Materials & Fabrics for Clothing Production
The foundation of every garment begins with the right fabric. In this section, explore the essential materials used in professional apparel production. Learn about heavyweight cotton, French terry, fleece, jersey, piqué, and rib knits, as well as sustainable options like organic cotton and recycled polyester. We explain the differences in feel, durability, and performance, helping you choose fabrics that match your brand’s identity and customer expectations. Whether you’re developing streetwear hoodies, activewear leggings, or premium basics, understanding fabric choices is key to successful custom clothing production in Portugal and across Europe.
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Natural & Cellulosic Fibers
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Linen: A bast fiber known for its exceptional breathability and coolness, producing a crisp, textured fabric that wrinkles easily but is ideal for warm-weather clothing.
- French Terry: A knitted fabric with soft loops on the inside and a smooth surface on the outside. It is absorbent, breathable, and ideal for lightweight sweatshirts, hoodies, and loungewear.
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Synthetic & Performance Fibers
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Polyester: A synthetic workhorse known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, quick-drying properties, and ability to be blended with other fibers.
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Recycled Polyester (rPET): Polyester fiber made from post-consumer plastic waste, offering the same performance benefits as virgin polyester with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
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Elastane / Spandex (Lycra®): A synthetic fiber that provides exceptional elasticity. It is never used alone but is blended (typically 5-20%) with other fibers to add stretch and recovery to fabrics.
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Nylon: A strong, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant synthetic fiber. Often used in activewear, swimwear, and outerwear for its durability and smooth feel.
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Recycled Nylon: Sourced from post-industrial waste or discarded fishing nets, offering the performance of virgin nylon with a more sustainable profile.
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Materials & Fabrics for Clothing Production
Explore cotton, French terry, jersey, fleece, and sustainable blends used in premium apparel manufacturing.
Explore Premium Apparel Fabrics Guide
Printing Techniques for Apparel Production
Screen printing, embroidery, puff prints, and digital methods for custom clothing manufacturing.
Explore Custom Apparel Printing Techniques
Dyeing Techniques in Clothing Manufacturing
Garment dye, pigment, acid wash, and stone wash finishes that create unique apparel designs.
Compare Apparel Finishing Techniques
Popular Clothing Items for Custom Apparel
Hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, leggings, and biker shorts — essentials for every apparel collection.
Explore Popular Custom Clothing Items
Trends & Designs in Modern Apparel
Oversized fits, streetwear influences, and activewear styles driving custom clothing production.
Explore Trends & Designs for Apparel Development
Sustainable & Ethical Clothing Production
OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, organic cotton, and ethical apparel manufacturing in Portugal.
Understand Sustainable & Ethical Clothing Production
Essentials for Custom Clothing Production
Custom labels, packaging, and trims that elevate your apparel brand in production.
Explore Essentials for Custom Clothing Production
Resources for Custom Clothing Production
Startup guides, logistics support, and scaling strategies for apparel brands and wholesale clients.
Explore Resources for Custom Clothing Production
Clothing Manufacturing Glossary
Explore a complete glossary of clothing and garment manufacturing terms
The Complete Clothing Manufacturing Glossary
The Best Clothing Manufacturers
Explore global clothing manufacturers by country
Explore The Best Clothing Manufacturers
The Latest Clothing Industry Updates in 2025
Discover the latest news about important topics in the clothing industry in 2025,
Stay On Top Of Clothing Industry Updates
Worldwide Best Manufacturers of Clothes in 2026
Top clothing manufacturers worldwide organized by product type
Find The Worldwide Best Manufacturers of Clothes