The fibre named on a clothing label influences how a garment feels, breathes, insulates, drapes and wears. It is also important to distinguish a fibre from a fabric: wool and cotton are fibres, while tweed, denim, corduroy and jersey describe constructions that can be made from one or more fibres.
Wool
Wool is a natural protein fibre taken from sheep. Its crimped structure traps air, while the fibre can absorb moisture vapour before it feels wet. Fine worsted wool is used for suits and smart trousers; fuller woollen yarns are used for tweed, flannel and knitwear. Merino, lambswool and cashmere each offer different balances of softness, warmth, weight and durability.
Cotton and organic cotton
Cotton is a cellulose fibre collected from the seed bolls of the cotton plant. It is used for poplin shirts, Oxford cloth, chinos, denim, corduroy, moleskin and jersey. Organic cotton refers to cotton grown to an organic farming standard. Certification is more meaningful than an unsupported claim because it defines requirements for the crop and, depending on the standard, later processing stages.
Linen and hemp
Linen is made from fibres in the stem of the flax plant. It is strong, breathable and absorbent, with a dry handle that softens over time. Hemp is another bast fibre taken from a plant stem. It is strong and often blended with cotton to modify its handle.
Silk
Silk is a natural protein filament produced by silkworms. Its smooth surface gives it lustre and fluid drape. In menswear it is most often found in ties, pocket squares and scarves, although it can also be blended into tailoring and knitwear.
Plant-derived manufactured fibres
Viscose, modal and lyocell begin with plant cellulose but are dissolved and reformed industrially. Tencel is a brand name used for selected lyocell and modal fibres. These materials can provide softness, drape and moisture absorption, but their environmental performance depends on sourcing and processing.
How to compare labels
Read the complete fibre composition rather than judging a garment by one highlighted ingredient. Also consider construction, weight, fit, care instructions and intended use. A lightweight wool suit and a heavy wool tweed jacket share a fibre but perform very differently.
Explore the Livingston material library
The permanent guide links material information to relevant Livingston products and collections.
