Tartan - fabric of geometric images produced in multiple colors. Tartan is usually three or more colors with a more intricate use of colors and spacing.
Tartan originally was created using dyed yarn first and then weaving them into fabric to create tartan. However, the process of dyeing yarn first and the producing only woven fabric is slow and limiting. Today tartan can be produced as printed image on any fabric, created using a cross-dyed method, or continuing the traditional yarn-dyed method.
Heritage plaids, blanket weaves and checks are in style this season in red, green, blue and black. Tartan is back in a big way - and nearly every designer is doing their take this autumn. Tartan has been an integral part of the 'rebel ' catwalk trend.There are tartan skater skirts, mini kilts and dresses for those in their teens and 20's and there is a more classic look, sleek tailored tartan trousers and blazers. Tartan garments can be mixed with denim, leather etc. For more classic items such as an overcoat choose more neutral tones of tartan so item can be used in following seasons. Tartan is one trend set to have a long season.
Tartan fabric types
Accessories
Street style
Some of tartan fabric swatches available in fabric shops (Hickeys).
Denim
A hard-wearing cotton twill fabric typically woven with a colored warp and a white or undyed weft, and produced in a variety of weights. May also contain synthetic fibers such as polyester, or stretch fibers such as spandex, in which case it is referred as ''stretch denim''. Originally used to make protective work wear, denim now is widely used for leisurewear, including jeans and jackets.
Denim has become the most important fabric used for apparel today. Its universal appeal transcends culture and traditions.
Designers now view denim as a canvas to communicate style, status, and character. The wide variety of denim finishes available provides a different level of expression beyond jeans design.
Denim designs this autumn goes beyond basic skinnies. From wax treatment to acid-washed, patchwork panels to shredded knees. There is almost no end to the development of denim.
This season in fashion is gold dipped denim jeans, shredded, ripped and frayed jeans, vests, jackets and coats. Also different color patchwork patterns, floral prints, embellished and embroidered denim.
Some of denim fabric swatches
Wool
Fiber obtained from the coats of sheep and various other mammals including goats,camels and llamas. Soft, strong and warm and absorbent with a good affinity to dye, wool has been widely used for textiles since antiquity. The fiber possesses a natural crimp, as well as having a microscopic scales along its length, and as a result its suited for spinning into yarn or turning into felt, as the fibers adhere to one other.
The term may also refer to yarn or fabric made from such fibers, which may be broadly classified as either woolen (made from short staple fibers) or worsted (made from long staple fibers). Wool is used for a variety of garments including suits, coats, jackets, sweaters, dresses, skirts, scarves, shawls, hosiery and hats, Types include cashmere, karakul, lambs wool, merino and Shetland.
This season traditional fabrics such as pure wool, wool-mix fabrics (mix of wool, mohair, alpaca, cashmere) also menswear fabrics (tweed) in rich, dark hues, emerald green, navy, illuminating pastels (pink, baby blue, buttercup yellow). in fashion. In top market and designer clothing pure wool fabrics dominated, in mass and middle market clothing wool content percentage was lightly lower.
Wool fabric embellishments, biker detailing such as heavy zips, leather-fur detailing, broad lapels adding a masculine edge to wool fabric in fashion this season. Also military inspired and animal print fabric wool coats in trend this season.
Over-sized, double breasted, well tailored coats, jackets (late '80 and early '90 fashion), capes '60s fashion), also feminine-masculine shape of coats. Also pleated skirts (Vivienne Westwood - fleece wool fabric), Moschino skirt( pure wool fabric) in fashion. Skirt length this season starting from mini, full, circle and pencil skirts.
Some of wool fabric swatches available in shops
Knitted fabric
Knitting is a method by which thread is used to create a cloth.
Knitting may be done by hand or by machine. There exists numerous styles and methods of hand knitting.
Different types of yarns and needles may be used to achieve a different type of knitted fabric, weight, texture.
Knitwear this season is not just ordinary everyday wear to keep us warm. It has become more of a luxurious wear because of use of quality yarns, use of materials such as fur, leather etc. In top market pure wool clothing more, in middle and mass market clothing use of yarns such as acrylic etc.
Knitted fabric swatches
