Materials & Fibres

The most widely used natural fibre in fashion. Soft, breathable, and versatile — the backbone of everyday apparel from t-shirts to denim.

Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, certified to organic standards (GOTS, OCS). Identical hand-feel to conventional cotton with a lower environmental footprint.

A protein fibre shorn from sheep (primarily Merino). Naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant — prized for knitwear, suiting, and outerwear.

Made from the flax plant. Lightweight, breathable, and with a distinctive textured drape — a summer staple that softens with every wash.

A luxury protein fibre produced by silkworms (Bombyx mori). Known for its luminous sheen, smooth hand, and elegant drape.

An ultra-fine, lightweight fibre combed from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Exceptionally soft and warm — a hallmark of premium knitwear.

A fast-growing grass fibre that can be processed mechanically into a linen-like textile. Naturally antibacterial and breathable, though most commercial bamboo fabric is chemically processed into viscose.

One of the oldest cultivated fibres. Strong, durable, and naturally resistant to mould and UV — increasingly used in sustainable fashion as an alternative to cotton.

A long, coarse bast fibre from the jute plant. One of the cheapest natural fibres, traditionally used for sacking and rope — now finding niche use in fashion accessories and textured fabrics.

A bast fibre from the ramie plant, similar to linen but with a silkier lustre. One of the strongest natural fibres — naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, and insects.

A soft, lightweight fibre shorn from alpacas. Warmer than sheep wool and hypoallergenic (no lanolin) — prized in luxury knitwear for its silky hand-feel and natural colour range.

A lustrous fibre from the Angora goat. Known for its exceptional sheen, resilience, and ability to take vibrant dyes — used in luxury knitwear and suiting.

A soft undercoat fibre from yaks, comparable to cashmere in warmth and fineness. An emerging luxury fibre with roots in Himalayan and Mongolian textile traditions.

Soft, fluffy clusters from the underside of duck or goose plumage. The highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any natural insulator — the benchmark for premium outerwear and bedding.

Outer plumage from ducks and geese, used as fill material alongside or instead of down. Heavier and less insulating than pure down, but more affordable and structurally supportive.

Tanned animal hide — primarily from cattle, sheep, and goats. A durable, non-woven material prized for its strength, texture, and patina development over time.

Animal pelts with the hair intact, used as whole skins for warmth and texture. One of the most contested materials in fashion due to animal welfare concerns.

A versatile semi-synthetic fibre made from dissolved wood pulp. Drapes beautifully, absorbs moisture well, and is often used as a silk alternative.

A type of rayon made from beech tree pulp using a modified viscose process. Softer and more durable than standard viscose, with better wet strength.

A premium regenerated cellulose fibre produced in a closed-loop solvent process. Best known as TENCEL (by Lenzing) — softer than cotton, stronger than viscose, and one of the most sustainable semi-synthetic options.

A cellulose fibre partially treated with acetic acid, producing a silk-like drape and lustre at a lower cost. Widely used for linings and formal wear.

A regenerated cellulose fibre made from cotton linter (the short fibres around cottonseeds) using the cuprammonium process. Silky, anti-static, and breathable — often used as a premium lining fabric.

A fully acetylated cellulose fibre with higher heat resistance and dimensional stability than standard acetate. Less common today but still used in pleat-retaining and wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

The world's most produced fibre. A plastic-based textile (PET) that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and cheap to produce — dominant in sportswear and fast fashion.

A strong, elastic synthetic fibre (polyamide). Prized for its durability and stretch — widely used in hosiery, swimwear, and outerwear.

Also known as Spandex or Lycra. A highly elastic fibre that stretches up to 600% of its length — almost always used as a small-percentage blend to add stretch.

A lightweight synthetic alternative to wool. Warm, soft, and moth-resistant — commonly used in affordable knitwear and cold-weather accessories.

A modified acrylic fibre with built-in flame resistance. Commonly used in faux fur, protective workwear, and children's sleepwear where fire safety is essential.

The chemical family name for nylon fibres. When labelled as 'polyamide' rather than 'nylon', it typically refers to unbranded variants — functionally equivalent in strength, elasticity, and performance.

A synthetic polymer used as a coating, laminate, or leather alternative. Often labelled as PU — provides water resistance, flexibility, and a leather-like appearance at lower cost.