Choosing the right fabric for your clothing line is crucial. It should be durable, functional and look amazing which itself is a long list. Twill fabric is also one of the popular choices of clothing manufacturers.
Hold on! Is it perfect for your brand?
Our experts have written a detailed guidebook on cotton twill fabric for you. After reading you can make the right choice as per your requirements. Match the customer’s expectations and build a trustable brand for your audience.
No more waiting! Let’s dive into it!
Table of Contents
What Is Twill Fabric?
Among all the fabrics, twill fabric stands out due to its diagonal lines weave pattern. No other fabric bears such a unique weave pattern as twill fabric. Synthetic Fabric have a plain weave fabric structure with a simple over-under pattern.
In the case of twill weave fabric, the weft threads pass over one or more warp threads. This shapes the unique pattern of vertical threads bearing a horizontal thread. These diagonal lines of weft and warp threads make it different from other fabrics.
What are the unique characteristics of twill fabric?
Twill’s unique diagonal rib pattern gives it some unique advantages, so let’s explore them:
Durability & Strength: The twill diagonal pattern makes it a strong fabric. It is very strong, with much more resistance to wear and tear than plain weave. The moment a stress is applied on its surface, it gets distributed.
Flexibility: Twill weaves are more flexible, thus bending. It drapes well owing to its slightly heavier weight alongside the smooth texture. Their diagonal weave pattern makes them more comfortable than other durable fabric options such as Ripstop Nylon Fabric.
Wrinkle-Resistance: Twill material cloth is naturally resistant to wrinkles and creases. This is why twill clothing needs minimal ironing to look crisp and polished.
Visual look: Twill is typically thicker and more opaque, which means it isn’t see-through. However, their diagonal pattern adds visual interest and appeal with texture. Ideal for denim jackets or denim jeans that need an enhanced look with thickness.
Comfortness: The weave pattern gives a softer feel to the wearer. Even plain fabric with the same thread count can’t give such comfort. Ideal for garments like trousers and t- shirts for optimal user satisfaction.
Characteristics of twill material appeal to larger fashion applications. You can use them for clothing and home furnishing.
Recommended Reading: Modal Fabric 101: Ultimate Blend of Softness and Durability
How Is Twill Fabric Made?
Making a twill fabric has a different technique than plain thread. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1) Thread selection
You can make twill from various fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, and silk. The choice totally affects the final texture, weight, feel, and comfort. Pay attention to thread sizing, as the thicker or finer thread decides the final weight. Heavy or lightweight twill have different applications and uses in industry.
Step 2) Warp and Weft arrangement
Vertical and horizontal threads are arranged perpendicular to each other. The number count of each thread depends on which final texture you want.
Step 3) Weaving process
Twill weave structure starts to form with passing weft thread passed over the warp. It forms a diagonal line along with a diagonal angle. A standard twill weave is a 2/1 pattern where one weft goes over two warp threads. They create a 45-degree diagonal line.
Step 4) Variations & Finishing
Manufacturers can introduce different variations in twill fabric by adjusting the pattern. These common types are regular twill, Herringbone fabric twill, and Cavalry twill. Twill fabric is dyed, printed, or left in a natural color, depending on the desired look.
How Much Does Twill Fabric Cost?
Many factors affect the cost of twill fabric, such as fiber content, weight, and quality. The most common fabric options are cotton, polyester, wool, and silk.
Expert Tip: Thread choice affects your costs. Cotton is affordable, depending on availability. Polyester is cheaper, which makes it a budget-friendly option. Conversely, Wool and Silk twill are the most expensive options.
However, fabric is also divided into two types: lightweight and heavy. That’s why it is always better to get an updated quote from your supplier. You can contact JaceApparel to get a quote with different options.
Different Types of Twill Fabric
Twill fabric has multiple variations depending on the textile weave pattern. Here are the most popular types:
- Denim
Denim is the most well-known twill fabric type made from heavy cotton. Traditionally woven with indigo-dyed warp thread and white weft threads. It creates a signature blue jeans look with a durable nature.
- Chino Twill
Chino is a lightweight and breathable twill made from finer cotton threads. It has a smooth finish, which makes it ideal for chinos, khaki pants, and trousers.
- Herringbone Twill
This twill fabric has a v-shaped, zigzag pattern that resembles the herring fish bone. Reverse the direction of the twill weave at regular intervals to create such a pattern. It is made from wool or cotton.
- Gaberdine
It is tightly woven twill fabric, which is smooth and has a steep twill line. Gaberdine is durable with water resistance and often has a crisp finish.
