FABRIC QUALITY 101

When shopping, most people focus on brand names, prices or design details, but rarely check the fabric label. That small tag, however, determines how long a garment will last, how it feels against your skin, how it reacts to washing and how comfortable it will be in daily life. A polyester-heavy blouse and a 100% cotton shirt may look similar at first glance, yet their long-term performance in durability, breathability and comfort is worlds apart.

Natural Fibers (Top Tier)

Cotton remains the most reliable everyday choice thanks to its breathability and moisture absorption. Long-staple varieties like Supima or Egyptian cotton are smoother and stronger than ordinary cotton. Linen is exceptionally durable and keeps the body cool in summer, though its tendency to wrinkle is unavoidable. Wool is a year-round fiber, insulating in the winter and cooling in the summer, with merino prized for its fine softness and Shetland valued for its heavier, rougher texture. Cashmere is synonymous with luxury, offering lightness, warmth and unmatched softness. Silk adds a sense of refinement with its smooth texture, natural sheen and excellent moisture management.

Semi-Synthetic (Regenerated Cellulose)

Viscose is made from cellulose, with a drapey, shiny finish but low durability. Modal is softer and stronger than viscose, widely used in loungewear and underwear. Lyocell (Tencel) is the most advanced in this family: eco-friendly production, excellent moisture management, and high durability. Bamboo fibers are essentially a form of viscose, often marketed as natural but chemically processed.

Synthetic Fibers (Lowest Tier)

Polyester is cheap and durable but lacks breathability and feels artificial. Polyamide (nylon) is strong and elastic, common in sportswear. Acrylic imitates wool but pills quickly and wears out fast. Elastane (spandex/lycra) is only used in small percentages to provide stretch.

In summer clothing like t-shirts and shirts, cotton and linen are already common, so polyester blends are less obvious. In winter clothing such as sweaters and coats, the difference is striking: a 100% wool sweater is warm, breathable, and long-lasting, while an acrylic sweater feels plastic-like, traps heat and pills quickly. This is why consumers tend to notice fabric quality most clearly in winter garments.

For t-shirts, the best composition is 100% cotton, which ensures breathability, durability, and comfort. A high-quality alternative is 95% cotton and 5% elastane, where the small percentage of elastane adds stretch and helps the garment maintain its shape.

For shirts, the top choices are 100% cotton, linen or silk, each offering proven benefits: cotton for strength and everyday wear, linen for cooling in warm weather, and silk for a smooth, lustrous finish.

Knitwear and sweaters are highest in quality when made from wool or cashmere, both of which provide warmth and long-term resilience, while acrylic deteriorates quickly and feels synthetic.

For coats and jackets, 100% wool or a 90% wool + 10% cashmere blend is a clear sign of quality; if wool falls below 50%, the piece is weaker.

Dresses and blouses are best in 100% silk, cotton or linen, since these fabrics balance comfort, appearance, and longevity, whereas polyester-heavy blends lack breathability, drape poorly and wear out faster.

The most balanced approach lies in accessible luxury and premium basic brands, where price and fabric content are better aligned. Brands often prioritize image and design over the actual quality of materials, charging high prices for garments with synthetic-heavy compositions. At the very top end, high luxury brands consistently deliver exceptional fabrics but they do so at prices that are extremely high.

The key to shopping smart is simple: check the label. A small line that says “100% wool” or “100% silk” tells you far more about a garment’s value than the logo on the tag.

xo Tuvana