What Are the Different Types of Fabric Weaves?
If you’ve ever looked at a fabric label and thought, “What even is poplin?” or “Why does this shirt feel different from that one?” - you’re...
If you’ve ever looked at a fabric label and thought, “What even is poplin?” or “Why does this shirt feel different from that one?” - you’re not alone. The answer usually comes down to one thing: the weave.
The way threads are woven together completely changes how a fabric feels, drapes, and lasts. Some weaves are light and breathable, some warm and cozy, and others crisp and structured. Understanding these fabrics helps you shop smarter, care better, and build a wardrobe that works with your life and not against it.
First, let’s get to know the two main fabrics that we use here at Good Karma and their characteristics.
Everything in our collection is currently made using cotton cambric or cotton gauze.
Cambric is a fine, dense weave that feels smooth to the touch and holds its shape without stiffness. It’s made from cotton or linen and often used in summer blouses, crisp shirtdresses, and light skirts. The tight weave means it’s slightly structured but still cool - think effortless, polished comfort. It's also extremely lightweight and "crisp" to the touch.
Gauze, in contrast, is loosely woven, slightly crinkled, and heavier in weight. It’s known for its soft feel and breathability. Double gauze (two thin layers lightly tacked together) adds softness and modesty while keeping that dreamy flow, while triple gauze (three layers) offers weight, warmth, and add structure.
Tip: For easy, breathable slow-fashion staples, cambric and gauze are summer essentials. Look for organic cotton versions, they’re gentle on skin and the environment.
Your favorite T-shirt, your go-to leggings, that comfy jumpsuit - all of them likely come from the knit family.
Jersey is a single-knit fabric with one smooth side and one slightly textured side. Originally made from wool, it’s now mostly cotton or bamboo blends. It’s lightweight, drapes beautifully, and stretches without losing shape - perfect for tees, wrap dresses, and soft skirts.
Knits come in endless variations: rib knits (with vertical lines), interlock knits (dense and double-sided), and ponte (a stable, structured knit). Each balances comfort, stretch, and durability in different ways.
Tip: Knits are wrinkle-resistant and forgiving, ideal for travel and layering. To keep them lasting, wash cold, skip the dryer, and fold instead of hanging.
Tulle brings softness and structure together in one delicate weave. It’s made by twisting threads into a hexagonal pattern that creates an open, net-like texture. Depending on the fiber, tulle can feel floaty (silk or cotton) or structured (nylon or polyester).
It’s famous for wedding veils and skirts, but it’s also popping up in slow fashion as subtle detailing - think sheer sleeves, ruffled trims, and layered tops that play with transparency and light.
Tip: For a more sustainable take, choose tulle made from natural fibers or recycled synthetics. A little goes a long way to add romance and texture.
If you’ve ever owned a perfectly structured button-up that still feels breathable, it was probably poplin.
Poplin has a tight, plain weave with fine horizontal ribs that give it a soft sheen and smooth finish. It’s made mostly from cotton, sometimes blended with silk or polyester for added strength. The result is a fabric that feels fresh and lightweight but holds its shape beautifully.
You’ll see poplin in classic shirts, shirtdresses, and even lightweight jackets, it’s that “clean and confident” fabric that looks just as good at work as it does on weekends.
Tip: Poplin is low-maintenance and long-lasting. Look for organic cotton poplin for a breathable, planet-friendly version that keeps its polish season after season.
Muslin has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It’s a loosely woven cotton fabric known for being breathable, soft, and easy to work with. It’s used in everything from swaddles and scarves to household linens and even garment prototypes.
Designers love it because it’s undyed, natural, and inexpensive, but in the world of slow fashion, muslin also shines as a minimalist, low-impact textile. It absorbs natural dyes beautifully and breaks down easily at the end of its life.
Tip: Choose undyed or plant-dyed muslin for an organic, compostable fabric that feels like simplicity at its best.
Few fabrics say “comfort” like flannel. Originally made from wool and now often cotton, flannel is woven in a twill or plain pattern, then brushed on one or both sides to create that signature softness.
The brushed surface traps air, giving it natural insulation without heaviness. It’s warm but breathable, perfect for cool-weather shirts, pajama sets, and blankets.
Tip: Look for organic cotton or recycled flannel, it’s softer on the planet and gets cozier with each wash.
Lawn is like the dressier cousin of voile or cambric, finely woven cotton that’s silky to the touch and slightly sheer. It’s smooth, breathable, and has a subtle sheen that makes it feel luxurious while staying easy to wear.
Designers love lawn for summer dresses, skirts, and blouses because it holds its shape yet feels featherlight. It’s the perfect warm-weather fabric for anyone who loves a crisp look without sacrificing comfort.
Tip: Because lawn air-dries quickly, it’s ideal for summer travel - lightweight, elegant, and low-effort.
When you want strength and structure, canvas is your best friend. It’s made from cotton or linen and woven tightly in a plain weave, creating a heavy, sturdy fabric that stands up to wear and tear.
Canvas shows up everywhere, from workwear jackets and tote bags to upholstery and sneakers. It’s the kind of fabric that starts out stiff but softens beautifully with time, telling its own story with every use.
Tip: Recycled or organic cotton canvas is a slow-fashion staple, tough enough for years of wear and soft enough to love more each season.
Piqué (pronounced pee-kay) is woven with raised, waffle-like textures that give it character and breathability. It’s durable yet flexible, used in polo shirts, summer dresses, and even lightweight jackets.
The subtle texture helps disguise wrinkles and adds a touch of sophistication to casual styles. It’s that “put-together without trying too hard” kind of fabric.
Tip: Choose piqué cotton when you want comfort with structure, it pairs perfectly with tailored yet easygoing wardrobes.
French terry is a knit fabric with loops on one side and a smooth finish on the other. It’s what gives sweatshirts and loungewear that soft, lived-in feel.
Unlike fleece, French terry is breathable, making it perfect for layering across seasons. It absorbs moisture without clinging, ideal for days when comfort is your top priority.
Tip: For long-lasting softness, wash French terry on cold and line dry. Organic cotton blends feel extra cozy and hold up beautifully over time.
If slow fashion had a “wardrobe essential” fabric, it might be Oxford. This basket-weave cotton is durable yet breathable, structured yet soft. It’s best known for Oxford shirts, but also shines in casual jackets, dresses, and accessories.
Oxford cloth has a matte finish and just the right amount of texture. It’s built to last, softens with wear, and never really goes out of style - making it a forever favorite for thoughtful dressers.
Tip: An organic cotton Oxford shirt is the definition of quiet luxury - simple, sustainable, and endlessly wearable.
Understanding fabrics by weave isn’t just for designers, it’s for anyone who wants to build a thoughtful wardrobe. The weave affects everything: how your clothes feel, how they drape, and how long they’ll last.
When you know the difference between gauze and poplin or flannel and French terry, you can make choices that match your life and your values.
And that’s what slow fashion is really about - learning what you love, caring for it well, and letting your clothes tell a story worth wearing.