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As any garment lover knows, there are a lot of different fabrics out there. And each one is unique because of the way it's woven on a loom. How the vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threads are interlaced together determines the fabric's characteristics. For instance, plain weave is the simplest of all weaving types and produces a fabric with a criss-cross pattern that's very strong and durable. Other weave types include twill, satin, and jacquard. But plain fabrics are also very versatile, able to be used in a wide range of applications and styles.

Generally, a plain fabric has a firm and coarse feel due to the weft threads being tightly woven with each other. Compared to knit fabrics, which are soft and stretchy, plain weave is stiffer and more rigid. It's also less pliable, and may not drape well over complex 3D shapes. It's often a good choice for applications where the fabric will be molded or wrapped, such as electronics and coatings.

Another characteristic of plain fabric is that it creases easily, requiring frequent ironing to keep it smooth and wrinkle-free. It's also not as absorbent as other types of woven cloth. Woven fabrics are more expensive than knitted fabrics because weaving is a more time-consuming process than knitting. However, woven fabrics have a more professional and structured look than knitted fabrics, making them ideal for suits and thin blazers.

The best plain fabrics are usually made from high-quality materials like cotton, linen, and silk. Pima cotton, for example, is considered the highest-quality cotton in the world and is resistant to tearing and wrinkling. It's often found in polo shirts because of its texture and durability. Another popular type of woven cotton is chambray, which has a light denim look and can be used for workwear or shirts.

Other types of woven fabrics that are commonly used for garments include flannel, which is a wool-based fabric that's brushed on one side to raise the fine fibers and make it softer. Georgette is a cotton fabric with a crinkled finish that's created by twists in the weave. Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric that's often used to make fabric prototypes for testing new sewing patterns. Bedford cord is a type of plain weave that has eye-catching lengthwise ridges. These features make these woven fabrics more versatile than other types of fabric. So, when choosing a fabric for a project or garment, consider the specific features of each fabric to decide which one is the best fit. If you're planning to design a dress or other piece of clothing, you should start by selecting the fabric that matches your vision for the finished product. Then, choose a design pattern to match the fabric's color and other fabric attributes. When designing a room, you can also use plain fabrics to carry your color story throughout the space. Often, designers will use three or four fabrics coordinating with each other.