Sateen or Satin? Don’t Mistake These Types of Fabrics!
Have you ever encountered a type of fabric, only to be confused with another? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! From polyester being mistaken for silk to rayon being thought of as cotton, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of fabrics on the market. With over 100 types of fabrics based on materials, type of weaves, and techniques alone, fabric types and concepts are rich and diverse, and one manufacturer or country’s definition may differ from another.
In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly misidentified fabrics and their unique characteristics, helping you make an informed decision the next time you go shopping for clothes.
- Denim vs. Chambray: Easily Confused Fabrics
Denim and Chambray are easily confused because of their similar blue hue coloration. Denim uses a twill construction that results in a diagonal stripe when viewed up close, while Chambray uses a plain weave construction that creates a vertical or horizontal stripe. To distinguish between the two, note that Denim typically has a side with a darker color, while Chambray has a similar color on both sides. Additionally, Chambray fabrics are typically lighter than Denim.
- Sateen vs. Satin: Understanding the Differences
Sateen and Satin are often confused due to their similar names, pronunciation, appearance, and feel. Both fabrics have a luxurious, shiny appearance and are wrinkle-resistant. However, the terms “Satin” and “Sateen” also refer to specific weave patterns. Satin is traditionally woven from fine silk thread, but can now be made using filament fibers such as silk, nylon, or polyester. Sateen, on the other hand, is made from short-staple spun yarns such as 100% cotton.
- CVC vs. TC: Mixed Fabrics with Distinct Differences
CVC (Chief Value Cotton) and TC (Tetoron Cotton) are both mixed fabrics made from cotton and polyester. CVC typically has a higher or similar percentage of cotton compared to polyester, giving it a similar feel to 100% cotton fabrics. TC, however, has a higher percentage of polyester than cotton and is typically cheaper than CVC, making it a common choice for low-cost clothing.
- Viscose vs. Rayon: Navigating Interchangeable Terms
Viscose and Rayon are often mistaken for one another, as many traders and manufacturers use the terms interchangeably. Both are semi-synthetic and manufactured from cellulose plant fibers in the same manner. Viscose is actually a type of Rayon, with some people referring to wood cellulose Rayon as “Viscose” and Rayon made from bamboo and other types of cellulose as simply “Rayon.” To avoid confusion, consider using “Viscose” for the original wood cellulose and “Rayon” for Viscose made from any other type of cellulose.
Understanding the differences between similar fabrics can be a challenge, but now, you can make informed choices when it comes to selecting the best fabric for your needs.