Let’s see the comparison between twill weave fabric and plain weave fabric.
| Factor | Twill weave fabric | Plain weave fabric |
| Composition | Cotton, Polyester, Wool & Silk | Cotton, Linen, Polyester, Silk or Blends |
| Texture | Diagonal Ribs, Smooth finishing | Flat, basic texture without raised pattern |
| Breathability | Medium | High |
| Pilling/Bubbling | Less probability | High Probability |
| Heat Retention | Good heat retention, especially with wool or denim | Low to Moderate |
| Stretch Ability | Limited unless blended with elastane or spandex | Limited |
| Washing temperature | 30-40°C for cotton twill. Cold wash or dry clean the wool or silk twill | 30-40°C |
| Applications | Denim, Chinos, Jacket, Coats, Workwear, suits | Casual shirts, Dresses, Bed sheets and lightweight garments |
Twill Fabric And The Environment Impact
The environmental impact of twill fabric is basically dependent on the fibers used. Later on, what is their production process (dyeing, techniques and wastage) and finishing?
Starting from raw material selection, there are multiple options. Denim is very water and chemical-intensive, while polyester is not biodegradable.
Cotton will have a huge environmental footprint during farming. However, organic cotton twill and recycled fibers could be of help there. Here’s a complete about Microfiber Fabric.
Intensive dyeing and washing causes water pollution and higher energy consumption. Also, distressing and chemical coating to increase durability involves toxic chemicals.
Industry insight: Natural twills are biodegradable and better than synthetic twills. Using organic fibers or recycled fibers, eco-friendly dyes, and manufactured from sustainable practices.
Peter Lv, Yarn and fabric leader in China
Polyester will contribute to plastic waste, but there have been many recycled options. Eco-friendly dyeing and sustainable fiber sourcing are becoming popular. They will reduce the environmental effects of the twill fabric.
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Uses of Twill Fabric
In clothing, twill material has different uses depending on its type. You can use them in denim jeans, chinos, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, and casual pants. Ties, scarves, bags, and hats are popular accessories made from twill fabric.
Wool twill is best for suits and outerwear.
Lightweight twills such as gabardine are used for formal wear. Strength and attractive patterns make them ideal for upholstery, curtains, and bedding.
WATER-RESISTANCE makes it awesome for backpacks, tents, outerwear, and many more.
How to Take Care of Twill Fabric?
Tips for better care of twill fabrics.
- Washing:
Machine wash cotton twill in cold or warm water to prevent shrinking or fading. Turn the clothes inside out to protect the outer surface from abrasion.
Dry clean wool twill to maintain it in its original shape and not spoil the fabric. Hand-wash with some soft detergent in cold water.
Hand-wash silk twill using a mild detergent with cold water. You can also do a dry cleaning to maintain the luster of the fabric.
- Drying
Air drying should be used for cotton twill. In case one has to use the dryer, then a low heat setting would be ideal.
Lay flat for wool and silk twill to dry completely without stretching or wrinkling.
- Ironing :
Cotton twill – medium to hot heat setting and use steam for wrinkles knock out.
Wool and silk twill – low heat setting and iron between a cloth and the fabric to avoid damage.
- Storage
Generally, twill should be stored in a cool, dry place, folded, or hung upon the fabric. Wool twill should be hung to keep its shape, but denim should be folded.
Important Point: Avoid denim and heavier twill fabrics to wash frequently. Spot clean if possible, as it preserves color and texture.
Twill Fabric Certifications Available
JaceApparel believes in the highest standard for quality and customers’ safety. Certifications depend on the fabrics used in the manufacturing process.
For organic cotton twill, it is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This denotes that the fabric does not contain harmful substances.
Recycled Content Certifications: For textiles utilizing recycled fibers, including post-consumer-recycled polyester.
Fair Trade Certification: They also adopt ethical production and wages.
These certifications help the consumer make informed choices with regard to the fabrics. Buy based on their values of sustainability and ethics.
People Also Ask About Twill Fabric
1. Is twill fabric good for summer?
Yes, they are breathable, but not that much, but cotton twill can be used in summer. You can wear them over and over as it does not lose its shape.
2. Is twill better than cotton?
The diagonal pattern of the twill weave provides a unique feel and comfort. It is heavier than plain weave fabrics, offering better drape and shape retention.
3. What are the disadvantages of twill fabric?
Twill fabric is breathable but as much as cotton or other fabrics. Denim is a perfect example of how it feels and their breathability.
What’s Next
Twill fabric has its strength over plain fabric due to its production technique. However, finding a perfect twill variation for your clothing is challenging. Also shaping your desired clothing with twill needs skills and craftsmanship.
Jace Apparel helps in getting you top notch twill fabric clothing. Whether you need high thread counts or breathability, we chose fabric for you.
Contact us to design your clothing with quality twill material Now!
Sources
- thefabricofourlives.com– Types of twill fabric
- sewport.com– How twill fabric is made