabric is part of the story.

So next time you run your hand across a sleeve, ask yourself: how does it feel? That’s the real beginning of style.