What Is A Textile – The History of Fabric and Fashion 

What is a textile? We, here at M & P Trikam, are delighted to tell you about the history of material, fabrics, textiles and fashion. When it comes to clothes in South Africa, we are a trusted go-to shop for fabrics. Did you know that textiles date back to as far as 34 000 BC? Of course, processes have become much more sophisticated since then, but textile making is still a time honoured tradition. Today, textiles are made from many different fabrics, from animal fabric – such as wool – to plant textile fabrics (such as cotton). Our knowledge and expertise on ‘what is a textile’ and ‘what is fabric’ make us the fabric specialists you can trust.

What would clothing, and indeed fashion, be without the beautiful fabrics that make them up? Of course, when it comes to fashion the lines and designs of the garment matter as much as anything else, but for many fashion designers it starts at the fabric. So, what is a textile to a fashion designer? And what is a fabric really? And, for that matter, what influence do textiles and fabrics have on fashion and clothes in South Africa?

Here is how it works:

You probably well know that fashion is created a season or two before the actual ‘season starts’. In fact, work on Autumn/Winter 2013 probably started in early 2012 already at most of the major fashion houses. But, did you know that one or two seasons before this even designers attend ‘fabric shows’ to see the latest and most beautiful fabrics on offer? And, two seasons before this even fabric merchants and creators attend textile shows for the latest techniques and textiles. That is that is four to six seasons that a designer item is in the making – about a year to two and a half years from textile to garment!

What Is A Textile: Different Textiles for Different Purposes

What is a textile and what can we at M & P Trikam do to help you choose the best textile for your fabric purpose? First and foremost, let us go in to detail on exactly ‘what is a textile’. Commonly, a textile is known as a material that is flexible and made up of a network of various fibres that are pressed together. What is a textile used for in fabric making? Quite simply, the fabric ‘type’ is not only made by the type of textile that is used, but also by the process that is used to create the fabric from the textiles. While textiles have certain inherent properties (such as cotton being breathable and nylon being strong) the process of creation – that is weaving, knitting, pressing et cetera – is just as important in the creation of a suitable, durable fabric.

M & P Trikam are wholesale textile specialists that offer the following product range of material, fabrics and textiles: 

• Sportswear Fabrics: For ‘What is sportswear made up of?’ please do not hesitate to ask us
• Corporate and School Wear Fabrics: We know all there is to know about school uniforms and fabric for school uniforms especially, and can tell you all about the making of school uniforms and which textile fabrics would be most suitable and durable.
• And, of course, Fashion Fabrics: For the top fabrics for fashion clothing in South Africa, you know where to turn to!

For more about us, and about textiles, fabrics and more – please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!