Men often put fabric as an afterthought when buying new clothes. Read this guide to find out why clothing textures are just as important.
You have a lot to consider when shopping for new clothes. First and foremost is choosing what type of clothes you need. Then as you try things on, fit is most important. Of course, for most of us, price is an important factor as well.
A lot of considerations go into a modern man’s thinking when shopping for new clothes. Design, color, fit, and size are the primary factors you’ll most likely consider when choosing garments.
Another attribute to consider when choosing new clothes is texture.
Part of the reason you try on clothes before buying them is to make sure they’re comfortable.
If the material is rough and itchy, you won’t buy it. On the other hand, a rich and luxurious fabric is a huge plus.
You want clothes that look good, but they should also feel great.
What Is Texture?
You might ask, “What is texture?” Generally, texture is the feel, appearance, or consistency of any surface or item. You can associate this attribute with your sense of touch.
Humans developed something called “texture recognition”. It’s an attribute you have the time you are a baby and lets you know whether a surface is safe or dangerous.
It’s one of the main reasons why babies love warm, soft surfaces and not cold, hard ones. The former makes them feel comfortable and safe.
Even when you grow up, you still prefer soft apparel compared to scratchy, tough fabrics. Your texture recognition doesn’t simply go away!
Texture describes the body of the fabric. It’s one of the key aspects that determines the textile’s quality, alongside the color and pattern.
It tells you when clothes have a certain unevenness while others feel smooth. Naturally, you’re more inclined to notice if an article of clothing is warm and nurturing.
Why Is Texture Important in Men’s Clothing?
So why is texture important in men’s wear? Apart from its most basic definition, textures also influence how the colors and patterns appear on clothes.
Shades react differently to threads. Thick wool absorbs more dye than cotton, so the prior ends up sporting a darker hue than the latter.
Colors can evoke ideas that may give rise to certain emotions that are related to our sense of touch. The same goes for patterns.
A shirt that has solid hues without any visible markings will look smooth and soft. Button-ups with herringbone weaves of two contrasting colors might appear ridgy or bumpy.
Depending on how a fabric completes garments, the person wearing them might give a formal, rugged, or relaxed vibe. Simply put, the material may stimulate softness, warmth, coolness, and toughness just by looking at it.
Take brown leather from cowhide and other animal skins, for example. It’s rough, and when you see men wearing it as jackets, you know it gives off pure masculine energy.
A pair of light-blue jeans, on the other hand, are stiff, sturdy pants that get comfortable when broken in. They give off a “rugged worker” vibe.
Both the cloth, color, and pattern play vital roles in invoking those feelings.
Different Types of Fabric Texture for Guys
There are tons of fabrics available for men’s clothing, and each one has a unique texture. Some are more sturdy but rough, while others are softer but prone to wrinkles.
Technically, there are two types of fabrics: natural and synthetic. They vary by the fibers, formation techniques, procurement, and production methods.
Natural fibers come from animals, plants, or minerals, while synthetics are chemically processed from fossil fuels. Synthetics often result in a more durable fabric than natural.
Let’s explore the different types of fabric textures for guys. You can expand your knowledge and figure out which material you’ll find more pleasant to wear.
Natural Fabric Textures
Natural fabrics are hypoallergenic materials but require a bit more maintenance. They’re also more often expensive and prone to wrinkles, discoloration, and tears if not cared for properly.
Natural fabrics made from cotton, silk, and wool, have a more varied hand feel than synthetics.
Natural fabrics are the best choice for smart casual dress codes and above.. Here are options that have notable textural properties:
Corduroy
Corduroy, woven from cotton or wool, comes in a wide variety of shades. Known for its vertical ridges, it’s a soft yet durable material great for outerwear, pants, and other casual outfits.
Denim
Denim is a sturdy cotton fabric mainly used for jeans. It’s on the heavier side, but it also makes great shirts and jackets.
Flannel
Flannels are one of the most popular plain weave fabrics. They have medium-weight cotton and are great for plaid shirts.Flannel suits are a perennial cold-weather favorite.
Silk
Sleek, shiny, and ultra-lightweight, silk is an excellent choice for formal attire.Tuxedo’s, for instance, most often have silk-faced lapels.
Leather
When it comes to edgy jackets and shoes, leather is always at the top of the list. It’s built to last but a bit rough and stuffy when worn.
Suede
Suede is a softer, thinner alternative to smooth leather. It’s not as sleek, but it is more cozy than full-grained animal skin.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a luxury wool fiber best suited for shawls, sweaters, and knitwear. It’s one of the warmest materials and can withstand the coldest winters.
Seersucker
Seersucker, on the other hand, is a thin, cottony clothes texture with threads that pucker and bunch. This leads to noticeable, visually appealing crinkles that fit summer fabrics well.
Natural fibers tend to cost more, but they’re well worth the investment. Most high-quality apparel has fabrics made from one of these and has outstanding designs for boot.
Synthetic Fabric Textures
Synthetics are often less breathable than natural ones and may irritate guys with sensitive skin. However, they’re more affordable and quite low-maintenance. Crafted from polyester, nylon, rayon, and microfibers, they’re also more durable.
I should note that synthetic fabrics have been the subject of heated controversy in recent years. Some online health commentators have noted that this type of fabric is harmful to your body and can have long-term consequences. The verdict is still out on whether or not this is true.
What is undeniable, however, is that synthetic materials leak a prolific amount of microplastics into the environment.
Most clothes made from these textured materials have machine washable, waterproof, and wrinkle-resistant features. Some brands use these to make their athletic wear due to their sturdy and flexible nature.
Here are just a few choices of textured synthetic fabrics:
Plush
Plush may seem like a surprise for clothing material, but their fluffy and soft nature makes great fleece jackets. Their polyester base often gives handy features like wind resistance and quick-drying properties.
Brocade
A bit on the fancier side, brocade provides a unique raised pattern that can add flair to a suit. The jacquard weave often results in an embroidered effect. Though originally crafted from natural fibers, modern brocade is typically made with synthetics like rayon.
Satin
Satin is the budget-friendly version of silk. It has all the softness and luxurious gleam, except that it’s from various synthetic blends, including polyester and rayon.
Spandex
Spandex is best for t-shirts, tanks, and other athletic tops and jerseys. It boasts a stretchy knit cloth that’s both versatile and lightweight.
When choosing synthetics as part of your staples, make sure that your skin can handle them. The last thing you want is to get hives because you’re allergic to some of the materials.
Elevating Men’s Wardrobe Through Clothing Textures
Your preference ultimately determines which of these textiles fit you the most.
There are, however, certain tips you can consider when making your decision.
Remember, clothing textures can add more flair and uniqueness to your wardrobe. Play around with the weaves, designs, and materials to see what works for you, but keep the fundamentals in mind.
When in doubt, you can always come back to this guide.
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