Types of fabric: 10 Common materials and how to use them

Synthetic fabrics: Versatile picks that work hard for your business

If you’re trying to keep things low-cost, low-maintenance, and customer-approved, synthetic types of fabrics are worth considering. They’re some of the most commonly used fabrics in fashion – easy to care for, practical for daily wear, and reliable to print on. 

Whether you’re designing casual wear, performance gear, or vibrant statement pieces, synthetic fabrics deliver reliability and ease without raising costs.

Polyester fabric: Durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for bold prints

Polyester is one of the most commonly used types of fabric in the fashion industry. It’s strong, holds its shape, and doesn’t wrinkle easily, making it a low-effort, everyday staple.

Polyester shrinks and fades less than cotton. That’s crucial if you’re selling items customers will wash often, like gym gear or loungewear. Its smooth surface is an excellent base for detailed designs and sublimation printing. Polyester is also naturally stain resistant – important for products that need to stay fresh with minimal care, like tote bags, athletic wear, or kids’ apparel.

Common uses: Activewear, jackets, tote bags, outer layers.
Why it works: This synthetic fabric is tough, retains color, and needs minimal care.
Watch out for: Doesn’t breathe as well as natural fabrics; blends offer a better all-day comfort.

If you’re launching a store or testing designs with bright colors or full coverage, polyester lets you create standout products without the extra care fuss.

Printful picks with polyester:

These pieces are ideal for sellers who want to offer easy-care garments, and target customers looking for premium-feel basics.

Source: Les Tissus du Chien Vert, Printful

Valuable read: Polyester vs. cotton shirts – pros, cons, and printing options

Nylon fabric: Lightweight, tough, and built for movement

Nylon is one of the strongest synthetic fibers, developed initially as a silk substitute. It’s a durable fabric with stretch, quick-drying properties – a solid choice for athletic apparel and outerwear.

Despite being a lightweight fabric, nylon holds up against friction and repeated use, so you’ll often find it in outdoor clothing or gear that’s frequently tossed in the wash. It also has a slight sheen, adding a modern, sporty look that works well for certain evening wear styles, especially blended with other fabrics.

Common uses: Windbreakers, leggings, swimwear, gym bags.
Why it works: This fabric is strong, flexible, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
Watch out for: Not as breathable on its own – usually blended with natural fibers or spandex for comfort.

When you create casual clothing that needs to move with the body (think fitted workout sets or sleek printed jackets), nylon blends are a go-to. They’re a core component in performance wear and one of the types of fabric that improve an activewear line.

Blended with other fibres, nylon balances stretch, strength, and style. For online sellers, it’s a practical choice that holds up well while keeping your designs looking fresh – even after multiple wears and washes.

Source: Mood Fabrics, Printful

Rayon fabric: Soft, versatile, and budget-friendly

Soft fabrics that feel expensive without being too pricey – that’s rayon. Made from regenerated cellulose fibers, often derived from wood pulp, it bridges the gap between natural and synthetic fibres. That makes it a top pick for offering high-quality pieces without blowing the budget.

Its smooth finish and natural drape make it lightweight and flowy. For print sellers, this means you can sell premium items without switching to high-maintenance materials like silk.

Common uses: Blouses, dresses, linings, scarves.
Why it works: Breathable, moisture-absorbent, and comfortable to wear – especially for summer clothing.
Watch out for: Rayon can shrink or lose shape if not handled gently. It’s best for pieces that don’t need frequent washing or heavy-duty wear.

Rayon’s plain weave structure gives it a polished look that fits both casual and semi-formal pieces. While it isn’t as durable as other types of fabric, it makes up for it in comfort and versatility, especially for shoppers who want something soft, wearable, and stylish.

Want to offer rayon-based items through Printful? We often use rayon-blend fabrics to increase softness and drape:

Source: Unsplash

Spandex fabric: Stretch, comfort, and movement

Spandex (a.k.a. Lycra or elastane) is the quiet hero behind clothing that fits just right. It’s blended into everything from leggings to fitted tees. Basically, any item that needs to stretch without losing shape.

If you plan to sell durable clothes or pieces designed for movement, like gym apparel or loungewear, spandex should be one of your go-to types of fabric. It doesn’t hold prints quite as well on its own. But, when blended with other commonly used fabrics like cotton or polyester, it adds flexibility and durability.

Common uses: Leggings, sports bras, bike shorts, fitted tees, bodycon dresses.
Why it works: This fabric is super stretchy, retains shape, and adds comfort to tighter fits.
Watch out for: On its own, it’s usually too stretchy for crisp prints, but blends fix that.

Spandex blends are ideal for yoga, workouts, or relaxed wear at home. They combine comfort with printability, so your products look great and feel even better. Customers will appreciate the fit, and you’ll see fewer returns from sizing issues.

Printful products with spandex blends:

These spandex-infused options are perfect for brands focused on movement-friendly fashion. They’re also a solid bet if you’re targeting health-conscious or active shoppers with bold, custom designs.